Construction Archives - Page 13 of 53

Incorporations

By BusinessWest Staff June 28, 2016

Departments Incorporations

The following business incorporations were recorded in Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin counties and are the latest available. They are listed by community.

AGAWAM

Build with us Properties, 232 Walnut St., Agawam, MA 01001. Jennifer Illouz, same. Residential redevelopment .

FEEDING HILLS

Aps Consulting Inc., 236 James St., Feeding Hills, MA 01030. Carmine Dibella, same. Installation, maintenance, and service of ATM machines.

HADLEY

Adam Brady Bodyworks Inc., 171 River Dr., Hadley, MA 01035. Adam Brady, same. Physical therapy and body work services.

Banas Ventures GP Inc., 10 Mill Valley Road, Hadley, 01035. Brent Banas, same. Asset management services.

LONGMEADOW

Azrech Solutions Inc., 138 Tennyson Dr., Longmeadow, MA 01106. Himadhar Vemulapalli, same.

Camden Row Designs Inc., 8 Rosemore St., Longmeadow, MA 01106. Lindsay Daviau, same. Event design creating custom goods.

PITTSFIELD

413 Plumbing & Heating Inc., 4 Clarendon St., Pittsfield, MA 01201. Justin Kisselbrock, same. Plumbing, heating and air conditioning services.

Berkshire Property Services Inc., 118 Winesap road, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Robert John Tremble, same. Property maintenance.

SOUTHAMPTON

Brian Craven Dentistry, P.C., 4 Line St., Southampton, MA 01073. Brian Craven, same. Dental practice.

SPRINGFIELD

AM & M Supermarket Inc., 1072 State St., Springfield, MA 01109. Alaa Abdelghani, 47 Warren St., West Springfield, MA 01089. Grocery store.

Arnold Construction Inc., 128 Cambridge St., Springfield, MA 01109. Bruce Arnold Sr., same. Construction service.

Bettermen Cnstruction Inc., 122 Cuff Ave., Springfield, MA 01104. Tracy Whitfield, same. Construction service.

WEST SPRINGFIELD

American Leisure Travel Inc., 203 Circuit Ave., Unit Office124, West Springfield, MA 01089. Kuo Sun, same. Charter bus and tour services.

WILBRAHAM

Ajr Enterprises Inc., 223 ThreeRivers Road., Wilbraham, MA 01095. Paulo Ramos, same. Landscaping services.

State Unemployment Rate Remains at 4.2% in May

By BusinessWest Staff June 17, 2016

Daily News

BOSTON — The state’s total unemployment rate remained at 4.2% in May, the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development announced Thursday.

The preliminary May job estimates from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicate that Massachusetts lost 6,400 jobs. Job losses were impacted by a temporary labor dispute in the information sector. In May, leisure and hospitality was the only sector to experience over-the-month job gains.

BLS also revised upward the state’s over-the-month job gains in April, reporting that 15,200 jobs were added compared to the 13,900-job gain originally reported. From December 2015 to May 2016, Massachusetts has added 30,500 jobs.

At 4.2%, the unemployment rate is down 0.7% over the year, with the state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate dropping from 4.9% in May 2015. There were 26,600 fewer unemployed persons and 49,000 more employed persons over the year compared to May 2015. The Commonwealth’s May unemployment rate remains lower than the national rate of 4.7% reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

“The labor force continues to grow, with 7,000 more employed residents and 2,000 fewer unemployed residents in May,” Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Ronald Walker II said, adding that the education and healthcare sector and the professional, scientific, and business-services sector continue to generate the most jobs in Massachusetts.

The state’s labor-force participation rate — the total number of residents 16 or older who worked or were unemployed and actively sought work in the last four weeks — remained at 65.0%. The labor-force participation rate over the year has decreased 0.2% compared to May 2015.

Over the year, the largest private-sector percentage job gains by sector were in construction; professional, scientific, and business services; other services; and leisure and hospitality.

Developments Spur Growth in Northampton

By BusinessWest Staff June 14, 2016

Community Spotlight Features

From left, Mary Yung, Erika Zekos, and Mayor David Narkewicz say Click Workspace’s new downtown location will allow them to offer professional development and cultural events, as well as shared workspace.

Northampton Mayor David Narkewicz says the scope of new construction and renovation projects that were recently completed, are underway, or are in the planning stages total $36 million, and attest to the city’s strong financial position and vibrant downtown.

“We’ve seen high levels of residential and commercial construction over the past few years, and Standard & Poor’s recently upgraded our bond rating to AAA,” he said, adding that only 65 out of 351 cities and towns in the Commonwealth have attained that status.

Meanwhile, downtown Northampton has long been the envy of nearby cities as a center for arts and culture, renowned for live music, and has a plethora of restaurants in every price range.

It is also home to many retail shops, and Thornes Marketplace on 150 Main St. is fully rented for the first time in 40 years.

However, reports surfaced in January that the city’s downtown was suffering a setback, with 14 of its 251 storefronts vacant.

Narkewicz doesn’t discount the concerns and discussion that occurred when the information was publicized, but says people have been writing the city’s obituary for the past decade, and the majority of closings can be attributed to cyclical turnovers that occur whenever long-term owners retire, which is the case for many businesses that closed their doors.

The vacant storefronts are filling back up, and the city has taken a proactive stance to ensure that the public gets accurate information. To that end, data has been collected that provides an accurate analysis of existing properties. It has been published in a new ‘Downtown Indicator’ on the city’s website that will be updated in July.

Architect Mary Yung is a well-known resident who is enthusiastic about the city’s downtown. She lives in the neighborhood, and created Market9.5 LLC 18 months ago so she could purchase and develop a 9,000-square-foot building at 9 1/2 Market St. It was chosen with the intention of using it to expand Click Workspace, which offers shared space to entrepreneurs, techies, and professionals who work remotely.

“After I was contacted by Click and asked to help them grow, I made it my mission to find a space within walking distance of the restaurants and shops that could also offer cultural events and professional development,” said the manager, member, and president of the Click Workspace board, adding that she had another client looking for a downtown location whose search also proved successful.

Click offers memberships on a variety of levels, and reflects the growing popularity of shared workspace among young professionals, who find that the concept promotes collaboration and networking. And since its Market Street location opened, it has grown from 27 to 41 members.

“The neighborhood is thriving, and a new Edward Jones office and juice bar also opened on the street,” said manager and member Erika Zekos.

The mayor added that new bike racks have been installed in the area because some Click members want to bike to work, which aligns nicely with the Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive Plan and Complete Streets ordinance.

In addition to the $1.6 million conversion of the Market Street building occupied by Click Workspace, two other projects are taking place in the eastern section of downtown, and another four are underway that will allow more people to live in the neighborhood and increase foot traffic for existing businesses and potential new ones, making the city even more of a destination.

Major Investments

Housing options are increasing, and Christopher Heights of Northampton opened earlier this year at Village Hill on the grounds of the former Northampton State Hospital. The 126-acre, mixed-use, assisted living complex is within walking distance of downtown, and its 83 units, half of which are affordable, are slowly being occupied.

“Christopher Heights increases people’s options because they can enter at the market-rate price and transition to the affordable rate as they deplete their resources,” Narkewicz said, noting many people find Northampton an attractive place to retire due to its walkability.

The new development is one of three assisted-living projects in the city, including Linda Manor and Violette’s Crossing at Rockridge, which is under construction and expected to open late this summer. It will offer 25 one- and two-bedroom apartments for seniors with annual incomes of less than $40,000 and assets of less than $200,000.

New England Urban Senior Living is another important project focused on an $18 million re-conversion of the historic former St. John’s Cantius Church into a three story, 61-unit independent-living facility with a restaurant that faces Hawley Street. The property was purchased from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield. and the project is in the permitting stage.

The third project in the eastern section of downtown was initiated by Northampton Arts Trust. It purchased 33 Hawley St., across from the church, and plans a $5 million to $6 million renovation that will transform the building into a multi-dimensional, energy-efficient arts, cultural, and education center with a black-box theater.

The Mass. Cultural Council awarded the trust a $300,000 grant, but the rest of the money for the project will be raised through private donations and by leveraging state art grants.

“This is really, really important in terms of sustaining this part of our economy,” Narkewicz said, explaining that Northampton’s reputation as a center for the arts makes it difficult for new artists to find affordable exhibit space, and this project is aimed at filling that need.

The city is also in the middle of a $3.4 million renovation and expansion of the one-acre Pulaski Park, located between the Academy of Music and Memorial Hall. Phase 1 of the project is coming to an end, and the renovated, improved park is scheduled to open later this summer. It will feature a vibrant plaza, a performance stage, a sloping green lawn, new nature play area for children, and a garden watered by stormwater channeled from Main Street.

Phase 2, which will begin sometime in the near future, will expand the park by providing a better connection with the Roundhouse parking lot below, which is now accessible only via steps that lead to South Street behind the Academy of Music.

Construction is also taking place on Pleasant Street, which is an area the city hopes will become an extension of downtown. In addition to the city’s Union (Amtrak) Station, Valley Community Development Corp. plans to transform the former Northampton Lumber Co. Inc. property at 256 Pleasant St. into housing, retail, and office space.

Narkewicz told BusinessWest that these investments are being supported by infrastructure improvements. “The city is working to increase economic activity and extend sidewalks and bike lanes throughout the Pleasant Street area, and the state is redesigning the intersection at Conz and Pleasant streets,” he said, explaining that a roundabout is being created that will provide a beautiful gateway to that section of downtown.

Change is also occurring on the campus of the Clarke School for Hearing and Speech, which sold two former dormitories to a group led by developer Peter Picknelly.

A $10 million luxury apartment complex is being created in Hubbard Hall and Rogers Hall, which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places and offer stunning views of mountains and the city’s eclectic downtown, which is a 10-minute walk away.

Narkewicz said everything possible has been done to preserve the historic character of the buildings, and some apartments feature relics such as old classroom chalkboards.

The property is significant because the century-old structures were once home to Calvin Coolidge, the nation’s 30th president, and before that, the governor of Massachusetts, and before that, the mayor of Paradise City.

Economic Development Director Terence Masterson said Gawith Hall on the Clarke School campus is also being repurposed by CheckWriters HQ, a regional human-resources service firm in Holyoke. “Fifty employees will be moved to the building when the $1.8 million renovation is complete,” he noted.

Positive Outlook

Two years ago, when the city’s business-improvement district was declared null and void due to a lawsuit that involved a technicality, Narkewicz convened a stakeholders meeting of business and property owners. It resulted in the creation of a new entity called the Downtown Northampton Assoc., better known as the DNA, that launched in April and recently hired a new director.

“We took a proactive role in the DNA’s creation and are supporting it because we view it as an important investment in the future health and growth of downtown and the entire city. It represents a new chapter,” the mayor said, explaining that the city and chamber of commerce are key partners in the DNA, and the city created a new position for a maintenance staff person whose job will involve cleaning and beautification efforts downtown.

A number of other projects are also underway or have been recently completed. Last October, Smith College finished a $1.5 million project. Major renovations were made to the historic Grecourt Gates as well as to the front entrance of the campus that enters the downtown area.

In addition, Narcewicz said, the state recently approved a major funding award to HAP Inc. to help it raze Northampton Lodging on Pleasant Street and build a new facility that will contain a office space and both market-rate and affordable housing.

Development is also continuing at Village Hill, and VCA Inc., which was one of the first business tenants on the property, is purchasing an adjoining parcel of land from MassDevelopment.

“They’re planning a $1 million, 13,000-square-foot addition that will include a 3,000-square-foot metal shop,” Masterson said. “VCA currently has 30 employees, and they plan to add six new positions when the expansion is complete.”

Efforts are also underway to convert the long-dormant Male Attendants Building on the Village Hill campus into upscale condominiums, and plans have been approved for Transformations Inc. to build Summit Oaks at Village Hill, a net-zero-energy housing complex on 35 acres that will include duplex town houses, single-family homes, and co-housing. Another project that has been completed is the new $6 million Fairfield Inn, which opened last fall. It’s a short distance from downtown and is expected to lodge at least 20,000 people each year.

The combination of new construction and redevelopment bodes well for the city, and Narkewicz says the outlook is positive.

“I’m bullish on the city,” he said, “and we consistently see people interested in moving their businesses here.”

Northampton at a glance

Year Incorporated: 1884
Population: 28,592 (2012)
Area: 35.8 square miles
County: Hampshire
Residential Tax Rate: $16.16
Commercial Tax Rate: $16.16
Median Household Income: $61,745 (2013)
Family Household Income: $87,315 (2013)
Type of government: Mayor, City Council
Largest employers: Cooley Dickinson Hospital, ServiceNet, Smith College, City of Northampton
* Latest information available

Real Estate Transactions

By BusinessWest Staff June 14, 2016

Departments Real Estate

The following real estate transactions (latest available) were compiled by Banker & Tradesman and are published as they were received. Only transactions exceeding $115,000 are listed. Buyer and seller fields contain only the first name listed on the deed.

FRANKLIN COUNTY

BERNARDSTON

218 Eden Trail
Bernardston, MA 01337
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Eden Pond Farm LLC
Seller: Dyer, Caryl A., (Estate)
Date: 05/04/16

BUCKLAND

5 Bray Road
Buckland, MA 01338
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Mindy K. Goodin
Seller: Garry J. Underwood
Date: 05/09/16

85 North St.
Buckland, MA 01338
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: D&S Village Rentals LLC
Seller: Joseph Kearney
Date: 05/12/16

CHARLEMONT

184 Warner Hill Road
Charlemont, MA 01339
Amount: $129,000
Buyer: Scott Randall
Seller: Beaman, Donald G., (Estate)
Date: 05/03/16

COLRAIN

34 Adamsville Road
Colrain, MA 01340
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Robert L. Slowinski
Seller: Marlene B. Brothers
Date: 05/05/16

5 Griswoldville St.
Colrain, MA 01340
Amount: $129,500
Buyer: Stephen A. Herzig
Seller: C. Leigh Morrell
Date: 05/12/16

CONWAY

180 Ashfield Road
Conway, MA 01341
Amount: $228,500
Buyer: Vickie L. Lovering
Seller: John F. Page
Date: 05/13/16

655 Reeds Bridge Road
Conway, MA 01341
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Brendan C. O’Connell
Seller: Edouard Beauvais
Date: 05/06/16

GREENFIELD

39 Brookside Ave.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Charles A. Dart
Seller: Alma M. Garcia
Date: 05/09/16

714 Country Club Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: James A. Santos
Seller: Renee L. Wetterwald
Date: 05/11/16

733 Country Club Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $262,000
Buyer: Gheorghe Seremet
Seller: Ann B. Volpe IRT
Date: 05/02/16

233 Elm St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $129,608
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Sue E. Sojka
Date: 05/03/16

130 Leyden Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Matthew Brown
Seller: Kenneth A. Ward
Date: 05/02/16

86 Meridian St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $236,653
Buyer: FNMA
Date: 05/02/16

10 Parkway St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Lobsang Dorjee
Seller: Doris C. Cowdrey
Date: 05/13/16

6 Pine St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Abbe R. Bresciano
Seller: Ventura R. Perez
Date: 05/02/16

95 Wildwood Ave.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Gregg S. Diefendorf
Seller: Derick Campbell
Date: 05/13/16

HAWLEY

54 East Hawley Road
Hawley, MA 01339
Amount: $127,500
Buyer: Timothy J. Clark
Seller: William M. Rice
Date: 05/09/16

MONTAGUE

75 Dell St.
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Nicole J. Johanneck
Seller: Nancy L. Krug-Springer
Date: 05/06/16

16 Greenfield Road
Montague, MA 01351
Amount: $169,070
Buyer: Caitlyn J. Moore
Seller: Troy M. Santerre
Date: 05/12/16

18 High St.
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $277,500
Buyer: Ventura R. Perez
Seller: Gregory R. Haas
Date: 05/02/16

70 Turnpike Road
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Jacob Stafford
Seller: Alice Cecile Cloutier TR
Date: 05/05/16

ORANGE

27 Eagleville Road
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $119,000
Buyer: Michael A. Dupont
Seller: Timothy E. Matthews
Date: 05/04/16

290 Main St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Randy A. Coffin
Seller: Lois M. Coffin
Date: 05/13/16

233 Walnut Hill Road
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $138,000
Buyer: Alexander S. Jess
Seller: Citimortgage Inc.
Date: 05/10/16

SHUTESBURY

499 Montague Road
Shutesbury, MA 01072
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Jeffrey M. Salacup
Seller: Germann, Linda S., (Estate)
Date: 05/03/16

SUNDERLAND

84 Old Amherst Road
Sunderland, MA 01375
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Bruce A. Bennett
Seller: Daniel J. Radowicz
Date: 05/11/16

HAMPDEN COUNTY

AGAWAM

11 Albert St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $183,000
Buyer: Eric D. Jalbert
Seller: Callie A. Rapa
Date: 05/06/16

83 Alfred Circle
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $214,500
Buyer: Scott M. Weller
Seller: Keith Poirier
Date: 05/03/16

187 Country Road
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $207,000
Buyer: John J. Shea
Seller: Rosemarie P. Costa
Date: 05/02/16

30 Elmar Dr.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Mark D. Carlson
Seller: Thanh Kieu
Date: 05/02/16

102 Farmington Circle
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $460,000
Buyer: Frank J. Montagna
Seller: Hillside Development Corp.
Date: 05/13/16

33 High St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $147,971
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Jonathan D. Towle
Date: 05/05/16

27 Joseph St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $299,500
Buyer: Angel Quinones
Seller: John H. Eisenbeiser
Date: 05/11/16

1125 River Road
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $249,050
Seller: Robert J. Willey
Date: 05/12/16

359 Walnut St. Ext.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Rob Realty LLC
Seller: Ronald L. Degray
Date: 05/10/16

BLANDFORD

15 Woronoco Road
Blandford, MA 01008
Amount: $131,483
Buyer: Deutsche Bank
Seller: Eric S. Kusnick
Date: 05/12/16

BRIMFIELD

1012 Dunhamtown Brimfield Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Leeanna Babineau
Seller: William R. Starmer
Date: 05/03/16

148 Warren Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Jakub Szymura
Seller: FHLM
Date: 05/13/16

CHICOPEE

57 Arthur St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Jennifer A. Mainville
Seller: Stephanie M. Potter
Date: 05/02/16

54 Beverly St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Darnell Jones
Seller: Andrew D. Fredette
Date: 05/02/16

92 Fair St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $164,900
Buyer: Mary Baker
Seller: Gail C. Cunliffe
Date: 05/12/16

565 Lafleur Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: Sergey N Dikan
Seller: Ronald E. Desroches
Date: 05/10/16

36 Mary St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $146,500
Buyer: Onexis Iturrino
Seller: Susan Moritz
Date: 05/10/16

840 Memorial Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $1,150,000
Buyer: Amerco Real Estate Co.
Seller: Frank D. Delmonte
Date: 05/02/16

409 Montcalm St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $172,000
Buyer: William Simmons
Seller: Christopher R. Nadeau
Date: 05/03/16

N/A
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $132,659
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Kimberle P. Schneewind
Date: 05/02/16

11 Ohio Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $122,507
Buyer: Bank New York
Seller: Enrique Texidor
Date: 05/04/16

40 Simonich St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Alex Parnicky
Seller: Patricia F. Kamansky
Date: 05/13/16

35 Villa Lane
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $244,000
Buyer: John P. Whiting
Seller: Linda J. Stewart
Date: 05/05/16

EAST LONGMEADOW

140 Chestnut St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $189,000
Buyer: Nicole Padilla
Seller: Michael J. Bagge
Date: 05/02/16

30 Clareside Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $258,000
Buyer: Stephanie F. Weibel
Seller: Donna H. Feathler
Date: 05/04/16

15 Cooley Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Jose A. Ruiz
Seller: Calabrese, Cipriano F., (Estate)
Date: 05/06/16

111 Day Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $256,000
Buyer: Daniel J. Langan
Seller: James Goodwin
Date: 05/02/16

49 Devonshire Terrace
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $520,000
Buyer: Mark A. Keroack
Seller: Albert V. Lupenski
Date: 05/13/16

114 Evergreen Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $393,000
Buyer: Robert J. Hensinger
Seller: Joshua J. Hastings
Date: 05/04/16

142 Gates Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $189,000
Buyer: Brendan McNeish
Seller: Caitlin B. Phelps
Date: 05/10/16

25 Granby St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $177,500
Buyer: John Occhialini
Seller: Linda M. Levesque
Date: 05/04/16

182 North Main St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $258,634
Buyer: 182 North Main Street LLC
Seller: Dennis Madden
Date: 05/02/16

513 Parker St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Jose M. Gomes
Seller: Dorothy Fiske
Date: 05/13/16

16 Peachtree Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $483,000
Buyer: John B. Cadigan
Seller: Cabot Real Estate LLC
Date: 05/06/16

HAMPDEN

182 Ames Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Caitlin Phelps
Seller: Pauly, Margaret B., (Estate)
Date: 05/10/16

45 Erica Circle
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: Joshua J. Hastings
Seller: Richard C. Bewsee
Date: 05/05/16

311 Wilbraham Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Deutsche Bank
Seller: Jason Walbridge
Date: 05/13/16

HOLLAND

5 Collette Dr.
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: David D. Charbonneau
Seller: Margaret Mangiafico
Date: 05/05/16

6 Pine Tree Dr.
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $153,000
Buyer: Donald E. Burrows
Seller: William G. Davidson
Date: 05/02/16

83 Sturbridge Road
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $204,500
Buyer: Jennifer J. Lombardi
Seller: Patricia J. Scungio
Date: 05/02/16

76 Vinton Road
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $159,000
Buyer: Holly L. Brodeur
Seller: Richard A. Galli
Date: 05/06/16

HOLYOKE

529 Beech St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Dany Guzman
Seller: Milagros Rodriguez
Date: 05/02/16

73 Brookline Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Xelina L. Hernandez
Seller: Lindsey G. Brynjolfsson
Date: 05/09/16

43 Davis St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $126,500
Buyer: Marcos Reyes
Seller: Epifanio Velez
Date: 05/06/16

66 Ely St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $266,153
Buyer: Deutsche Bank
Seller: Beatriz Rodriguez
Date: 05/05/16

67 Fairfield Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $272,500
Buyer: Toshia L. Caravita
Seller: James M. Sweeney
Date: 05/03/16

10 Gilman St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $156,000
Buyer: Elizabeth A. Patenaude
Seller: Jennifer Flanzbaum
Date: 05/12/16

195 Huron Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Patrick J. Lacey
Seller: Brian W. Anderson
Date: 05/12/16

27 Jarvis Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $241,000
Buyer: Andrew J. Drewnowski
Seller: Frances A. Lyle
Date: 05/02/16

40 Mackintosh Terrace
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Paul B. Eggleston
Seller: Daniel C. Ross
Date: 05/05/16

33 Mayer Dr.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $279,900
Buyer: Bruno Taborelli
Seller: Anne Marini
Date: 05/10/16

215 Mountain View Dr.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $389,900
Buyer: Darrell M. Johnston
Seller: Catina Galanes-Grass
Date: 05/02/16

134 Sycamore St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $184,900
Buyer: William J. Edwards
Seller: Kevin Slate
Date: 05/05/16

304 Westfield Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $149,900
Buyer: April B. Nicotera
Seller: Michael J. McMullan
Date: 05/03/16

LONGMEADOW

171 Bel Air Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: William Magarian
Seller: Marie W. Hobdell
Date: 05/06/16

86 Blueberry Hill Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $560,000
Buyer: Shiraz Mardirossian
Seller: Virginia A. Hyde
Date: 05/12/16

78 Branch St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Kevin D. Mattia
Seller: Christopher A. Bazos
Date: 05/11/16

19 Chatham Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $455,000
Buyer: Melvin P. French
Seller: Glenn R. Markenson
Date: 05/06/16

122 Converse St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Robert A. Walsh
Seller: Anne L. Miller
Date: 05/04/16

273 Deepwoods Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $525,000
Buyer: Matthew Chelli
Seller: Rachael P. Kramer
Date: 05/12/16

75 Dover Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $410,000
Buyer: Michael Smith
Seller: Richard M. Reeves
Date: 05/06/16

111 Ferncroft St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $332,500
Buyer: Jessica A. Prokop
Seller: Judith C. Fraser
Date: 05/05/16

123 Green Hill Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $535,000
Buyer: Carmelo A. Palumbo
Seller: Muhammad Isa
Date: 05/12/16

822 Longmeadow St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $535,000
Buyer: Mark S. Bean
Seller: Low, Patricia H., (Estate)
Date: 05/13/16

961 Longmeadow St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: Francis D. Murray
Seller: Mollie R. Plotkin
Date: 05/02/16

41 Pendleton Lane
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $1,037,500
Buyer: Saher Isa
Seller: Debra G. Polep
Date: 05/12/16

69 Tecumseh Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Mary M. Cahillane
Seller: Stanley J. McCright
Date: 05/02/16

409 Williams St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: William M. Collins
Seller: Arnold Cusano
Date: 05/13/16

LUDLOW

27 Brookhaven Dr.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $179,900
Buyer: Darren M. Strempek
Seller: Linda A. Finch
Date: 05/06/16

18 Chapin St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $299,999
Buyer: CIL Realty Of Mass Inc.
Seller: Marco M. Vieira
Date: 05/11/16

114 Coolidge Ave.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $149,900
Seller: Raymond K. Williams
Date: 05/10/16

66 Edison Dr.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $182,500
Buyer: William Dupre
Seller: Jeffrey A. Laing
Date: 05/05/16

36 Elm St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Benjamin J. McPherson
Seller: Oleg Kovalev
Date: 05/06/16

21 Fern St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Kenneth I. Topham
Seller: Rebecca S. Alves
Date: 05/06/16

17 King St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Geoffrey K. Gordon
Seller: Kimberly M. Conrad
Date: 05/13/16

40 Mineral Spring Ave.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $353,500
Buyer: Southern New England Conference
Seller: Norman Fuller
Date: 05/09/16

171 Wedgewood Dr.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $324,500
Buyer: Benjamin J. Pickrell
Seller: Michelle K. Mongeau
Date: 05/13/16

MONSON

10 Beebe Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Sean M. Comerford
Seller: Robert F. Terbush
Date: 05/13/16

48 Silver St.
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $336,000
Buyer: Kenneth Bernard
Seller: Sandra M. Choquette
Date: 05/12/16

19 Wilbraham Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $194,750
Buyer: Sarah E. Bernat
Seller: Kenneth M. Bernard
Date: 05/12/16

PALMER

3080 Hillside Dr.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $152,000
Buyer: Tyler F. Allen
Seller: David E. Burns
Date: 05/03/16

6 Memory Lane
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $359,000
Buyer: Jeromy R. Roldan
Seller: Arthur W. Boutin
Date: 05/03/16

1036 Pleasant St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $122,000
Buyer: Jared Adams
Seller: Michael P. Barclay
Date: 05/13/16

39 Stimson St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $159,200
Buyer: Bank New York
Seller: Robert Pafumi
Date: 05/05/16

SOUTHWICK

8 Gargon Terrace
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $183,000
Buyer: Wells Fargo Bank
Seller: Darold A. Lepak
Date: 05/04/16

119 North Lake Ave.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Marshall S. Harris
Seller: Gail Carneiro
Date: 05/06/16

15 Sterrett Dr.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Casey C. Berube
Seller: James P. Cool
Date: 05/02/16

SPRINGFIELD

109 Abbe Ave.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $132,956
Buyer: Wells Fargo Bank
Seller: Ana L. Davila
Date: 05/12/16

35-37 Allison Lane
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Jorge L. Alvarez
Seller: Ruth K. Monge-Costa
Date: 05/03/16

16 Andover Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $160,500
Buyer: Tricia Twining
Seller: Martha F. Mitchell
Date: 05/09/16

115 Belvidere St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Marvel N Dixon
Seller: Raymond S. Hand
Date: 05/12/16

106 Berard Circle
Springfield, MA 01128
Amount: $183,000
Buyer: Gerard J. Grondin
Seller: Michael J. Tarantino
Date: 05/10/16

507 Boston Road
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $146,000
Buyer: Jose L. Santini
Seller: Flor Fuentes
Date: 05/10/16

85 Castle St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $164,900
Buyer: Elba M. Mendez
Seller: Carlton J. Banks
Date: 05/13/16

11-13 Chilson St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Winsome F. Morrison
Seller: Xiao T. Dong
Date: 05/10/16

261 Connecticut Ave.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Patrick O’Neil
Seller: Zakhariy Tsikhotskiy
Date: 05/12/16

381 Cooley St.
Springfield, MA 01128
Amount: $4,670,000
Buyer: Jefferson Investors LLC
Seller: G&S Cooley Street LLC
Date: 05/13/16

62 Corey Road
Springfield, MA 01128
Amount: $189,900
Buyer: Francisco J. Aviles
Seller: Aleksandr Naumov
Date: 05/06/16

134 Derryfield Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Lismarie Galarza
Seller: Rachel M. Welsh
Date: 05/12/16

29 East Hill Road
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $122,000
Buyer: HSBC Bank
Seller: Christine R. Kiser
Date: 05/05/16

33 Eckington St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $146,826
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Louis E. Jones
Date: 05/05/16

44 Gail St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Francis Milord
Seller: Michael Gesin
Date: 05/09/16

29 Glen Albyn St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $117,570
Buyer: Marisol W. Cotto
Seller: Sean L. Calkins
Date: 05/10/16

116 Glenwood St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Debra M. Thornton
Seller: Nancy L. Hebert
Date: 05/13/16

77 Granger St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $136,000
Buyer: Martha C. McLaughlin LLC
Seller: TJM Properties LLC
Date: 05/04/16

55 Groton St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $115,950
Buyer: Wells Fargo Bank
Seller: Michael A. Riley
Date: 05/03/16

255 Hartwick St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $154,460
Buyer: John E. Pike
Seller: James A. Ryan
Date: 05/13/16

5 Hickox St.
Springfield, MA 01101
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Lolita M. Hanley-Edmeade
Seller: Bretta Construction LLC
Date: 05/09/16

79 Jeffrey Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $152,500
Buyer: Ingrid Rohmund
Seller: Jeromy R. Roldan
Date: 05/03/16

45 Jonquil Dr.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Stephen W. Wyszynski
Seller: Rebecca L. Taylor
Date: 05/06/16

89 Judson St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $124,000
Buyer: Andrew C. Robbins
Seller: Silver Hammer Properties
Date: 05/09/16

418 Liberty St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $152,000
Buyer: Peter Rodriguez
Seller: Legacy Realty Associates
Date: 05/09/16

41 Louis Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $120,619
Buyer: Juan B. Quintana
Seller: Marilyn J. Spaman
Date: 05/11/16

466 Main St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $222,000
Buyer: Aastha Bansri LLC
Seller: Richard Zaranek
Date: 05/06/16

2137 Main St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $862,000
Buyer: Semper Fi Properties LLC
Seller: Patton Realty Co. Inc.
Date: 05/10/16

48-50 Maryland St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $134,900
Buyer: Jose A. Marquez
Seller: Mario E. Mata
Date: 05/04/16

143 Methuen St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $136,900
Buyer: Daven Wilson
Seller: Richard W. Polastry
Date: 05/04/16

N/A
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $129,900
Buyer: Stephen P. Crafsic
Seller: Victoria A. Rondeau
Date: 05/05/16

54 Oak Hollow Road
Springfield, MA 01128
Amount: $175,480
Buyer: Luso FCU
Seller: Stephen E. Johnson
Date: 05/03/16

219 Pheland St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $136,000
Buyer: Ana I. Molina
Seller: Luis A. Velazquez
Date: 05/06/16

173 Russell St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Miciel Mariano
Seller: Nu-Way Homes Inc.
Date: 05/02/16

593 South Branch Pkwy.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $136,000
Buyer: Home Equity Assets Realty
Seller: Home Equity Assets Realty
Date: 05/05/16

501 Saint James Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Veden LLC
Seller: Beans Realty Inc.
Date: 05/06/16

55-57 Savoy Ave.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $124,633
Buyer: Wells Fargo Bank
Seller: Rafael Garcia
Date: 05/04/16

362 Stapleton Road
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $209,900
Buyer: Brenda Davis
Seller: Nelida Macias
Date: 05/13/16

980 Sumner Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Huan V. Huynh
Seller: Dieu H. Pham
Date: 05/13/16

152 Thompson St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $149,900
Buyer: Caroll Cohen
Seller: Ingersoll Grove LLC
Date: 05/04/16

65 Timber Lane
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $115,000
Buyer: Joshua L. Aliengena
Seller: Michael P. Zanarini
Date: 05/06/16

15 Van Horn Place
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $127,000
Buyer: Wells Fargo Bank
Seller: Carmen L. Santiago
Date: 05/13/16

373 Water St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $160,500
Buyer: Victor Luzhanskiy
Seller: US Bank
Date: 05/13/16

Westford Ave.
Springfield, MA 01101
Amount: $143,167
Buyer: Greater Springfield Habit for Humanity
Seller: Jose Justiniano
Date: 05/04/16

172 Whittum Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Solmilarie Hernandez
Seller: Angela Cosenzi
Date: 05/03/16

870 Wilbraham Road
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $240,106
Buyer: Wilmington Savings
Seller: Frank M. Nagy
Date: 05/12/16

2222 Wilbraham Road
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $277,000
Buyer: Rosemary M. Wamaitha
Seller: Grahams Construction Inc.
Date: 05/09/16

TOLLAND

14 Lakeview Lane
Tolland, MA 01034
Amount: $395,000
Buyer: John D. Gigante
Seller: Charles W. Salkewicz
Date: 05/05/16

WEST SPRINGFIELD

888 Birnie Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Mikhail Sosnin
Seller: Paul P. Prokop
Date: 05/05/16

61-63 Bridge St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $136,000
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Harry N Allen
Date: 05/05/16

46 Calvin Circle
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Timothy T. Lemonde
Seller: Alfred L. Mutti
Date: 05/11/16

970 Elm St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $144,500
Buyer: Antonio Romero
Seller: Mohammed Sheikh
Date: 05/13/16

65 Herrman St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Suk Tamang
Seller: Daniel J. Stuck
Date: 05/13/16

147 Laurel Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $174,900
Buyer: Steven M. Klimczak
Seller: Mary Downey-Costello
Date: 05/13/16

105 Meadowbrook Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $212,500
Buyer: Megan Burke
Seller: Gary D. Hagar
Date: 05/09/16

874 Memorial Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $550,000
Buyer: Rindels Realty LLC
Seller: Lynn S. Chan
Date: 05/06/16

101 Poplar Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Daniel J. Stuck
Seller: Suzanne M. Krug
Date: 05/13/16

38 Ridgeview Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $155,400
Buyer: Elena Gurskaia
Seller: Kelly A. Salvador-Macadam
Date: 05/05/16

31 Thomas Dr.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Ali M. Ahmed-Sameem
Seller: Andrii Zhyhaniuk
Date: 05/12/16

139 Virginia Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Paul Weinberg
Seller: John F. Collins
Date: 05/05/16

134 Westwood Dr.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Matthew B. Gray
Seller: Mary E. McGuire
Date: 05/13/16

WESTFIELD

20 Chestnut St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Robert W. Gardner
Date: 05/13/16

55 Church St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Daniel E. Roy
Seller: William M. Geer
Date: 05/04/16

14 Hillside Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Dana Kiendzior
Seller: Gregory S. Reed
Date: 05/04/16

30 Jefferson St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $149,700
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Donald C. Nelson
Date: 05/04/16

28 Knollwood Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $188,000
Buyer: Thomas J. Keating
Seller: Casey C. Berube
Date: 05/02/16

Medeiros Way
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $273,000
Buyer: Western Mass Demolition
Seller: A. J. Virgilio Construction
Date: 05/06/16

98 Old Stage Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Robert A. Greenleaf
Seller: William F. Barry
Date: 05/02/16

127 Pineridge Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $338,000
Buyer: Christopher J. Strycharz
Seller: Daniel Bain
Date: 05/02/16

4 Rachael Terrace
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $419,900
Buyer: Christian A. Potter
Seller: Peter R. Plourde
Date: 05/02/16

54 Rachael Terrace
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $424,900
Buyer: Ryan D. Mahoney
Seller: Bruce L. Bradley
Date: 05/02/16

85 Root Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Antoni Grimaldi
Seller: Robert A. Greenleaf
Date: 05/02/16

109 Sackett Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $339,000
Buyer: Bruce L. Bradley
Seller: Renee D. Gonnello
Date: 05/02/16

Violet Circle #5E
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: Yuriy Pavlyuk
Seller: Susan A. Hoey
Date: 05/13/16

50 Willow Brook Lane
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $383,000
Buyer: Brett A. Stevens
Seller: Toni J. Halbach
Date: 05/06/16

WILBRAHAM

285 3 Rivers Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Buyer: Gilmar Realty LLC
Seller: Mark J. Palatino
Date: 05/09/16

39 Brooklawn Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $259,000
Buyer: Anthony M. Sibilia
Seller: Richard A. Sibilia
Date: 05/13/16

19 Carla Lane
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $387,125
Buyer: Michael J. Tarantino
Seller: AC Homebuilding LLC
Date: 05/10/16

80 Chilson Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $490,000
Buyer: Leo P. Dube
Seller: Francis J. Feeney
Date: 05/10/16

2 Crane Park Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Monson SB
Seller: CBA Realty Group 2 Corp.
Date: 05/03/16

684 Ridge Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Monson SB
Seller: CBA Realty Group 2 Corp,
Date: 05/03/16

7 Ridgewood Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $172,292
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Lois B. Skala
Date: 05/09/16

420 Soule Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Krista L. Ouimette
Seller: Andrew Jennings
Date: 05/13/16

6 Squire Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $585,000
Buyer: Allana R. Lee
Seller: Daniel Wittmer
Date: 05/02/16

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY

AMHERST

39 Northampton Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $399,000
Buyer: David Robertson
Seller: Noemi R. Schwarz
Date: 05/02/16

30 Orchard St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Buyer: Hallie C. Hughes
Seller: Richard D. Fink
Date: 05/02/16

121 Pondview Dr.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Kimbel Harwood-Melbourne
Seller: Fanny B. Dontoh
Date: 05/04/16

BELCHERTOWN

9 Carol Ann Dr.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $272,500
Buyer: Casey E. Nadeau
Seller: Daniel J. Giroux
Date: 05/03/16

14 Deer Run
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $345,000
Buyer: Shannon E. Hard
Seller: Christine Munro
Date: 05/09/16

800 Federal St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $299,900
Buyer: Nicholas C. Aquadro
Seller: Daniel J. Akey
Date: 05/02/16

1 Main St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Monson Savings Bank
Seller: CBA Realty Group 2 Corp.
Date: 05/02/16

51 Metacomet St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $289,900
Buyer: Spencer W. Shumway
Seller: Peter O. Zierlein
Date: 05/02/16

22 Poole Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Maria Gallo
Seller: Helen L. Barrington
Date: 05/10/16

88 Rural Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $374,000
Buyer: Robert W. Chapin
Seller: Francis S. Mercier
Date: 05/06/16

67 Shaw St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $284,900
Buyer: Xavier Cody
Seller: Robert K. Dubois
Date: 05/05/16

700 South Washington St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Kenneth L. Maryea
Seller: Jennifer C. Sunderland
Date: 05/11/16

356 South St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Eugene M. Ptaszkiewicz
Seller: Robert J. Cote
Date: 05/13/16

CHESTERFIELD

182 East St.
Chesterfield, MA 01012
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: UMassfive College FCU
Seller: Susan Steenburgh
Date: 05/12/16

CUMMINGTON

12 Bush Road
Cummington, MA 01026
Amount: $175,079
Buyer: Bank New York
Seller: Scott W. Wichowski
Date: 05/13/16

EASTHAMPTON

10 Chapman Ave.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $255,500
Buyer: Rachel Keenan-Roberts
Seller: Bernhard W. Kober
Date: 05/12/16

19 East Green St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $126,900
Buyer: Wells Fargo Bank
Seller: Darlene Orvieto
Date: 05/03/16

28 Everett St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $228,500
Buyer: Matthew Palmieri
Seller: Benjamin C. Snyder
Date: 05/04/16

8 Mayher St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Sarah C. Hunter
Seller: Arthur E. Press
Date: 05/06/16

37 Morin Dr.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Megan M. Mason
Seller: Jesse C. Montgomery
Date: 05/13/16

8 Robin Road
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Colby E. Quinn
Seller: Odonnell, Suzanne F., (Estate)
Date: 05/13/16

GRANBY

7 Lanebrook Circle
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $197,000
Buyer: Loay Hemeedi
Seller: Robert F. Flynn
Date: 05/13/16

111 New Ludlow Road
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Megan E. Swain
Seller: Pamela Outhuse
Date: 05/05/16

19 North St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $268,000
Buyer: Steven R. Pelletier
Seller: Louis A. Santos
Date: 05/04/16

Pleasant St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $149,000
Buyer: Ryan Hedges
Seller: Mountain Stream Inc.
Date: 05/06/16

HADLEY

4 Bristol Lane
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $188,500
Buyer: Maureen M. Shea
Seller: Paula I. Chadis
Date: 05/12/16

27 River Dr.
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $284,900
Seller: Valley Building Co. Inc.
Date: 05/12/16

HATFIELD

15 Elm St.
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $479,000
Buyer: Phoebe D. Sheldon
Seller: Stephen J. Cirillo
Date: 05/09/16

HUNTINGTON

25 Old Chester Road
Huntington, MA 01050
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: Joshua A. Mason
Seller: Nicholas P. Semenyck
Date: 05/03/16

NORTHAMPTON

89 Autumn Dr.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Edward J. Gallivan
Seller: Gary E. Mongeon
Date: 05/06/16

200 Bridge Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $287,000
Buyer: Paul E. Bertram
Seller: M. K. Lawrence-Riddell
Date: 05/03/16

41 Chestnut Ave.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Nira Harper-Elkins
Seller: Nira Harper-Elkins
Date: 05/12/16

301 Coles Meadow Road
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $169,700
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Gregory J. Laporte
Date: 05/02/16

137 Elm St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $695,000
Buyer: Justin Smith
Seller: Homeshire Properties LLC
Date: 05/12/16

132 Hawley St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $259,900
Buyer: Justin T. Stone
Seller: Jean A. Fater
Date: 05/05/16

71 Ice Pond Dr.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $225,700
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Norrene A. Renkowic
Date: 05/02/16

41 Laurel Park
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $169,000
Buyer: Scott M. Braidman
Seller: Julia Flum-Stockwell
Date: 05/06/16

111 North Main St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Dylan Curtis & James LLC
Seller: Peter C. Zygmont
Date: 05/05/16

156 Overlook Dr.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: Michael Lawrence-Riddel
Seller: A. Denise Wood
Date: 05/03/16

179 South St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $324,500
Buyer: Gregory R. Graves
Seller: Steven Berlin-Chavez
Date: 05/09/16

47 Summer St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $660,000
Buyer: Caltess LLC
Seller: Hutchins Family Partnership
Date: 05/02/16

PLAINFIELD

98 North St.
Plainfield, MA 01070
Amount: $186,900
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Robin M. Burt
Date: 05/10/16

SOUTH HADLEY

85 Camden St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $117,500
Buyer: Daniel J. Giroux
Seller: Sarah J. Meyer
Date: 05/12/16

420 East St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $144,900
Buyer: Michael D. Robertson
Seller: Valerie A. McQuillan
Date: 05/11/16

24 Grandview St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Michael Nicholson
Seller: Gordon N McClaflin
Date: 05/13/16

47 Laurie Ave.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $132,000
Buyer: Sarah A. Lapierre
Seller: MTGLQ Investors LP
Date: 05/12/16

501 Newton St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $2,415,000
Buyer: South Hadley Plaza LLC
Seller: JPMCC 2004 C3 501 Newton
Date: 05/06/16

9 Oakwood Circle
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Corey J. Harris
Seller: Jeanne B. Swindell
Date: 05/06/16

36 Roosevelt Ave.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Michael A. McNicholas
Seller: Thomas E. Cleland
Date: 05/02/16

44 Woodlawn St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Michael E. McMahon
Seller: Jennifer L. Allard
Date: 05/06/16

WARE

92 Church St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $312,000
Buyer: Patrick M. Hughes
Seller: Harrison P. Quirk
Date: 05/05/16

17 Mountainview Dr.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $191,000
Buyer: Megan R. Neffinger
Seller: Vision Investment Properties
Date: 05/02/16

19 Shoreline Dr.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $175,500
Buyer: FHLM
Seller: Lorraine M. Chapman
Date: 05/02/16

WILLIAMSBURG

21 Goshen Road
Williamsburg, MA 01096
Amount: $194,000
Buyer: Charles W. Odowd
Seller: Joseph S. Barker
Date: 05/09/16

Doing Business As Certificates

By BusinessWest Staff June 14, 2016

DBA Certificates Departments

The following Business Certificates and Trade Names were issued or renewed during the month of May 2016.

AGAWAM

Jump Start Preschool
605 Springfield St.
Rachelle Hannoush

Mosh Electric
52 Peros Dr.
Viktor Moshkovskiy

Nails Shine & Spa
1325 Springfield St.
Giang Thai

S & M Landscaping
27 Kirkland St.
Steve Clay

Sweet Serendipity
16 Lealand Ave.
Angela Jordan

The Social
827 Springfield St.
John Liquori

HOLYOKE

Holyoke Pizza
213 South St.
Evren Turan

Holyoke Puzzles
304 Hillside Ave.
Barbara Bitgood

Paper City Clothing
358 Dwight St.
Carlos Pena

VK Restoration
92 Race St.
Vitek Kruta

LUDLOW

Da Vinci Inc.
115 Sewall St.
Patricia Cheria

Lafayette Woodworking
798 West St.
Joanne Lafayette

Turkish American Social Club
973 East St.
Lokman Yanbol

NORTHAMPTON

Casa Del Sol
207 Main St.
Edmundo Bedach

Eastside Grill
19 Strong Ave.
Debra Flynn

Hallow Inc.
196 Main St.
Robert Burdick

Karuma Center for Yoga
25 Main St.
Eileen Muir

Lia Northampton Inc.
293 King St.
William Lia

On Call Urgent Care, LLC
6 Hatfield St.
Kate Sorenson

Signomi
123 Hawley St.
Elena Zachary

PALMER

Flanders & Son
38 French St.
Shawn Flanders

Fordable Used Cars
1317 Main St.
Ivan Vlasyuk

SPRINGFIELD

Deb’s Fashions
188 Thompson St.
Deborah A. Burke

E & M Construction
19 Eddy St.
Egidio Robinson

Eldred Enterprises
205 Norfolk St.
Eric C. Eldred

Emily Alger Company
112 Dorset St.
Stephanie Lynn

Event Network
1000 West Columbus Ave.
Brandy Quick

Fan Yin Li
907 Carew St.
Fan Li

Fantastico Wraps
1500 Main St.
Nazario Settembre

Frank’s Flowers
838 Main St.
Irma’s Flowers

Free II Grow
8 Campus Place
John A. Dyer

Honey Bee Public Relations
11 Balboa Dr.
Azell Cavaan

Imperial Super Grocery
1072 State St.
Ronald Behnk

La Casa Del Reggaeton
72 Locust St.
Mercedes Tejada

Lularoe Pam McCray
87 Lakevilla Ave.
Pamela McCray

Mayar Market
1196 Saint James Ave.
Ibrahim Mustafa

Melissa’s Place
1555 Wilbraham Road
Melissa Chesbro

Near Photography
747 South Branch Pkwy.
Eli M. Schwartz

No Names Entertainment
27 Salem St.
Moyah Smith

Northeast Distribution
467 Cottage St.
Carrier Enterprise

Reef Dimensions
97 Somerset St.
Richard Steven

Salima Boutique
19 Ellery St.
Fatou Diaby

WESTFIELD

B-Clean Home & Office Cleaning
50 Pequot Place
Carol Iwanski

Esoteric Empire
929 Shaker Road
Christopher Harman

Longevity Massage & Skincare Therapies
59 Pochassic St.
Oleysa Lebedinskaya

McCabe & Son Home Improvement
15 May St.
Edward J. McCabe

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Janna Juice Bar
751 Union St.
Ibrahim Babetti

LSS Trucking
534 Union St.
Sergei Mineev

M.C.L. Mechanical Services
26 Kelso Ave.
Paul Lichwan

Real Clean Solutions
900 Riverdale St.
Shaun Texeira

Sewer Drain & Cleaning
60 Colony Road
Svad Disdarivec

The Last Call
126 Highmeadow Dr.
Eric Laizer

Throwbacks
450 Main St.
Sharroya Charles

Vasquez Construction
249 Westfield St.
Robinson Vasquez

WRB Auto Sales
194 Baldwin St.
William Bayton

Incorporations

By BusinessWest Staff June 14, 2016

Departments Incorporations

The following business incorporations were recorded in Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin counties and are the latest available. They are listed by community.

AGAWAM

Survivor Journeys Inc., 2 South Bridge Dr., Agawam, MA 01001. Dr. Ajay Burton, 396 Inverness Lane, Longmeadow, MA 01106. Survivor Journeys is to provide social and emotional support services to cancer survivors, their families, and caregivers. Our services are built on collaboration with local providers and cancer survivors, along with regional and nationally recognized cancer organizations. We believe no patient, caregiver, or loved one should travel this journey alone.

AMHERST

Tedx Amherst, 47 Fearing St., Amherst, MA 01002. Stephen Chan, 430 Essex St., #4, Salem, MA 01970. Provides free multimedia education, introduces new discussions and ideas to build community, event, and conference planning.

BELCHERTOWN

TDS Social Inc., 841 Federal St., Belchertown, MA 01007. Teresa Dooley-Smith, same. Provides materials and training to professionals.

CHICOPEE

Torres Soto Consulting Corp., 257 Hampden St., Chicopee, MA 01013. Daniel Torres, 20 Lafayette St., Springfield, MA 01109. Business consulting services.

CONWAY

Public Emily Inc., 1101 South Deerfield Road, Conway, MA 01341. Emily Lichter, same. Artist management services.

CUMMINGTON

Pipe Line Awareness Network for the Northeast Inc., 17 Packard Road, Cummington, MA 01026. Kathryn Eiseman, same. To educate the public about fossil-fuel infrastructure and the alternatives; to protect the environment, the climate, health, safety and consumer interests from proposed and existing fossil fuel infrastructure; to study and promote efficiency measures, expansion of programs that manage “peak use” and other, lower impact energy solutions; to engage in legal and regulatory advocacy in connection with fossil fuel infrastructure and alternatives; and to promote, coordinate and assist the activities of other organizations and groups whose purposes are similar.

LONGMEADOW

Pro-Life of Pioneer Valley Inc., 180 Kenmore Dr. Longmeadow, MA 01106. Charles F. Glidden, 278 Whitney Ave, Holyoke, MA 01040. Organization set to educate and promote respect for life from conception to natural death and to defend the right to life for all human beings.

NORTHAMPTON

Sem Jewelry Corp., One Chapin Way, Apt. 7302, Northampton, MA 01063. Susan Mishiye, same. Online jewelry sales.

PALMER

Sousa Fine Floors Inc., 64 East Palmer Park Dr., Palmer, MA 01069. Steven Sousa, same. Installation, sales and maintenance of flooring.

PITTSFIELD

Ragam Inc., 120 Ontario St., Pittsfield, MA 012001. Varghese Athimoottil, 2 Vics Ct., Albany, NY 12205. Restaurant.

RTS95 Inc., 27 East Housatonic St., Pittsfield, MA 01201-6401. Akiva Talmi, same. Corporation service company.

Taconic Transport Inc., 1644 East St., Pittsfield, MA 01201. Jeffrey Eaton, 500 W. Main St., Johnstown, NY 12095. Business of trucking, transportation, and truck repair, in all aspects.

SPRINGFIELD

Springfield Community Land Trust Inc., 467 State St., Springfield, MA 01105. Thomas Taafee, 17 Walnut St., Northampton, MA 0060. Charitable purposes of: (1) to aid in the acquisition, improvement (through rehabilitation, new construction or otherwise) and making available (through ownership, acquisition, development or otherwise) at the lowest possible cost to persons and families of low income of every race, religion and nationality, of decent, safe and sanitary housing in the Springfield, Massachusetts metropolitan area (the “area”) and to stimulate, by example or otherwise, the construction, renovation or improvement of properties in the area and generally promote neighborhood improvement for the benefit of persons of limited means who desire to live and raise their families and to enjoy safe, sanitary and attractive homes in the area; it is the purpose of the corporation thereby to provide services to relieve the poor, distressed, underprivileged and indigent of every race, religion and nationality by enabling them to secure the basic human rights to a decent living environment and secure opportunity and thus to lessen the burdens of government. (2) promoting the social welfare by providing such housing through construction of new facilities in the place of blighted vacant, substandard or decadent sites, including those programs, projects, collaborations, and activities that address local needs, improve quality of life, or generate equitable economic development.

Springfield Family Support Programs Inc.,18 Gaucher St., Room 1-B, Springfield, MA 01109. Sharon Ann Jewell, 328 East Main St., Chicopee, MA 01020.

University of Thought Inc., 17 Windsor St., Springfield, MA 01105. Lawrence Kirkland, same. Sales of t-shirts, clothing, and apparel.

Waterdog Technologies Inc., 1391 Main St., Springfield, MA 01103. Delcie D. Bean IV, 112 Russell St., South Hadley, MA 01035. Buying, selling, marketing, and distributing software.

Company Notebook

By BusinessWest Staff June 14, 2016

Company Notebook Departments

Steel Partners Recognizes OMG Inc. for Excellence

AGAWAM — Three kaizen teams from OMG Inc. have been recognized as 2016 Steel Partners Business System Hall of Fame winners. The announcement was made by Jeff Svoboda, president and CEO of Handy & Harman, a Steel Partners subsidiary. The Steel Partners Business System uses lean principles and tools, including kaizens, to increase sales, improve business processes, and reduce and eliminate waste and variation. Kaizen is a strategic activity where employees at every level of a company get together to work on a targeted improvement project. In manufacturing in particular, kaizens often demonstrate that big changes come from many small changes made over time. Kaizens are focused three- to five-day events that generally include defining a problem or goal, documenting the current state, brainstorming and developing a future state, implementing change, developing a follow-up plan and measurement metrics, presenting results, and celebrating success. “We complete over 40 kaizens a year, each involving on average a team of five, so for these three teams to be recognized by our parent companies is certainly a high honor for which we are very proud,” said Hubert McGovern, president and CEO of OMG Inc. A total of 19 employees participated in the three winning kaizens. Two of the kaizens were held at OMG’s headquarters location in Agawam, and one was held in the company’s Asheville, N.C. facility. “OMG is committed to lean manufacturing, and kaizens are just one of the tools we use to drive significant improvement to our overall effectiveness as a company,” said McGovern. “As a result of our lean initiatives, we’ve seen great progress throughout the company, including gains in reducing waste, improving product quality, and bringing value to our customers.” Some of the more significant results for these winning kaizens include a 66% increase in drain-assembly output; a 250% reduction in the need for overtime; a $10,000-per-day increase in sellable units assembled by a packaging team and a related $36,000 annual labor savings; and a $100,000 annual cost reduction related to quality improvement. Headquartered in Agawam, OMG Inc. is North America’s largest supplier of specialty fasteners and products for commercial and residential construction applications. The company operates two business units: OMG Roofing Products (www.omgroofing.com) and FastenMaster (www.fastenmaster.com). OMG is a subsidiary of Handy & Harman Group Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Handy & Harman Ltd.

Massachusetts Green High Performance Computing Center to Expand

HOLYOKE — The Massachusetts Green High Performance Computing Center (MGHPCC) announced a $1.6 million expansion of its state-of-the-art facility on June 1. The center is located in downtown Holyoke, at 100 Bigelow St. Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse; Rick McCullough, vice provost for Research at Harvard University; and MGHPCC Executive Director John Goodhue will be on hand. The Massachusetts Green High Performance Computing Center provides state-of-the-art infrastructure for computationally intensive research in the increasingly sensor- and data-rich environments of modern science and engineering. Computers at the MGHPCC run millions of virtual experiments every month, supporting thousands of researchers in Massachusetts and around the world. The MGHPCC was developed through an unprecedented collaboration among the state’s most research-intensive universities, including Boston University, Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Northeastern University, and UMass; the Commonwealth of Massachusetts; and private industry (Cisco and EMC). The member universities fund the ongoing operation of the data center, which is open for use by any research organization. For more information, visit www.mghpcc.org.

The Creative Opens Office in Thornes Marketplace

NORTHAMPTON — The Creative, a collaboration of three local businesswomen, has opened an office in Thornes Office Suites. The collaboration, which launched in April 2013, is made up of Janice Beetle, principal of Beetle Press; Ruth Griggs, principal of RC Communications; and Maureen Scanlon, principal of Murre Creative. Together, they provide strategic marketing, messaging, and design services. The trio provide flexible services to clients, combining forces to match clients’ needs and offering a full complement of agency services where necessary. The Creative provides its clients with the opportunity for comprehensive marketing and communications services, including assistance with advertising campaigns, branding, public relations, print collateral, strategic marketing planning, and fund-raising campaigns. For more information, call (413) 727-3354 or visit thecreativemarketing.net.

Country Bank Awards Scholarships to Students

WARE — Officials at Country Bank announced the presentation of 15 scholarships in the amount of $2,000 each to area high-school seniors. The newly formed Country Bank for Higher Education Scholarship was offered to graduating students within the region. The recipients needed to demonstrate a commitment to their communities through volunteerism and leadership by submitting an essay outlining their experiences. “We are so pleased with the response we received for our new scholarship format,” said Shelley Regin, senior vice president, marketing at Country Bank. “Each applicant had a unique perspective on their involvement in helping others, from taking the lead on building a playground to feeding the homeless on Christmas Eve and developing a summer STEM program for underprivileged kids. We were so inspired by the great work these students are doing in their communities and how they are making a difference in the lives of others.” The recipients include Lily White, Auburn High School; Patrick O’Brien, Queen of Heaven Academy; Dong Liang Dzindolet, Leicester High School; Caleb Carr, MA Academy of Math & Science; Sarah Springer, Minnechaug Regional High School; Alexander Reed, Olivia Murray, and Serena Sandoval, Palmer High School; Alexis Nason and Riley Mucha, Quaboag Regional High School; Brittany Como, Emily Rusack, and Olivia Kiritsis, Shepherd Hill Regional High School; Kyle Hill and Sadie Simons, Ware High School.

Court Dockets

By BusinessWest Staff June 14, 2016

Court Dockets Departments

The following is a compilation of recent lawsuits involving area businesses and organizations. These are strictly allegations that have yet to be proven in a court of law. Readers are advised to contact the parties listed, or the court, for more information concerning the individual claims.

CHICOPEE DISTRICT COURT

Vincent Cole v. Wilson’s Paving & Construction Inc.
Allegation: Negligence in paving and installation of driveway: $5,800
Filed 5/4/16

HAMPDEN SUPERIOR COURT

Alan Zaleski v. Paul Davis Restoration and Remodeling of Western Massachusetts
Allegation: Fraudulent practices and negligent repairs causing property damages and personal injury: $418,000
Filed: 4/13/16

John Lemke v. Corey Colonial Atrium Property Services Inc.
Allegation: Sewer system failure causing backup into plaintiff’s condominium: $188,000
Filed: 4/29/16

Luis Rodriquez v. Fountain Plating Inc.
Allegation: Plaintiff was not paid for time worked: $300,000
Filed: 4/28/16

Shaw Industries Inc. v. AMS Floors, LLC
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $45,170.65
Filed: 4/26/16

HAMPSHIRE SUPERIOR COURT

Ondrick Materials and Recycling v. O’Leary Group Inc., American River Nutrition Inc., TwoThree27, LLC
Allegation: Breach of construction contract: $53,133
Filed: 5/3/16

Valley Home Improvement Inc. v. Sun-Edison, LLC
Allegation: Non-payment of services rendered: $37,771.69
Filed: 4/18/16

NORTHAMPTON DISTRICT COURT

Pioneer Landscapes Inc. v. O’Leary Group Inc. and American River Nutrition Inc.
Allegation: Breach of contract and failure to pay for services rendered: $34,408.62
Filed: 5/2/16

Time Payment Corp. v. Topitz, LLC
Allegation: Suit on previous judgment: $9,035.27
Filed: 4/7/16

PALMER DISTRICT COURT

Country Homes Construction v. Joe Roth Contracting
Allegation: Non-payment of supplies and services rendered: $5,154.50

Rosette Garcia v. Orchard Imports
Allegation: Cost for repair of vehicle: $1,250
Filed: 4/28/15

SPRINGFIELD DISTRICT COURT

Perkins Paper Inc. v. The First Chandler Corp. d/b/a/ Betsy’s Diner
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $27,102.98
Filed: 5/16/16

WESTFIELD DISTRICT COURT

Will Spath v. Van Pelt Precision Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of loan: $31,207.90
Filed: 4/8/16

Marian Duggan-Markos v. The Bon Ton Stores Inc.
Allegation: Negligent maintenance of property causing severe injury when dressing room door came off hinges and fell on plaintiff: $6,028.18
Filed: 4/4/16

John Liptak, CPA v. Michael’s Towing Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of accounting services rendered: $4,492.44
Filed: 5/4/16

Rebecca Davidson and Arthur Thomason v. Quabbin Valley Pool & Patio
Allegation: Breach of contract for installation of pool liner: $7,150
Filed: 5/11/16

UMass Generates Record $6.2B in Economic Impact

By BusinessWest Staff June 9, 2016

Daily News

BOSTON — The University of Massachusetts was responsible for $6.2 billion in economic activity in Massachusetts last year — a record high — and helped to support more than 43,000 jobs statewide, President Marty Meehan announced Tuesday.

“UMass educates more students than any college or university in the Commonwealth and is one of the state’s three largest research universities, but it also has a profound impact on the Massachusetts economy based on the scope and reach of its operations,” Meehan said. “UMass is a vital economic engine for the Commonwealth, and its impact is felt in every community and by virtually every family across Massachusetts.”

Victor Woolridge, chairman of the UMass board of trustees, said the report illustrates that “UMass truly is here for a reason, and that reason is to serve the entire Commonwealth. The importance of generating an economic impact on the scale that we do — and having it distributed in every corner of the state — cannot be overstated.”

The economic impact generated by the five-campus UMass system translates to a 10-to-1 return on investment for state government when total state funding for the university is considered, according to a FY 2015 analysis performed by the UMass Donahue Institute, which conducts economic and public-policy research.

The major drivers of economic impact are student, faculty, and staff spending; construction projects; and the university’s purchasing the goods and services required for its activities. The study measured that spending and its ripple effect in determining the $6.2 billion impact estimate.

According to the Donahue Institute report, each of the five university campuses generated a substantial economic impact for its region and the state. By campus or unit, the figures were: Amherst, $2.069 billion; Boston, $1.085 billion; Dartmouth, $466.1 million; Lowell, $921.9 million; Medical School, $1.584 billion; and Central Administration, $198.4 million.

Monticello Recreation Sells at Auction for $2.125 Million

By BusinessWest Staff June 1, 2016

Daily News

SOMERS, Conn. — S. Prestley Blake’s recreation of Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello sold at auction Tuesday night for $2.125 million, the Republican reported. The unidentified buyer was a local doctor, according to Sherri Milkie, a real-estate agent with William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty in Old Lyme, Conn., who had been the listing agent.

Blake, the co-founder of Friendly’s Ice Cream, hired Laplante Construction to build the home for $8 million and had planned to sell it for $6.5 million before dropping the price. He knew the sale would be a loss, but characterizes the home as his swan song and a gift to the town of Somers.

The home’s 10,000-square-foot interior is filled with modern amenities, but the exterior echoes details of Jefferson’s original in Charlottesville, Va., including the white columns, roof balustrades, and signature dome at the front of the structure (or the back at the original Monticello; the back entrance was the main entrance in Jefferson’s time). Period interior elements include a tea room, a lavish foyer, ornate hardwood floors, and the so-called great room.

Attention to detail can be seen in many aspects of the recreation work, including the brick used. Bricks in the original were hand-made made on-site in Virginia, and those used in Somers were also hand-made and cast to look like what was used in the early 19th century.

Court Dockets

By BusinessWest Staff May 31, 2016

Court Dockets Departments

The following is a compilation of recent lawsuits involving area businesses and organizations. These are strictly allegations that have yet to be proven in a court of law. Readers are advised to contact the parties listed, or the court, for more information concerning the individual claims.

CHICOPEE DISTRICT COURT

Arnold’s & Eddie’s Foods Inc. v. Papps Bar & Grill and John P. Slattery
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $1,568.05
Filed: 4/15/16

GREENFIELD DISTRICT COURT

Kathleen Tomaus Catering v. J.S. Builders and Jereck Smith
Allegation: Breach of contract for services: $7,000
Filed: 3/31/16

Robert Dash, in his capacity as President of Commons of Deerfield Condominiums v. Staelen’s Masonry and David Staelens
Allegation: Negligence in installment of sidewalk: $4,450
Filed: 3/25/16

HAMPDEN SUPERIOR COURT

Ernest Mungen v. Federal National Mortgage Assoc.
Allegation: Breach of contract: $40,000
Filed: 4/5/16

Kristina Pieczara v. CVS Health Corp.
Allegation: Failure to maintain safe environment for customers: $32,500
Filed: 4/12/16

Ryder Transportation Services v. Richard Kikule d/b/a Faith Tech Sound
Allegation: Breach of lease agreement: $19,493.65
Filed: 4/18/16

PALMER DISTRICT COURT

Christopher P. Shallow d/b/a Country Homes Construction Co. v. Joe Roth Contracting
Allegation: Non-payment for supplies and services: $5,154.50
Filed: 4/25/16

SPRINGFIELD DISTRICT COURT

Amica Mutual Insurance Co. v. CDA Roofing & Siding Contractors, LLC
Allegation: Breach of contract and cost of roof replacement: $9,500
Filed: 3/31/16

Pride Convenience Inc. v. Lansal Inc. d/b/a Hot Mama’s Inc. and Matthew D. Morse
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $8,901.91
Filed: 4/4/16

MGM, Surging Downtown Boost Prospects for Meetings, Conventions

By BusinessWest Staff May 31, 2016

Meetings & Conventions Sections

Meeting Expectations

Mary Kay Wydra

As news circulates concerning construction of MGM’s $950 million casino in Springfield’s South End, the region is finding itself a player in many more of the spirited competitions taking place to host meetings and conventions. That’s no coincidence, said area tourism officials, as well as those who plan such events. Because of the casino and other visible forms of progress, they note, the city is now in a different, higher bracket for such gatherings.

The planned gathering of the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America — the so-called ‘Big I’ — in August 2018 certainly won’t be the biggest convention ever to come to Greater Springfield.

In fact, with 600 to 800 members of that group expected, this event will be roughly one-sixth the size of the 64th National Square Dance Convention, staged in the City of Homes in 2015. It won’t be a hugely visible group, either — again, unlike those square dancers.

Resplendent in their colorful, often handmade outfits, the dancers were easy to spot as they walked to and from various downtown venues. Dressed in civilian clothes, the insurance agents will blend in; most people visiting or working in the downtown won’t even know they’re here, unless they’re wearing nametags.

Still, the announcement that the insurance agents are coming to Springfield was a significant one for this region and its tourism industry as they enter what would have to be called the ‘casino era’ —for many reasons. They range from the list of cities Springfield beat out for the honor — tier-one stalwarts such as Atlanta, New Orleans, and Austin, as well as neighboring rival Hartford — to the comments made by those who compiled a list of finalists and eventually chose Springfield.

Indeed, consider these remarks made to BusinessWest by Jeff Etzkin, an event planner hired by the Big I to scout and then recommend sites for the 2018 show.

“The casino was definitely a factor in this decision — in fact, if it wasn’t for the casino, Springfield would not have been a consideration,” said Etzkin, president of Etzkin Events, adding that there was sentiment to bring the 2018 event to the Northeast, and Springfield emerged as the best, most reasonable option.

There was more from Etzkin. “It’s not just the casino, though,” he explained. “It really helps that Springfield is changing certain aspects of its downtown to be more amenable to events like this. It’s the restaurants, the tourist activities … the whole package.”

Go HERE for a list of Meeting & Convention Facilities in Western Mass.

And there was still more. “We looked at this as an opportunity to get there before everyone discovers Springfield and the prices go up,” said Etzkin, adding that, while there was a tinge of humor in his voice, he was dead serious with that comment.

When — and even whether — event planners really start discovering Springfield and the prices do start to rise in dramatic fashion remains to be seen. But there are some strong signs that Springfield is emerging as a more desirable destination for gatherings of various types and sizes — from jugglers to Scrabble players; rowing coaches to women Indian Motorcycle riders (all scheduled to come here over the next 24 months), and that news of the city’s progress, not just with the casino, will prompt more groups to put Springfield and this region in the mix.

“I think people are going to be giving Springfield a harder look given the fact that we’re going to have this massive new attraction right smack in the middle of downtown that’s getting a lot of press, be it the parking garage going up or the Gaming Commission coming to town, or churches being moved,” said Mary Kay Wydra, director of the Greater Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau (GSCVB). “The press is shedding a lot of light on the city, and as these groups make decisions, many are going to be saying, ‘this is a really cool city to check out now.’”

MGM’s planned opening in the summer of 2018 played a key role in the decision of ‘Big I’ officials to bring their convention to Springfield.

Wydra said this region has always had — and always sold — what the bureau calls the three ‘A’s. These would be ‘affordability,’ ‘accessibility,’ and either ‘abundant attractions’ or ‘all those attractions,’ depending on who’s doing the talking. Now, it can add a ‘C’ for MGM’s $950 million casino and perhaps a ‘V’ for vibrancy.

And all those letters should put the city in a different bracket when it comes to competing for events.

“We usually compete against Des Moines or Little Rock or other third-tier cities if we’re talking about a national search,” she explained. “Now, we’re going head-to-head with Chicago and Atlanta; how great is that?”

For this issue and its focus on meetings and conventions, BusinessWest takes a look at some of those events on the books for Greater Springfield, and also at why all signs are pointing to much more of the same.

Show Time

Mike Sullivan says the International Jugglers’ Assoc. (IJA), which he currently serves as a site consultant, generally has no problem finding cities that have the various facilities and amenities it requires for its annual festival, including a large performance venue — the group prefers grand, Vaudeville-era halls, like the historic, 90-year-old Plaza Theatre in El Paso, site of this year’s festival. Likewise, it can easily find cities that would fit the broad description of ‘affordable.’

What is has long struggled with, however, is finding locales that can effectively check both boxes. But Springfield can, and that pretty much sums up why between 500 and 750 jugglers — professionals and hobbyists alike — will be descending on the City of Homes on July 18, 2018, although there is certainly more to the story.

Indeed, instead of the jugglers finding Greater Springfield, this region (and, in this case, the GSCVB) essentially found the jugglers. It did so as part of a broader effort to bring more sports-related groups and events to the area. (That initiative also explains why the U.S. Rowing Convention is coming to Springfield in December.)

As Sullivan relates the story, the IJA, as a member of the National Assoc. of Sports Commissions, posted its festival requirements to that group’s website. Sullivan also staged a webinar, during which he explained what it would take for a city to host the festival. Among those who took it in was Alicia Szenda, director of sales for the GSCVB, who quickly noted that Springfield fit the bill; she crafted a proposal that eventually became the winning bid.

But while strong outreach helped prompt the jugglers and rowing coaches to sign on the dotted line, it’s clear that more groups are discovering Greater Springfield — through referrals, hard research, news coverage, or some of those all-important local connections.

There were more than a few of the latter involved with the Big I and its decision, said Wydra, noting, in the interest of full disclosure, that Joseph Leahy, a principal with Springfield-based Leahy & Brown Insurance and Realty, is slated to be sworn in as chairman of the national organization at that 2018 convention.

But Leahy & Brown’s Allen Street address was certainly not enough by itself to tip the scales in favor of Springfield, said Etzkin, who returned to that ‘package’ he mentioned earlier, the broader Western Mass. region, one that offers attractive options for members who bring their families — and there are many of those.

Alicia Szenda says many forms of progress in Springfield — from Union Station to new restaurants downtown — are making the city a more viable option for meetings and conventions.

Springfield’s ongoing efforts to revitalize its downtown helped bring the city into a discussion that usually involves much larger cities — including Chicago (where the convention will be held this year and next) and previous locations New Orleans, San Antonio, and Minneapolis — although smaller destinations, such as Savannah for 2019, have also been chosen.

But he made it clear that the casino was a huge factor in the decision, as evidenced by those earlier comments as well as his unique insight into the probable schedule for the casino’s opening (nothing approaching what would be considered official has been announced), which is very close to the chosen date for the start of the 2018 convention.

“There’s been talk of a soft opening and also a date for a hard opening,” he said, adding that all indications are the casino will be open when the Big I arrives on Aug. 22. “They were talking about September, but from what I understand, everything is moving along a little quicker.”

It Wasn’t a Toss-up

The casino did not play any significant role in the IJA’s decision to come to Springfield, said Sullivan, adding that, while his group was aware the city was soon to be home to such a facility and that it might be ready by the time they arrived, it did not really enter into the decision-making process.

What did, however, were some or all of those 3 ‘A’s Wydra mentioned, and especially the one that stands for affordability.

“No one gets paid to go to a juggling convention — everyone is spending their own money,” he explained. “We’re looking for very reasonable hotel-room rates, and we’re looking for rental rates on performance venues that would also be reasonable. A lot of cities that would be perfect for us, that have perfect facilities, and are very reachable by air, would also be perfect for lots of other groups, which means they’re busy, their rates are high, and we can’t afford them.

“We’re happiest when we’re in small cities where there’s a nice, small downtown with all the ingredients,” he went on, adding that, while the festival has been to large cities such Portland, Ore., Quebec City, and even Los Angeles, the IJA clearly prefers smaller communities such as Winston-Salem, N.C.

But the facilities certainly played a role in the decision, noted Sullivan, adding that Springfield Symphony Hall, similar in age and size to El Paso’s Plaza Theatre, fits the bill for the Las Vegas-style shows that are staged nightly during the festival/convention and are a big part of the gathering.

There are also seminars, open juggling 24 hours a day, competitions (attendees vie for the coveted gold medal and the accompanying $10,000 prize), and workshops, at which beginners and so-called hobbyists can learn from some of the most celebrated names in this entertainment genre.

“It would be like going to basketball camp and getting tips on your jump shot from Michael Jordan and Larry Bird,” said Sullivan, who has been attending the festival for a quarter-century now, adding that there are typically more than 100 of these workshops during the course of the event, some running several hours in length.

Wydra noted that the combination of attractive venues and affordability is a potent mix, one that, with the addition of the casino, should help Springfield turn more heads, especially those on event planners and convention schedulers looking to bring an event to the Northeast.

Both Sullivan and Etzkin said the groups they represented were definitely leaning in that direction, and as they mulled options in that geographic quadrant, Springfield emerged as an attractive option.

“We like to work the event into a location that’s convenient for people who want to attend the conference from a particular volunteer’s location,” said Etzkin, referring, in this case, to Leahy.

“Boston is a very expensive location, and Hartford, while it’s good from a flight perspective, it’s not exactly a great site for a conference,” he went on, using language that certainly bodes well for this region moving forward.

The Latest Word

Melissa Brown acknowledged that Scrabble is not exactly a spectator sport.

“It’s kind of like watching paint dry — some people will sit in on a match for a little while, but then they’ll get bored and leave,” she said, speaking, quite obviously, from experience gathered as a participant in events staged by the World Game Players Organization (WGPA).

The group will be taking its so-called Word Cup (yes, that is indeed a play on words) to Springfield in roughly 13 months, and while there won’t be many on hand at the Sheraton Springfield to watch, the competition, involving an anticipated 100 players, will be keen.

As was, in many ways, the contest for the right to stage this event, said Brown, a long-time member of that group and its current member liaison, who relocated to Wilbraham from the Midwest several years ago and was part of the team that chose Springfield to join cities such as Reno, Denver, and Phoenix (this year) as hosts for the event.

She said organizers were looking for some specific amenities — quiet spaces for the games and playing areas close to restrooms, because every minute counts (yes, players are on the clock for these games). But mostly, it was looking for a site in the Northeast as a way to help build membership there, and a location that was reasonably priced.

“We’ve had some smaller events in the Northeast, but this is the first time we’ve taken the Word Cup there,” she said, adding that she was the one who compiled the research given to those who made the final decision and chose Springfield over Detroit, Charlotte, and other contenders.

When asked what put the city over the top, she said it was a combination of factors, including everything from the cooperation of the GSCVB to the amenities at the Sheraton. “All around, it just seemed like the best option.”
It is the unofficial goal of the bureau to convince more groups to think in those terms, said Szenda, adding that a variety of forces are coming together to make this task easier.

These include more hotel rooms — new facilities have opened in Springfield and Northampton recently, pushing the number of ‘room nights,’ as they’re called, to 1,125 in Springfield and 4,000 in the region— as well as the casino and recognized progress in the region.

Together, these forces are getting Greater Springfield more looks, as they say in this business.

“The insurance group said they might not have looked at Springfield five years ago, and they’re not alone in that sentiment,” she said. “But because of what’s happening, not just with the casino, but with Union Station and the Chinese subway-car manufacturer and other things that happening, they are looking.”

Etzkin confirmed those observations, noting that, while Springfield still has a ways to go when it comes to having an A-list reputation within the galaxy of meeting and convention planners, perceptions of the city and region are certainly changing for the better.

“I was serious about getting there before the area gets too well-known and the prices go up,” he told BusinessWest. “That part of Massachusetts is beautiful, and people are going to want to go there.”

Staying Power

Despite Etzkin’s expectation that prices in Springfield may soon start to rise, Wydra believes that, for the foreseeable future, anyway, the city and region will be able to boast all three of those aforementioned ‘A’s.

And with the addition of MGM’s casino and growing vibrancy in Springfield’s downtown, the package that attracted insurance agents, jugglers, and Scrabble players should appeal to more of those who plan and stage events.

It won’t happen overnight, but it appears certain there will be, well, more overnights in the area’s future. And that means a new day is dawning for the region and its tourism and hospitality sectors.

George O’Brien can be reached at [email protected]

Development Associates Broadens Its Portfolio

By BusinessWest Staff May 31, 2016

Commercial Real Estate Sections

Building Momentum

Ken Vincunas stands near the bulldozer that will soon take down the Clarion Hotel & Conference Center, which will become the site of additional office facilities.

Over the years, Agawam-based Development Associates has steadily grown its portfolio to more than 2 million square feet of space under management. Behind those numbers are some intriguing new projects, including additional development just off I-91 in Northampton at the former Clarion Hotel & Conference Center property.

The walls of Ken Vincunas’ office in Agawam Crossing, the property his company built on Silver Street, are covered with photos that he and his daughter have taken in Italy, Spain, and other travel destinations over the past several years.

The front lobby of that space is another matter. The photos there feature landmarks of a different kind, specifically some of the properties Development Associates has built over the years and now manages. There’s one of the Greenfield Corporate Center, for example, as well as 8 Atwood Dr. in Northampton, one of two 40,000-square-foot buildings at that site, known collectively as the Northampton/I-91 Professional Center.

The list of properties, and collection of photos, has grown steadily over the years, said Vincunas, adding that the goal has always been to achieve smart growth when it comes to the portfolio — and thus cover more wall space — through new ventures with sound potential.

And if things go as planned, Development Associates may need to buy some more frames in the months and years to come.

Indeed, the company, which currently has roughly 2.1 million square feet under management in Western Mass. and Connecticut, is mulling additional opportunities at the Atwood Drive complex, if you will, including the former Clarion Hotel & Conference Center, which is set to be demolished.

Permitting has been obtained for 120,000 square feet of new buildings on the north side of the property, across from the two existing 40,000-square-foot structures — 8 and 22 Atwood Dr., respectively, said Vincunas.

But depending on how, and what type, of demand emerges, plans could change, and the site might instead be used for two 60,000-square-foot business facilities.

“We have something permitted, but there is a lot of flexibility with that site, and a number of potential uses,” he said, adding that the picture will likely come into focus over the next several months.

Located just off the junction of Route 291 and the Mass Pike, the former Dow Jones warehouse is now part of the Development Associates portfolio.

Meanwhile, Development Associates recently acquired the 80,000-square-foot former warehouse property operated by Dow Jones on First Avenue in Chicopee. Located just a few hundred yards from where the Mass Pike and Route 291 come together, the site is easily accessible and well-suited for distribution and manufacturing uses, said Vincunas, adding that there has already been significant interest expressed in the site from a variety of potential users. The company also completed a purchase/leaseback of two buildings at Westover owned by Ethos Energy.

For this issue and its focus on commercial real estate, BusinessWest talked with Vincunas about his company and its ongoing efforts to expand its portfolio of properties — and opportunities.

Success Stories

As he talked with BusinessWest at the Clarion site — just a few feet from the then-idle bulldozer poised to start tearing down the long-time Northampton landmark, which was home to the restaurant Page’s Loft and many other names over the years — Vincunas pointed in a few different directions on the parcel as he talked about what could happen there next.

Click HERE for a listing of available commercial properties

He said the property, owned by Atwood Partners, an entity whose partners include members of both the O’Leary and Shumway families (the latter has owned or developed a number of hotels in the Amherst/Northampton area), has a variety of possible uses, and a tentative plan has emerged.

It calls for a smaller hotel, a restaurant, and a four-story, 80,000-square-feet office facility slated to be built on the site of famous (or infamous) domed pool on the Clarion footprint. A sign now appears in front on the property announcing that the space is for lease.

But the hotel market is becoming more crowded, he said, noting a number of recent additions, including a new facility less than a mile away on Conz Street. So a hotel may not be in the cards.

Additional office space — an expansion of the professional center complex — certainly is, though.

The planned 80,000-square-foot structure is being described as ‘professional and medical space’ — there are plenty of both types of businesses at 8 and 22 Atwood Dr. — with spaces from 2,500 square feet all the way up to 70,000 (essentially the entire building) available. It would be built on a parcel that would make it very visible from I-91, and just a few hundred yards from exit 18 off that highway.

“It would be pretty much a landmark right off the highway when it’s done,” Vincunas noted.

But development of such large properties hinges on signing one or more large, or anchor, tenants early enough in the process to justify construction, he noted, adding that the days of spec building are long over in this market. (Clinical & Support Options is an anchor at 8 Atwood Dr., while Cooley Dickinson Hospital is an anchor in both existing structures).

“In order to move forward with a venture of that magnitude, you need to have some pre-leasing on a major scale,” he explained. “And there just aren’t that many of those anchor tenants out there — they’re getting harder to find.”

He is conducting an ongoing hard search at the moment, and already has a few solid leads.

If enough demand materializes, the plans for the site may be altered to feature two 60,000-square-foot buildings, he told BusinessWest, adding that there is ample parking on the site to support such development.

While efforts to secure anchor tenants for the planned Northampton development continues, the company continues work to add tenants to existing properties, said Vincunas.

Agawam Crossing, now home to an eclectic mix of businesses, is at full occupancy.

And there are many of them, scattered across Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin counties and into Northern Conn. The portfolio is diverse, and includes everything from what’s described as ‘industrial/flex/technology space’ in South Deerfield, now available for leasing, to ‘flexible automotive space’ at property on Palomba Drive in Enfield, Conn. — 8,000 square feet of space is available — to the 145,000-square-foot Greenfield Corporate Center, home to a number of businesses and agencies.

One of them is the Greenfield District Court, which is scheduled to relocate soon to new space downtown and become part of ongoing revitalization efforts in that central business district. That will leave Development Associates with a large vacancy to fill; however, Vincunas is confident that, with the momentum now evident in Franklin County’s largest community, the building will gain new tenants.

“This is an excellent office park setting, and we have a great deal of flexibility with the property,” he said, adding that the space is ideal for a call center, medical facility, education, and other uses.

Meanwhile, the Chicopee property represents an intriguing addition to the portfolio, he said, adding that the property has been underutilized, and could be an attractive option for businesses across several sectors of the economy, given its strategic location.

“With such a great location and a good quality building, we could either take on multiple tenants or try to get a single tenant for the whole building,” he noted. “We’re entertaining a number of proposals to try and maximize the use of that building.”

Bottom Line

Development Associates recently moved into its own new space in the Agawam Crossing building, joining Comcast Spotlight and physicians affiliated with Mercy Medical Center as recent tenants.

The company has about 2,000 square feet, with a number of private offices, a large business hub, and a sizable front entranceway that has plenty of wall space.

That’s a commodity that will surely be put to use as this company continues to expand its portfolio with new properties that are suitable for a variety of tenants — and for framing as well.

George O’Brien can be reached at [email protected]

Steel Partners Recognizes OMG Inc. for Operational Excellence

By BusinessWest Staff May 31, 2016

Daily News

AGAWAM — Three kaizen teams from OMG Inc. have been recognized as 2016 Steel Partners Business System Hall of Fame winners. The announcement was made by Jeff Svoboda, president and CEO of Handy & Harman, a Steel Partners subsidiary.

The Steel Partners Business System uses lean principles and tools, including kaizens, to increase sales, improve business processes, and reduce and eliminate waste and variation. Kaizen is a strategic activity where employees at every level of a company get together to work on a targeted improvement project. In manufacturing in particular, kaizens often demonstrate that big changes come from many small changes made over time.

Kaizens are focused three- to five-day events that generally include defining a problem or goal, documenting the current state, brainstorming and developing a future state, implementing change, developing a follow-up plan and measurement metrics, presenting results, and celebrating success.

“We complete over 40 kaizens a year, each involving on average a team of five, so for these three teams to be recognized by our parent companies is certainly a high honor for which we are very proud,” said Hubert McGovern, president and CEO of OMG Inc.

A total of 19 employees participated in the three winning kaizens. Two of the kaizens were held at OMG’s headquarters location in Agawam, and one was held in the company’s Asheville, N.C. facility.

“OMG is committed to lean manufacturing, and kaizens are just one of the tools we use to drive significant improvement to our overall effectiveness as a company,” said McGovern. “As a result of our lean initiatives, we’ve seen great progress throughout the company, including gains in reducing waste, improving product quality, and bringing value to our customers.”

Some of the more significant results for these winning kaizens include a 66% increase in drain-assembly output; a 250% reduction in the need for overtime; a $10,000-per-day increase in sellable units assembled by a packaging team and a related $36,000 annual labor savings; and a $100,000 annual cost reduction related to quality improvement.

Headquartered in Agawam, OMG Inc. is North America’s largest supplier of specialty fasteners and products for commercial and residential construction applications. The company operates two business units: OMG Roofing Products (www.omgroofing.com) and FastenMaster (www.fastenmaster.com). OMG is a subsidiary of Handy & Harman Group Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Handy & Harman Ltd.

Cultural Investments Spark North Adams

By BusinessWest Staff May 31, 2016

Community Spotlight Features

Community Spotlight

Mayor Richard Alcombright says recent developments like the expansion of Mass MoCA are raising North Adams’ profile as a destination.

Mayor Richard Alcombright says North Adams used to be a little mill town that people had to drive through to get to Stockbridge, Williamstown, or popular spots in Southern Vermont.

“But over the last decade, we’ve become a place to stop and are really finding our way to becoming a destination,” he told BusinessWest, adding that there are many projects in various stages of completion that will only enhance the city’s growing popularity.

The $65 million, third-phase expansion of the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (Mass MoCA), which will double its footprint, adding 130,000 square feet of gallery space and enhancing the outdoor courtyard space, is expected to be finished next year. The work is taking place on the south end of the campus of the former Sprague Electric factory, whose 16 acres of grounds and 26 buildings with an elaborate system of interlocking courtyards and passages was transformed into the museum in 1999. When the renovations are complete, the North Adams museum will be the largest of its kind in the country.

Mass MoCA has had a regional economic impact of $24 million annually, and drew more than 160,000 visitors last year alone. The numbers are expected to increase, especially since the $100 million renovation and expansion of the Francine and Sterling Clark Art Institute two years ago in nearby Williamstown continue to grow and have helped strengthen North Adams’s position as a destination for arts and culture.

Alcombright calls the two institutions “cultural bookends,” and said the expansions have boosted confidence in the city and inspired private investments on a scale not seen in decades.

Indeed, Salvatore Perry and Karla Rothstein of Latent Productions in New York City had no plans to invest in North Adams until they drove through the town two years ago to pick up their daughter from a New Hampshire camp.

They had never been to the Berkshires and planned to visit the Clark, as it’s called, but when they spotted the Cariddi Mill (originally known as the Greylock Mill) that stretches 700 feet along Route 2 in North Adams on 7.8 acres, their plans underwent an abrupt change.

The couple has focused on developing properties with unrealized potential in Manhattan and Brooklyn, but seeing the former cotton mill that was for sale led them to scrap plans to see a concert at Mass MoCA that night.

Instead, they did some research, met with the owner and broker the next day, and purchased the 240,000-square-foot property for $750,000. “The building is a magnificent structure, and as architects, the potential was immediately apparent to us,” Perry said.

The next year was spent conducting research to determine the best potential use for the property and list any challenges that would be involved in rehabbing the site.

The couple formed a new limited-liability company called Greylock Works, which reclaimed the property, and work began last October in an area known as the Weave Shed. The goal was to transform it into a 32,000-square-foot event space, and although it was not finished, it was introduced to the public via a New Year’s Eve Party that attracted 600 guests.

Site foreman Joe Boucher said the space will be complete in July, and pointed out the newly installed wall-to-wall windows facing the street and the unusual sawtooth construction which floods the space with light.

“It will hold 1,000 people and is a resource that doesn’t exist in the region,” Perry noted.

The next phase of the project will involve the renovation of an adjacent, 32,000-square-foot area that will be turned into a retail food hub or artisanal food incubator, with a butcher shop, bakery, cheesemakers, and a restaurant situated off of a main interior corridor. Each business will have a small area for retail operations and also have room to conduct wholesale operations to help sustain a flow of year-round revenue.

“The focus is to bring activity, great jobs, events, and fantastic food production to this portion of the site,” Perry said, adding that renovating the event space and food incubator will cost between $5 million and $6 million.

When that portion of the mill is finished, plans will be implemented to build a hotel, amenities for it, residential condos, and a park on the rest of the property.

Renewed Interest

In addition to cultural offerings, North Adams has an endless panorama of hiking trails, and the Hoosic River, which runs directly through the city’s downtown, is one of few area waterways that supports wild brown trout.

Alcombright said other draws include the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, and the fact that North Adams and Williamstown, which is home to the Clark and Williams College, are linked by Route 2 has led the communities to piggyback on projects whenever they can.

Another project based on private investment between the two has begun at the site of the former Redwood Motel on 915 State Road in North Adams. It was built in the ’60s and was in a state of disrepair until it was purchased last April for $350,000 by a group that includes Boston developers, a Brooklyn publisher, and a musician from the band Wilco.

Project Manager Eric Kerns said the group formed an LLC called Beyond Place for the project, and initially planned a creative renovation of the 18-room motel. But the vision has grown, and the parties have assembled nearly 50 acres of property, including the 65,000-square-foot Blackinton Mill site north of the motel and 45 acres of former industrial land contiguous to it. The plan is to connect the properties and build a resort that will appeal to Millennials and young families in Brooklyn, Boston, and other communities.

“They’re primed to discover the Berkshires as a tourist destination,” Kerns said of the younger demographic. “Although the area has a lot for them, including music, art, and outdoor recreation, most hospitality properties are still targeting a much older demographic.

“We want to create a home for the next generation of Berkshire visitors,” she went on, “and plan to take a familiar site and reorient it back from the road toward the river and prioritize what new generations are looking for.”

A house that sits on the motel property will be renovated and turned into a central lodge, and an old farmhouse to the east on the newly purchased grounds will also be reimagined.

“This project is moving forward at an accelerated rate, and the goal is to have all 47 rooms completed a year from now when Mass MoCA completes its third phase of renovation; we feel that an economic renaissance is happening between North Adams and Williamstown, and we are at the center of it,” he continued, adding that a profound confluence of the Appalachian Trail, the Mohawk Trail, and the Hoosic River can be found on the property.

Thomas Krens, who once directed the Guggenheim Museum in New York and its overseas satellites, and was one of the driving forces behind the establishment of Mass MoCA, has proposed another project for North Adams: a $20 million model-railroading and architecture museum in Western Gateway Heritage State Park that has a footpath directly across from Mass MoCA’s south gate.

“The idea has been very, very well received by the state, the community, and the private sector,” Alcombright said, adding that the museum — which would be twice as large as the Miniatur Wunderland, a model-railway attraction in Hamburg, Germany that is presently the largest of its kind in the world — is expected to bring another 200,000 to 300,000 visitors to North Adams each year.

The Hoosic River Revival is another endeavor that promises to enhance North Adams and bring new life downtown by a radical revision of the existing flood-control system. A plan has been designed that will protect the city while making the waterway a focal point and promoting recreation along it that will enhance the city’s cultural and economic vitality.

The existing flood-protection system was built in the ’50s. It is bordered by a chain-link fence, runs through two and a half miles of the downtown area, and contains 45-foot-wide, three-sided concrete panels that are 10 to 15 feet high, which make it impossible for fish to live in that section of the river.

The project was spearheaded by resident Judy Grinnell in 2008, and since that time a dedicated coalition, which formed a nonprofit three years ago, has raised a total of $800,000 (including $575,000 from the state) for the revival.

“The river is an integral part of our downtown,” Grinnell noted, explaining that two branches bisect and merge at the end of the last building on the Mass MoCA complex.

The importance of the project was driven home when Hurricane Irene hit in 2011 and the river rose within two feet of the floodwalls.

“It was opportunistic that we started this project when we did because the system is aging. It is not going to flood any time soon, but three of the 20-foot panels have fallen in over the past 15 years, and six are leaning,” Grinnell noted, adding that officials are working with the Army Corps of Engineers, and a plan has been created that will include community gardens, a bike path, and other amenities designed to bring people downtown.

Last year the state Legislature appropriated $8.75 million for the project as part of an environmental and energy bond bill, and the nonprofit received $500,000 to design a half-mile section as a pilot project, which is in the approval process.

“The Hoosic River revival is an ecological project, but it’s also an economic-development project,” Grinnell said, citing other cities such as Providence, R.I., and San Antonio, Texas, where access to the riverfront has helped spur revitalization and create vibrant downtowns.

Changing Landscape

When Alcombright took office in 2010, North Adams had a $2.3 million budget deficit with $100,000 in reserve. Today, the city is in a much different position, and for the last two years has had a balanced budget with $1.6 million in reserve.

The mayor said taxpayers bore the brunt of the problem, but thanks to new projects underway, the city’s future is on a fast track to success.

A $30 million renovation of the former Silvio O. Conte Middle School that transformed it into Colgrove Park Elementary School was completed last winter, and the building opened in January. Nearly 80% of the cost is being reimbursed by the state, and the new school will add to the city’s appeal.

“We managed to sustain ourselves through the bad times, have built our way back up, and are starting to see growth; we’re on the upside of the hill and are starting to feel some excitement,” the mayor noted as he spoke about Mass MoCA and the private investments taking place.

Perry agreed. “North Adams is at a turning point,” he said. “When we decided to invest here, the regional hospital was shutting its doors, and now, almost two years later, it’s phenomenal to see the optimism and investments private developers are planning alongside major institutional achievements by places such as Mass MoCA and Williams College.”

North Adams at a Glance

Year Incorporated: 1878
Population: 13,354 (2014)
Area: 20.6 square miles
County: Berkshire
Residential Tax Rate: $17.39
Commercial Tax Rate: $37.93
Median Household Income: $41,531 (2013)
Family Household Income: $52,202 (2013)
Type of government: Mayor; City Council
Largest Employers: Crane & Co.; Northern Adams Regional Hospital; BFAIR Inc.
* Latest information available

Time Is Now for Economic Strategy

By BusinessWest Staff May 31, 2016

Opinion

Editorial

It’s called FutureCity 2026.

It used to be called FutureCity 2025, and, according to some of those who helped put it together, the first number on the title was 2022. That’s how long people have been working to pull together a comprehensive economic strategy for the city of Springfield. And we’re glad they persevered.

Because the city needs one.

This might not have been immediately apparent to those stakeholders assembled at CityStage last week to hear representatives of Newark Grubb Knight Frank, the global corporate-services company hired to create the report, deliver a synopsis. But by the end of the night, it should have been.

Indeed, while those presenting the Readers Digest version of the 300-page report certainly told those in attendance a lot of things they already knew — including the observations that Bradley Airport and I-91 are strategic assets for the city, and public-safety issues and the high cost of energy in Massachusetts are challenges and even liabilities — they also told them many things they probably didn’t know.

These include everything from the opinion of those at the Newark Group that this region should be aggressive in its pursuit of certain industry groups — from food and beverage manufacturers to backroom operations for financial-services companies — to the fact that maybe the biggest thing holding Springfield back right now is a shyness when it comes to loudly announcing its presence and its virtues.

“You can’t be humble,” Robert Hess, executive managing director of consulting for the Newark Group, told those assembled, a group comprised of city and regional economic-development leaders, businesses owners, and individuals interviewed by the plan’s creators during their many visits here.

And the city has been humble for way too long, but mostly for a very good reason, or several of them; it’s pretty easy for a city that a decade ago fell into receivership, has a downtown that, until very recently, hadn’t seen significant new construction in more than 30 years, and has been mostly stagnant since the early ’80s to be humble.

But not anymore. The city has, or soon will have, a $950 million casino, a revitalized century-old train station, an international company building subway cars, growing vibrancy downtown, and a healthy supply of new entrepreneurial energy, and it should no longer be shy about presenting its case to companies and site selectors across the company and around the world.

That’s one of the major recommendations in the report, but there are others, involving everything from sharpening the focus on workforce (or talent) development to downtown revitalization; from supporting and strengthening the small-business infrastructure to breaking down the silos erected by those working in economic development.

Moving forward on these recommendations will take many things, especially time, money, and, perhaps most importantly, commitment, but none of these should be allowed to become an obstacle.

That’s because, while the city has certainly come a long way in the past decade, it still has a long way to go, and instead of simply adding up the dollar figures from the projects in various stages of development and putting them up on a screen, it should be looking forward — and with a solid plan as it does so.

A plan is important because just about every city in the country is looking for the same things these days — vibrancy, young people, industry sectors to attract, and, above all else, jobs.

Most of these cities — although not as many from the Northeast, according to those at the Newark Group — are being very aggressive, proactive, and organized as they pursue all these things.

Springfield must develop these traits as well. And that’s why an economic-development strategy is so important.

Building Permits

By BusinessWest Staff May 31, 2016

Building Permits Departments

The following building permits were issued during the month of May 2016.

AMHERST

Jill Hathaway
13 Railroad St.
$39,000 — Install 30 solar panels on roof

CHICOPEE

Big Y Foods
650 Memorial Dr.
$21,000 — Renovations

City of Chicopee
110 Church St.
$75,000 — Renovate existing space to accommodate report writing area

Essentially Pourous Technologies
2255 Westover Road
$42,000 — Renovations

Reesg Properties, LLC
1600 Memorial Dr.
$7,500 — Renovate front of building

SMOC
11 Springfield St.
$188,000 — Bathroom renovations

GREENFIELD

Friendly’s
200 Mohawk Trail
$31,000 — Install new drive-thru window

Rosenberg Properties, LLC
311 Wells St.
$170,000 — Construct second-floor mezzanine in fermentation room and expand office space

Shred Vinayak Inc.
125 Mohawk Trail
$100,000 — Replace roof

Walter Tompkins Jr. Trustee
121 Wells St.
$18,000 — Replace shingles

LUDLOW

Kleeburg Mechanical Services
65 Westover Road
$134,000 — New roof

Ludlow Mill Housing
100 State St.
$17,000,000 — New construction

NORTHAMPTON

Emerald City Partners
17 New South St.
$116,000 — Add walls to create four offices

Joe-Mae Realty Associates
151 Main St.
$50,000 — Exterior renovations

Pun Family, LLC
176 Pine St.
$40,000 — Interior renovations

Smith College
8 Bedford Terrace
$21,000 — Install new roof

Sullivan & Sons, Inc.
82 North St.
$18,000 — Remodel 1,400 square feet of office space

PALMER

North Brookfield Saving Bank
1 Beacon Dr.
$25,000 — Refinishing teller line

SOUTH HADLEY

Center for Redevelopment
29 College St.
$20,500 – Renovate existing commercial offices

SPRINGFIELD

Baystate Health
759 Chestnut St.
$14,000 – Build alcove to accommodate scrub machine

Kaitlin O’Hara
100 Brookdale Dr.
$400,000 – Exterior renovations

Newport Development
379 Allen St.
$163,400 –Interior fit up for new tenant

Ronald McDonald House
34 Chapin Terrace
$67,000 – Renovate office, bathroom, and bedroom

Super Worcester, LLC
800 Worcester St.
$1,212,000 – Construction of a 9,975 SF addition

Virgiglio Property
91 Bartlett St.
$8,000 – Exterior renovations

Woodruff Realty
90Fiske Ave.
$36,000 – Convert warehouse to meeting/training room

Real Estate Transactions

By BusinessWest Staff May 31, 2016

Departments Real Estate

The following real estate transactions (latest available) were compiled by Banker & Tradesman and are published as they were received. Only transactions exceeding $115,000 are listed. Buyer and seller fields contain only the first name listed on the deed.

FRANKLIN COUNTY

BERNARDSTON

241 Couch Brook Road
Bernardston, MA 01337
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Darin S. Grant-Wolf
Seller: Dale V. Saunders
Date: 04/27/16

BUCKLAND

2 Sears St.
Buckland, MA 01338
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Town Of Buckland
Seller: Mayhew Steel Products Inc.
Date: 04/22/16

COLRAIN

299 Jacksonville Road
Colrain, MA 01340
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Sara J. Guidaboni
Seller: Judith A. Slowinski
Date: 04/22/16

DEERFIELD

73 Mill Village Road
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $291,438
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: George A. Petroff
Date: 04/28/16

383 River Road
Deerfield, MA 01342
Amount: $175,500
Buyer: Alan D. Aaron
Seller: Lawrence I. Berger
Date: 04/26/16

GREENFIELD

78 Beech St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $122,713
Buyer: USA HUD
Seller: Eric Trudeau
Date: 04/22/16

83 Crescent St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $227,000
Buyer: Jamie B. Pottern
Seller: Arthur J. Hannan
Date: 04/22/16

64 East Cleveland St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $212,500
Buyer: James H. Geisman
Seller: Barbara C. Mroz
Date: 04/26/16

90 High St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $171,000
Buyer: Mirinda L. Scappace
Seller: Frank R. Stumpo
Date: 04/27/16

Lampblack Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Dylan A. Lucas
Seller: Susan B. Riggsby
Date: 04/19/16

37 Mary Potter Lane
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: David Howe
Seller: Dennis L. Skoglund
Date: 04/28/16

146 Oakland St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Matthew Weeden
Seller: Kim A. Cole
Date: 04/21/16

163 South Shelburne Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: Faythe H. Petrin
Seller: Kanti D. Patidar
Date: 04/22/16

MONTAGUE

18 Franklin St.
Montague, MA 01349
Amount: $127,000
Buyer: Charon Hill-Natle
Seller: Robert D. Roberts
Date: 04/22/16

68 Oakman St.
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $198,000
Buyer: Christina M. Couture
Seller: Donald H. Clark
Date: 04/29/16

ORANGE

109 Pleasant St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $133,500
Buyer: Peter C. True
Seller: Reuben, Anne, (Estate)
Date: 04/22/16

241 Walnut Hill Road
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $192,500
Buyer: Jason A. Zanga
Date: 04/29/16

ROWE

4 Stone Hill Road
Rowe, MA 01367
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Edward J. Silva
Seller: ASC T
Date: 04/29/16

SHELBURNE

360 Patten Road
Shelburne, MA 01370
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Colin K. Garland
Seller: Patten Hill Farm TR
Date: 04/22/16

SHUTESBURY

14 Old Egypt Road
Shutesbury, MA 01072
Amount: $239,000
Buyer: Phillip W. Leab
Seller: Barbara L. Franck
Date: 04/20/16

SUNDERLAND

145 Plumtree Road
Sunderland, MA 01375
Amount: $550,000
Buyer: Paul Stavropulos
Seller: Christopher L. Barnes
Date: 04/26/16

WARWICK

569 Orange Road
Warwick, MA 01378
Amount: $384,000
Buyer: Dereck G. Dowler
Seller: George A. Mexcur
Date: 04/29/16

WHATELY

Masterson Road
Whately, MA 01093
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: DNPL LLC
Seller: FS RT
Date: 04/20/16

HAMPDEN COUNTY

AGAWAM

404 Adams St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Thomas F. Cusack
Seller: Douglas E. Glenn
Date: 04/29/16

8-C Castle Hill Road
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $176,000
Buyer: Caroline T. Smith
Seller: Paul D. Work
Date: 04/29/16

40 Dartmouth St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $176,500
Buyer: Patrick T. Bowen
Seller: Nicholas W. Thibault
Date: 04/29/16

138 Elmar Dr.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Robert Reyome
Seller: Gina G. Daniele
Date: 04/22/16

95 Forest Road
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Jennifer Newton
Seller: Anna M. Szymanska
Date: 04/28/16

17 Liswell Dr.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Keith D. Poirier
Seller: FNMA
Date: 04/29/16

940 Main St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $199,900
Buyer: David R. Missildine
Seller: Michael J. Fournier
Date: 04/27/16

114 Mallard Circle
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $284,000
Buyer: Barry P. Ward
Seller: David J. Vanderboom
Date: 04/29/16

21 Senator Ave.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $222,000
Buyer: Diane L. Dow
Seller: Alexei Cricun
Date: 04/20/16

4 Sherwood Dr.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: Christopher P. Pisano
Seller: Keith E. Weppler
Date: 04/28/16

277 Silver St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $835,000
Buyer: Wejjal LLC
Seller: SFM Realty Partnership
Date: 04/19/16

355-357 Springfield St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $149,000
Seller: Paula E. Provost
Date: 04/21/16

55-57 Walnut St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $181,220
Buyer: David C. McCutchen
Seller: Maryia V. Hancharonak
Date: 04/22/16

BLANDFORD

Crooks Road
Blandford, MA 01008
Amount: $540,000
Buyer: Gregoire Girard
Seller: Donna M. Gamble
Date: 04/22/16

BRIMFIELD

21 Warren Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: John S. Artruc
Seller: Leodore H. Gelineau
Date: 04/25/16

CHESTER

275 Goss Hill Road
Chester, MA 01011
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Deane R. Messeck
Seller: Michael W. Crochiere
Date: 04/29/16

147 Skyline Trail
Chester, MA 01011
Amount: $273,000
Buyer: Karl M. Hirschegger
Seller: Douglas G. Balch
Date: 04/21/16

CHICOPEE

190 Blanchard St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Jonathan Dejesus
Seller: Luis Builders Inc.
Date: 04/29/16

36 Catherine St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $119,900
Buyer: R. Rodriguez-Almodovar
Seller: US Bank
Date: 04/28/16

25 Fairview Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $256,000
Buyer: Anthony Eichstaedt
Seller: Michael Hebb
Date: 04/29/16

259 Fletcher Circle
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Brandon J. Francis
Seller: Sindler Nina, (Estate)
Date: 04/19/16

90 Goodhue Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Brian J. Millett
Seller: Michael T. Baker
Date: 04/21/16

93 Lombard St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $115,000
Buyer: Thomas Fregeau
Seller: Joseph R. Wysk
Date: 04/29/16

118 Lukasik St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $117,587
Buyer: Bonnie L. Bresette
Seller: USA HUD
Date: 04/27/16

68 Mandalay Road
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $172,000
Buyer: Kenneth J. Vieu
Seller: Alyssa M. Os
Date: 04/29/16

24 Marion St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $116,822
Buyer: Citifinancial Servicing
Seller: James C. Villemaire
Date: 04/20/16

30 Mary St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $142,000
Buyer: Michael Parnell
Seller: Katherine L. Martins
Date: 04/22/16

18 Morgan Circle
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $310,300
Buyer: Donald J. Blanchard
Seller: CRA Holdings Inc.
Date: 04/21/16

49 Norman St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $166,000
Buyer: Veronica Perez
Seller: Jack P. Roy
Date: 04/29/16

449 Oldfield Road
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $174,900
Buyer: Michael C. Clemente
Seller: Linda L. Zebrowski
Date: 04/29/16

52 Sampson St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $139,500
Buyer: Paul J. Kelly
Seller: Terese I. Clapp
Date: 04/26/16

25 Stewart St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $142,000
Buyer: Jose M. Astacio
Seller: Shawn Keeley
Date: 04/29/16

75 Warwick Road
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Rhonda-Marie E. Haska
Seller: Danasko, Charles E., (Estate)
Date: 04/29/16

1974 Westover Road
Chicopee, MA 01022
Amount: $810,000
Buyer: Guidewire Inc.
Seller: LSHD Advertising Inc.
Date: 04/27/16

53 William St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $186,000
Buyer: Richard G. Brisebois
Seller: Daniel D. Block
Date: 04/19/16

EAST LONGMEADOW

23 Barnum St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Damaris Ossers
Seller: JJB Builders Corp.
Date: 04/29/16

195 Canterbury Circle
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Karen E. Murphy
Seller: Dan Roulier & Associates
Date: 04/29/16

12 Chadwyck Lane
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Joseph M. Sweeney
Seller: Michael Lavelle
Date: 04/29/16

12 Dale St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: David Drozdowski
Seller: Debora A. Lavelli
Date: 04/19/16

28 Edmund St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $314,900
Buyer: William R. Notartomaso
Seller: Nu-Way Homes Inc.
Date: 04/29/16

41 Fields Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $414,000
Buyer: Celeste C. Benoit
Seller: DR Chestnut LLC
Date: 04/22/16

18 Merriam St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $250,900
Buyer: Sean N. Hammond
Seller: Veronica O’Neil
Date: 04/29/16

300 Pease Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $324,900
Buyer: Cassandra J. Terry
Seller: Ann M. Basiel
Date: 04/19/16

181 Pleasant St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $154,500
Buyer: Gordon T. Daponte-Burson
Seller: Greg A. Slachta
Date: 04/25/16

550 Shaker Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Vitaliy Voznyuk
Seller: Rydell, Richard A., (Estate)
Date: 04/28/16

54 Sutton Place
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $363,000
Buyer: Jose F. Diaz
Seller: John Mickiewicz
Date: 04/19/16

HAMPDEN

166 Allen St.
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Nathan R. Plumb
Seller: Thomas Petzold
Date: 04/28/16

12 Old Coach Circle
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $256,000
Buyer: Michael J. Bagge
Seller: Lauria A. Thiesse
Date: 04/20/16

47 Old Coach Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: George C. Sarkis
Seller: Random Properties Acquisition Corp. 3
Date: 04/19/16

122 Stony Hill Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Buyer: Kathryn E. O’Sullivan
Seller: Carole W. Bunnell
Date: 04/27/16

HOLLAND

14 Brimfield Road
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Jillian M. Jakson
Seller: Teema R. Boies
Date: 04/28/16

19 Island Road
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $550,000
Buyer: Paul J. Les
Seller: John W. Phelps
Date: 04/22/16

101 Sandy Beach Road
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Michael Viens
Seller: Stephen Moreau
Date: 04/27/16

HOLYOKE

397 Apremont Hwy.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Charles C. Paulson
Seller: Justin Laliberte
Date: 04/28/16

25 Belvidere Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $149,175
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Keith J. Czerwiec
Date: 04/25/16

86 Brookline Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Jessenia Gerena
Seller: Lyndsay Pisano
Date: 04/28/16

14 Field St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $216,000
Buyer: Christopher S. Savino
Seller: Steven Reno
Date: 04/29/16

3 Hawthorne Lane
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $345,100
Buyer: Elizabeth L. Atkins
Seller: Scott F. Defelice
Date: 04/29/16

Kelly Way
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: RS Holyoke 3 LLC
Seller: Kelly Way LLC
Date: 04/20/16

97 Martin St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $159,900
Buyer: Laura E. Matta
Seller: Kai Lantz
Date: 04/28/16

1208 Northampton St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $172,000
Buyer: Matthew S. Cronin
Seller: Heidi Silverman
Date: 04/21/16

579 Northampton St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $175,056
Buyer: Nistha LLC
Seller: Sudhir Patel
Date: 04/20/16

619 South Summer St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Maria Bermudez
Seller: Filibert Bermudez-Alicea
Date: 04/28/16

195 Sycamore St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $124,500
Buyer: Matthew V. Abelli
Seller: Donald R. Todd
Date: 04/29/16

37 Sycamore St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $151,500
Buyer: Luis A. Torres
Seller: Dorene A. Archambault
Date: 04/29/16

344 West Franklin St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Anne C. Pratt
Seller: Hsiu-Li C. Kelley
Date: 04/19/16

LONGMEADOW

206 Bel Air Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Robert Gevanthor
Seller: Christina Rinaldi
Date: 04/22/16

62 Bliss Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $207,000
Buyer: Trisha Butterworth
Seller: Corinne Ewing
Date: 04/29/16

18 Blokland Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Venkatrao Medarametla
Seller: William T. McCarry
Date: 04/20/16

90 Chiswick St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Angela Liebel
Seller: Mohammad J. Ashraf
Date: 04/22/16

81 Concord Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $357,000
Buyer: Mark U. Chan
Seller: Donna M. Polverini
Date: 04/19/16

68 Lawnwood Ave.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $197,500
Buyer: Jabob Youso
Seller: David M. Skowron
Date: 04/29/16

100 Salem Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $422,500
Seller: Dennis L. Dewrance
Date: 04/21/16

83 Shady Knoll Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $264,000
Buyer: Jennifer L. Neil
Seller: Rudolf W. Haagsma
Date: 04/29/16

54 Sheffield Ave.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Glenn A. Mellis
Seller: Joseph J. Frangie
Date: 04/27/16

181 Twin Hills Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $650,000
Buyer: Celso E. Dias
Seller: Zaheer Karim
Date: 04/28/16

1231 Williams St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $545,000
Buyer: Bryan Adams
Seller: Michael E. Chagnon
Date: 04/21/16

78 Wimbleton Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $399,000
Buyer: Ali O. Koseoglu
Seller: Robert E. Gevanthor
Date: 04/22/16

LUDLOW

3 Auburn St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Sergey Kulyak
Seller: Bank New York
Date: 04/22/16

19 Carmelinas Circle
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $187,500
Seller: John Chelo
Date: 04/29/16

372 Holyoke St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Michael Napolitano
Seller: Doris M. Roberts
Date: 04/29/16

66 John St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Barbara Beckwith
Date: 04/27/16

242 Kendall St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Zaida M. Watts
Seller: Morais Enterprises LLC
Date: 04/29/16

260 Prospect St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: Bryan J. Forbes
Seller: Krista L. Ouimette
Date: 04/28/16

147 Reynolds St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Brendan J. Hurst
Seller: Sapphire Property Dev. LLC
Date: 04/27/16

MONSON

4 Country Club Lane
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Thomas S. Ngan
Seller: Peter D. Hull
Date: 04/22/16

296 Main St.
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Therese D. Arbour
Seller: Mary J. Russell
Date: 04/27/16

172 Palmer Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $159,500
Buyer: Marie Dyer
Seller: Richard A. Matzko
Date: 04/25/16

108 Town Farm Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Robert F. Arbour
Seller: Therese D. Arbour
Date: 04/22/16

122 Town Farm Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Gregory J. Feldman
Seller: Richard P. Roman
Date: 04/27/16

PALMER

5 Anderson St.
Palmer, MA 01080
Amount: $120,700
Buyer: Natasha M. Bleau
Seller: Darlene D. Daniels
Date: 04/22/16

2029 Central St.
Palmer, MA 01080
Amount: $119,163
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Lawrence S. Allard
Date: 04/20/16

4 Cheney St.
Palmer, MA 01080
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Richard Theriault
Seller: Raymond L. Tenczar
Date: 04/28/16

2025 Cross St.
Palmer, MA 01080
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Dennis S. Doyle
Seller: Elaine C. Hodgman
Date: 04/29/16

43 French Dr.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $173,000
Buyer: Daniel J. Mackenzie
Seller: Holly Olson
Date: 04/28/16

4048 Main St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Gabriel Cordeiro
Seller: Ronald F. Paul
Date: 04/19/16

N/A
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Lawrence E. Akers
Seller: Timothy W. Irving
Date: 04/27/16

1064 Park St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Scott Stuckenbruck
Seller: Sligo Realty Co. LLC
Date: 04/29/16

1313 Park St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Stephen Stathis
Seller: Rejean StAmand
Date: 04/28/16

31 Summer St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $159,000
Buyer: Sebastian E. Lamoureux
Seller: Marie E. Henderson
Date: 04/22/16

RUSSELL

372 Pine Hill Road
Russell, MA 01071
Amount: $303,000
Buyer: Thomas M. Skrodzki
Seller: Jerald L. Reinford
Date: 04/21/16

SOUTHWICK

100 Berkshire Ave.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Norman W. Cheever
Seller: William H. Wilson
Date: 04/29/16

12 Foster Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $217,000
Buyer: Ashley Davis
Seller: Ruthine A. Williams-Baron
Date: 04/26/16

167 Fred Jackson Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $318,000
Buyer: Dale S. Griffin
Seller: Denise L. Kane-Peterson
Date: 04/29/16

6 Gloria Dr.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $227,000
Buyer: Melissa D. Sharpe
Seller: Walter E. Drenen
Date: 04/29/16

55 Honey Pot Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $309,000
Buyer: Lynne R. Mulligan
Seller: Deberlee Rice
Date: 04/27/16

SPRINGFIELD

129 Acrebrook Road
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Tia N. Godette
Seller: Kenneth Norris
Date: 04/22/16

63 Agnes St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $163,000
Buyer: Luis Sostre
Seller: Rosa L. Amaro
Date: 04/29/16

14 Annies Way
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Erin E. Mahar
Seller: Bretta Construction LLC
Date: 04/21/16

95 Bairdcrest Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $149,900
Buyer: Daniel Scagliarini
Seller: Michael P. Cremonini
Date: 04/22/16

82-84 Beaumont St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: Eveline Cherident
Seller: Leon Hutt
Date: 04/29/16

742 Belmont Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $200,500
Buyer: Shawn M. Summers
Seller: Robert G. Ferron
Date: 04/19/16

1243 Berkshire Ave.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $157,309
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Kenneth B. Jekot
Date: 04/27/16

32-34 Berkshire St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $173,000
Buyer: Carlos Rosario
Seller: Patrick I. Phillips
Date: 04/29/16

333 Boston Road
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $600,000
Buyer: Boston Road RT
Seller: Boston Road Alliance LLC
Date: 04/19/16

43 Brandon Ave.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $156,346
Buyer: Wilmington Savings Fund Society
Seller: Jade Belle-Isle
Date: 04/22/16

115 Bronson Terrace
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $144,000
Buyer: Miguel Zapata
Seller: Next Level Real Estate Solutions
Date: 04/26/16

190 Brookdale Dr.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: AJD Brookdale LLC
Seller: Fastenal Co.
Date: 04/25/16

28-30 Bryant St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Kalpesh Patel
Seller: Leon Hutt
Date: 04/28/16

126 Bulat Dr.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Julie M. Lavallee
Seller: Angel R. Ruiz
Date: 04/25/16

69 Carew Terrace
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $119,000
Buyer: Catherine Torres
Seller: Charles Sotiropoulos
Date: 04/29/16

1157-1159 Carew St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Buyer: Yartiza M. Rodriguez
Seller: Myriam Rivera
Date: 04/22/16

378 Central St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: Maria S. Ware
Seller: North End Housing Initiative
Date: 04/28/16

17 Chase Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Tara A. Frater
Seller: Diversified Real Estate LLC
Date: 04/19/16

230-232 College St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $119,000
Buyer: Olmstead RT
Seller: Hallerin Realty LLP
Date: 04/27/16

249 College St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Jeremy Rivera
Seller: Larry P. Borden
Date: 04/26/16

75 Deepfield Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Michael A. Rodriguez
Seller: Edward J. Haluch
Date: 04/19/16

849 Dickinson St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $155,500
Buyer: Matthew R. Dintzner
Seller: Richard F. Dintzner
Date: 04/21/16

235 Dorset St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $118,000
Buyer: Rudolph W. Haagsma
Seller: Peter A. Bernard
Date: 04/29/16

60 Embassy Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $169,000
Buyer: Nicolino Iavicoli
Seller: Borgy LLC
Date: 04/19/16

90 Fairfield St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $129,000
Buyer: Lamont R. Lewis
Seller: J&M Property & Dev. LLC
Date: 04/25/16

33-35 Gold St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $186,000
Buyer: Angela Burton-Mason
Seller: R2R LLC
Date: 04/20/16

40 Harkness Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $179,900
Buyer: Zoe R. McCaskill
Seller: Diane L. Dow
Date: 04/20/16

200 Jeffrey Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: F. A. Miranda-Rodriguez
Seller: Colette M. Sergey
Date: 04/29/16

224 Jeffrey Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $152,000
Buyer: Neycha Diaz
Seller: David Drozdowski
Date: 04/19/16

69 Jenness St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $118,800
Buyer: Wells Fargo Bank
Seller: Emilio Narvaez
Date: 04/22/16

199 Laurelton St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $127,900
Buyer: Pedro J. Martinez
Seller: Anthony Carnevale
Date: 04/22/16

80 Leitch St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $115,000
Buyer: Miguel A. Lopez
Seller: William C. Foucher
Date: 04/29/16

37 Lynebrook Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $143,766
Buyer: Wilmington Trust
Seller: Mildred Colon
Date: 04/20/16

264 Newhouse St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $151,000
Buyer: Stephanie E. Moore
Seller: Thomas F. Connors
Date: 04/22/16

103 Northway Dr.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Joseph J. Griffin
Seller: Segismund Sharpe
Date: 04/26/16

269 Oak Hollow Road
Springfield, MA 01128
Amount: $188,000
Buyer: George Vasquez
Seller: Eric J. Blair
Date: 04/29/16

24 Pine Hill Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $151,000
Buyer: Scott D. Silloway
Seller: Ellen M. Brennan
Date: 04/29/16

1082 Plumtree Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $213,081
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Aurora Pumarejo
Date: 04/22/16

46-48 Quebec St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $194,011
Buyer: Wells Fargo Bank
Seller: Joe C. Silva
Date: 04/26/16

87 Quincy St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $197,683
Buyer: Deutsche Bank
Seller: Othoniel Rosario
Date: 04/19/16

80 Redden St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $161,300
Buyer: Mary A. Dinoia
Seller: Alfonso Dimaio
Date: 04/27/16

85 Redden St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $159,900
Buyer: Briana Butler
Seller: Allan A. Dimaio
Date: 04/27/16

68 Rockland St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $148,500
Buyer: Bank of America
Seller: Martha M. Aldrich
Date: 04/29/16

127 Sawmill Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Gregory P. Webster
Seller: William M. Herchuck
Date: 04/29/16

17 Sunridge Dr.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $119,000
Buyer: Jean K. Alban
Seller: Omar Alban
Date: 04/28/16

425 Trafton Road
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Sean C. Hemingway
Seller: Lauren E. Fiorentino
Date: 04/20/16

92 Upton St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Juan J. Taveras
Seller: Peter K. Sacuta
Date: 04/29/16

64 Vail St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $128,000
Buyer: Sheneil J. Duncan
Seller: Adam D. Nowakowski
Date: 04/22/16

186 Wildwood Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $194,000
Buyer: Rodney A. Shively
Seller: Justin L. Kent
Date: 04/27/16

WESTFIELD

79 Birch Bluffs Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $209,900
Buyer: Anthony P. Galcenski
Seller: Troy C. Collins
Date: 04/21/16

12 Denise Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $175,400
Buyer: Jacqueline L. Gelgut
Seller: Frances M. Walas
Date: 04/29/16

82 East Silver St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $250,500
Buyer: Henry Zayas
Seller: Scott E. Mulligan
Date: 04/27/16

268 Granville Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $303,000
Buyer: Thomas Stewart
Seller: Anthony P. Galcenski
Date: 04/21/16

28 Green Pine Lane
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $239,500
Buyer: Benjamin J. Leclair
Seller: Joanne M. Hennessey
Date: 04/29/16

71 Lindbergh Blvd.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Timothy J. Collins
Seller: Maureen E. Fitzgerald
Date: 04/29/16

60 Old Stage Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Pavlo Shmyglya
Seller: Christopher M. Robare
Date: 04/28/16

143 Southwick Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: John K. Grater
Seller: Paul E. Fritz
Date: 04/28/16

2 Sylvan Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $224,900
Buyer: Kevin W. Rowe
Seller: Cheryl A. Denardo
Date: 04/25/16

37 Violet Circle
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Matthew G. Schulte
Seller: Kopatz Construction Inc.
Date: 04/29/16

2 Walker Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: David J. Bishop
Seller: FHLM
Date: 04/26/16

Zephyr Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Colleen M. Dell
Seller: Jack H. Klaubert
Date: 04/19/16

25 Zephyr Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Colleen M. Dell
Seller: Jack H. Klaubert
Date: 04/19/16

WILBRAHAM

48 Brainard Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $301,000
Buyer: Scott M. Gierlich
Seller: Lee K. Garvey
Date: 04/20/16

10 Briar Cliff Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $550,000
Buyer: Rhae A. Kennedy
Seller: Raymond L. Belden
Date: 04/29/16

21 Carla Lane
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $435,000
Buyer: Wonhong Lee
Seller: Custom Homes Dev. Group
Date: 04/29/16

23 Leemond St.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $258,000
Buyer: Tonya L. Basch
Seller: Francis J. Flanagan
Date: 04/28/16

6 Longview Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Donald F. Bready
Seller: William G. Baker
Date: 04/29/16

560 Main St.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Michael W. Rita
Seller: Catherine J. Olson
Date: 04/29/16

911 Main St.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $123,000
Buyer: Sherry A. Marchessault
Seller: Marilyn E. Spears
Date: 04/22/16

65 Monson Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $485,000
Buyer: Kathleen McEvoy
Seller: John M. Kirwan
Date: 04/25/16

4 Pomeroy St.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Luc Petit
Seller: Mary A. Dinoia
Date: 04/27/16

2 Soule Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Richard L. Lodigiani
Seller: Raymond L. Roy
Date: 04/25/16

916 Stony Hill Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Joseph M. Varney
Seller: Richard W. Gheen
Date: 04/29/16

7 Wilbraview Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $239,000
Buyer: Barbara I. Ekstrom
Seller: Eduardo H. Vela
Date: 04/29/16

WEST SPRINGFIELD

45 Bayberry Lane
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $355,000
Buyer: Mazin Mahdi
Seller: Michael Laverdiere
Date: 04/29/16

30 Burke Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Jamie L. Drollett
Seller: Ernest J. Labranche
Date: 04/27/16

40 Churchill Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Sarah M. Greenway
Seller: Bauer, Virginia M., (Estate)
Date: 04/29/16

496 Dewey St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $214,900
Buyer: William Gallacher
Seller: Shelley S. Armstrong
Date: 04/29/16

186 Greystone Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: National Equity Inc.
Seller: Kevin Wolk
Date: 04/22/16

244 Greystone Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $228,000
Buyer: Stephen P. Burke
Seller: Louise S. Black
Date: 04/26/16

307 Hillcrest Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $178,000
Buyer: Erin J. Saunders
Seller: Mark A. Vincze
Date: 04/26/16

83 Labelle St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $149,800
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Barbara E. Bligh
Date: 04/21/16

216 Lancaster Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $139,500
Buyer: Jeffrey D. Paquin
Seller: Judith Stokowski
Date: 04/26/16

1010 Morgan Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Jacob R. Larivee
Seller: Daniel A. Gallagher
Date: 04/28/16

109 Morton St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $117,900
Buyer: Nationstar Mortgage LLC
Seller: Dominic F. Zucco
Date: 04/29/16

1457 Riverdale St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $840,000
Buyer: 1457 Riverdale Street LLC
Seller: Aardvark Property Holdings
Date: 04/29/16

28 Sheridan Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $168,000
Buyer: Jenifer L. Laposta
Seller: Barry P. Ward
Date: 04/22/16

188 Sibley Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $248,000
Buyer: Andrey A. Mozolevskiy
Seller: Dennis F. Douglas
Date: 04/29/16

186 Sikes Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: CIG 2 LLC
Seller: MHFA
Date: 04/19/16

181 Wayside Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: SSG Holdings LLC
Seller: Wayside West LLC
Date: 04/29/16

1662 Westfield St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $177,000
Buyer: Wilfredo Ortiz
Date: 04/22/16

62 Wolcott Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Adam Delvalle
Seller: Paul L. Gil
Date: 04/28/16

100 Wolcott Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $215,900
Buyer: Troy Collins
Seller: Robert R. Lover
Date: 04/21/16

318 Woodmont St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Raymond M. Brainard
Seller: Croken, Edward D., (Estate)
Date: 04/22/16

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY

AMHERST

111 Dana St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $374,500
Buyer: Yufeng Xiao
Seller: Dorothy A. Hartman
Date: 04/26/16

11 Duxbury Lane
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $234,000
Buyer: Michael Famighette
Seller: Scott M. Auerbach
Date: 04/22/16

16 McClellan St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $213,000
Buyer: Historic Renovations
Seller: Mary R. Mazzei
Date: 04/26/16

50 Meadow St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $134,500
Buyer: Ying Liu
Seller: Yang Zhang
Date: 04/29/16

355 Montague Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $235,400
Buyer: Linda A. Arsenault
Seller: Hawes, Sarah L., (Estate)
Date: 04/20/16

55 Pokeberry Ridge
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $515,000
Buyer: Sharon G. Teitelbaum
Seller: Henry E. Whitlock
Date: 04/25/16

Teawaddle Lane
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Laura B. Sayre
Seller: Coddington LLP
Date: 04/21/16

26 Whippletree Lane
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $345,000
Buyer: David M. Fay
Seller: Patricia A. Mercaitis
Date: 04/29/16

BELCHERTOWN

490 Bardwell St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $274,000
Buyer: Alison M. Gedney
Seller: Kimberly A. McCoubrey
Date: 04/22/16

396 Michael Sears Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $257,000
Buyer: Christopher A. Rivers
Seller: Gary F. Labak
Date: 04/27/16

N/A
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Seiha Krouch
Seller: Kresna Krouch
Date: 04/20/16

12 Oakwood Dr.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $241,000
Buyer: Kevin J. Fitzgerald
Seller: Eric J. Fitzgerald
Date: 04/22/16

41 Oasis St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $469,000
Buyer: Melissa A. Madden
Seller: Tiffani T. Huynh
Date: 04/19/16

61 South Washington St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $362,000
Buyer: Frederick B. Allen
Seller: Carriage Town Homes LLC
Date: 04/27/16

90 Turkey Hill Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Daniela Speas
Seller: FHLM
Date: 04/21/16

CHESTERFIELD

369 Main Road
Chesterfield, MA 01012
Amount: $120,500
Buyer: Kevin McCarthy
Seller: Samuel W. Crompton
Date: 04/25/16

31 Smith Road
Chesterfield, MA 01012
Amount: $182,000
Buyer: Daniel C. White
Seller: Arnold Skolnick

EASTHAMPTON

5 Ely Ave.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $262,102
Buyer: Bank of America
Seller: Roy J. Ginter
Date: 04/27/16

57 Florence Road
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $234,500
Buyer: Michael M. Dunphy
Seller: Kimberly A. Morse
Date: 04/29/16

4 Louise Ave.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $339,000
Buyer: Alexander R. Barron
Seller: Richard D. Pitcher
Date: 04/29/16

21 Willow Circle
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $356,000
Buyer: Justin A. Laliberte
Seller: Crown Meadow Corp.
Date: 04/22/16

GRANBY

76 Chicopee St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Scott W. Peacey
Seller: Howard L. Weston
Date: 04/29/16

501 East State St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $278,500
Buyer: Adam M. Carmody
Seller: Grenier FT
Date: 04/21/16

158 Kendall St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Jonathan F. Chiarizio
Seller: David A. Strycharz
Date: 04/19/16

HADLEY

5 Aloha Dr.
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $291,000
Buyer: Jonathan Schneider
Seller: Judith A. Berger
Date: 04/27/16

12 Indian Pipe Dr.
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $850,000
Buyer: Eagle Pine Holdings LLC
Seller: Bercume Construction LLC
Date: 04/20/16

HATFIELD

31-B Elm St.
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $404,678
Buyer: Margo Rice
Seller: Northeast Ent. Realty Partnership
Date: 04/27/16

205 Linseed Road
Hatfield, MA 01088
Amount: $259,500
Buyer: Nancy L. Suniewick
Seller: Stephen M. Curtis
Date: 04/29/16

43 Straits Road
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $404,600
Buyer: Paul M. Kelly
Seller: Sharon L. Crow
Date: 04/28/16

134 West St.
Hatfield, MA 01088
Amount: $258,000
Buyer: Kimberly Judd
Seller: Mullins, Janet F., (Estate)
Date: 04/20/16

NORTHAMPTON

556 Burts Pit Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Kevin L. Young
Seller: Timothy A. Reilly
Date: 04/19/16

40 Center St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $479,000
Buyer: Everyday Mindfulness LLC
Seller: Bowen RET
Date: 04/19/16

71 Columbus Ave.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $535,000
Buyer: Heather R. Pon-Barry
Seller: Robert L. Parfet
Date: 04/28/16

8 Edwards Square
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Edward L. McGuire
Seller: Saint Valentine Polish
Date: 04/19/16

57 Ford Xing
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $460,533
Buyer: Josee S. Goldin
Seller: Kent Pecoy & Sons Construction
Date: 04/29/16

Grove Ave.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Emily H. Sparkle
Seller: John F. Skibiski Realty
Date: 04/27/16

8 Hancock St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $459,000
Buyer: Denise Orenstein
Seller: Donald E. Joseph
Date: 04/29/16

9 Mountain St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Natasha R. Tauscher
Seller: Bernard Sherman IRT
Date: 04/20/16

504 North King St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Shweta D. Patel
Seller: Vinu V. Patel
Date: 04/29/16

410 North Main St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Seth J. Mias
Seller: Michael F. Cronin
Date: 04/25/16

109 North Maple St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Anthony Kitchen
Seller: Gagnon, Marion E., (Estate)
Date: 04/19/16

223 Prospect St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Meghan E. Smith
Seller: Ann E. Barker
Date: 04/26/16

36 Sovereign Way
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $478,000
Buyer: John Curran
Seller: Shelley Lake
Date: 04/26/16

54 Whittier St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Elhafid Assab
Seller: Paul & Shirley Authier TR
Date: 04/28/16

PELHAM

130 Harkness Road
Pelham, MA 01002
Amount: $550,000
Buyer: Tyrone A. Parham
Seller: Harry N. Seymour
Date: 04/28/16

SOUTH HADLEY

51 Bolton St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $174,900
Buyer: Meghan E. Curto
Seller: Adam M. Carmody
Date: 04/20/16

63 Judd Ave.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $212,500
Buyer: Dan W. Malone
Seller: Matthew J. O’Brien
Date: 04/22/16

102 Mountain View St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: Alyssa M. Os
Seller: Joan M. Os
Date: 04/29/16

137 Old Lyman Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $143,000
Buyer: Robert A. Mann
Seller: USA VA
Date: 04/19/16

63 Pearl St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Greg R. Quimby
Seller: Lawrence M. Goodyear
Date: 04/25/16

99 Richview Ave.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $168,500
Buyer: Mary I. Richi
Seller: Ezekiel W. Kimball
Date: 04/26/16

8 Riverlodge Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $389,000
Buyer: David D. Dybski
Seller: Patrick J. Spring
Date: 04/22/16

10 Spring St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $119,900
Buyer: 4 Seasons Prop. Maintenance
Seller: US Bank
Date: 04/22/16

SOUTHAMPTON

100 Crooked Ledge Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: David M. Johndrow
Seller: Daniel Pellegrini
Date: 04/28/16

4 Manhan Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Joseph B. Cyr
Seller: Jens M. Michaelsen
Date: 04/20/16

9 Old Harvest Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $480,000
Buyer: Christopher Lawler
Seller: L. P. Audette Builders Inc.
Date: 04/26/16

119 Pleasant St.
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $311,250
Buyer: Elizabeth A. Ryan
Seller: Anthony J. Szumowski
Date: 04/22/16

12 Russellville Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Justin T. Skoronski
Seller: David J. Flood
Date: 04/29/16

3 Sara Lane
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $128,500
Buyer: Bellinger Construction
Seller: Edward H. Gwinner
Date: 04/29/16

WARE

63 Babcock Tavern Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: James D. O’Hara
Seller: Michael J. Riordan
Date: 04/29/16

89 Church St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: William P. Koetsch
Seller: Robert Sorel
Date: 04/28/16

182 Monson Turnpike Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $187,000
Buyer: George Stockdale
Seller: Anthony Eichstaedt
Date: 04/29/16

37 Moriarty Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $193,000
Buyer: Kenneth E. Creigle
Seller: Nancy A. Ackerman
Date: 04/22/16

288 Osborne Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $316,900
Buyer: Anthony Naglieri
Seller: Joel Harder
Date: 04/29/16

347 Palmer Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Emily N. Peddle
Seller: Kirk A. Letendre
Date: 04/28/16

18 Sherwin St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $144,900
Buyer: Erin Reynolds
Seller: Peggy L. Vershon
Date: 04/29/16

WILLIAMSBURG

40 Adams Road
Williamsburg, MA 01039
Amount: $177,500
Buyer: Kenneth E. Botnick
Seller: Jose R. Garcia
Date: 04/28/16

9 Kingsley Ave.
Williamsburg, MA 01060
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Suzanne N. Goodwin
Seller: Robert C. Genova
Date: 04/29/16

43 Village Hill Road
Williamsburg, MA 01096
Buyer: Mark J. Larareo
Seller: Mary K. Kruzel NT
Date: 04/26/16

Doing Business As Certificates

By BusinessWest Staff May 31, 2016

DBA Certificates Departments

The following Business Certificates and Trade Names were issued or renewed during the month of May 2016.

AGAWAM

Cost Cutters
856 Suffield St.
Abigail Allen

DelMar Home Decor
96 Bradford Dr.
Pamela Madison

Doug’s Window
39 Hunting Lane
Douglas LeBlanc

General Clean Company
30 Joanne Circle
Dominik Dasilva

The Style Cottage
674 Springfield St.
Marybeth Degen

GREENFIELD

Earthsaver
172 Highland Ave.
John Bailey

Essence Holistic Skincare
278 Main St.
Rachel Arnold

Magical Child
134 Main St.
Jessica Mullins

Retouch Pros
327 Chapman St.
Linda Mullaney

The Root Cellar
10 Fiske Ave.
Jacob W. Rheinheimer

Wicked Owl Coffee
82 School St.
Ioanis D. Triov

HOLYOKE

EZ Storage
623 South Summer St.
Javier Gonzalez

LA Lechonera
24 Jones Ferry Road
Eduardo Cumba

M & M Mini Mart
46 Franklin St.
Naz Naji

New York Nails
778 Homestead Ave.
Karen Spear

Red Robin
27 Holyoke St.
Alta Butler

LUDLOW

Avid Auto Sales
148 Carmelinas Circle
Amy Fields

KB Carpentry
38 Lyon St.
Kenneth Butts

The Chiropractic Center
488 Center St.
Mark Czerniak

PALMER

K & B Construction
214 Palmer St.
Bernard Croteau

Nesco Sales Inc.
89 State St.
Kevin Comstock

Palmer Antique Co-Op Center
1239 Main St.
Jane Vau Tour

Salon Trendz
1005 Church St.
Wendy Fullam

SPRINGFIELD

Hands for Hire
158 Davis St.
Kevin A. Doherty

Ignite Real Estate
32 Hampden St.
Daisy Sanchez

Ingy Cons
90 Buckingham St.
Hector Grullon

Jonathan Weibel
87 Lakevilla Ave.
Jonathan Weibel

Kassy Mart
604 Page Blvd.
Sandy Rodriguez

Kennedy Fried Chicken
1003 Saint James Ave.
Ali Baki

MS Zela & Daughters
43 Pearl St.
Rhonda Jones

Oriental Market
405 Dickinson St.
Ali Huynh

Parkes Property Services
85 West Allen Road
Krista M. Parkes

Professional General Business
207 Westford Ave.
Cherrille Robinson

South End Convenience
679 Main St.
Raja Akbar

Sprout House Clothing
182 Daviston St.
Chris Howard

Style Staging
55 Bryant St.
Alice Kempf

Sweet Transportation
241 Slater Ave.
Lilliam Cruz

Tropical Produce
577 Armory St.
Lorenzo Ramirez

Xtreme Hats
131 Dwight St.
Luis Santiago

WESTFIELD

Good Choice Home Improvement
21 Paper St.
Igor Khomichuk

John Clark Construction
621 West Road
John Clark

JSF Enterprise
441 Noble St.
Jonathan Flagg

Paisley Street
4 Elm St.
James Pettengill

The Wright Pet Sitter
85 City View Blvd.
William Wright

WEST SPRINGFIELD

A-1 American Eagle Oil
20 Roanoke Ave.
Bay State Fuel Oil

Acumen Data Systems Inc.
2223 Westfield St.
Edward W. Squires

AM Gutter & Awning
188 Sibley Ave.
Andrey Mozolevsky

Bay State Fuel Oil
20 Roanoke Ave.
Bay State Fuel Oil

Central Chevrolet Inc.
811 Memorial Ave.
Garrett O’Keefe

Christmas Witch, LLC
110 Bridle Path
Theresa Pelegano

Coastal Rally Movement
1349 Piper Road
Cody Griffin

Cross Fit Omnes, LLC
161 Doty Circle
Michelle Cooper

Dedicated Duffers
53 Old Barn Road
Debra Cheetham

Briefcase

By BusinessWest Staff May 31, 2016

Briefcase Departments

Tishman Construction, Fontaine Brothers Win MGM Garage Contract

SPRINGFIELD — MGM Springfield, the urban announced it has awarded a construction contract to Tishman Construction, a wholly-owned subsidiary of AECOM, in partnership with Springfield-based construction manager Fontaine Brothers Inc. Together these companies will be responsible for erecting the seven-level, 3,400-space parking garage structure. Construction is set to begin this month and be completed in approximately 20 months. “We are delighted about our continuous progress toward building MGM Springfield. Today’s announcement is yet another example of how we are engaging top global companies and local businesses to develop this tremendous project,” said Michael Mathis, president and COO, MGM Springfield. “We are excited to see construction on the garage move forward as the foundation is poured and we watch this structure rise out of the ground over the coming months.” MGM Springfield is expected to open in fall 2018, and is currently the largest construction project under development in Western Mass. The resort will feature a luxury hotel and a variety of entertainment offerings, including dining, shopping, gaming, and amusements, expected to attract millions of visitors and locals to downtown Springfield. “We are thrilled to be part of another iconic MGM Resorts development and excited to continue our work with the city of Springfield, Pioneer Valley Building Trades, and Fontaine Brothers Inc. to bring the vision of MGM Springfield to life,” said Edward Cettina, COO of AECOM’s building construction group. MGM Springfield is committed to engaging the community and maintaining diversity across its workforce, partners, and supply chain. In alignment with this commitment, Tishman Construction will host information sessions for diverse companies interested in working as subcontractors on the project. Tishman is partnering with Fontaine Brothers to manage the parking-garage project, including solicitation of subcontractors and other procurement efforts. Fontaine Brothers is a local, fourth-generation, family-owned construction firm. In Springfield, Fontaine is best-known for its work on major construction and renovation projects including Symphony Hall, the MassMutual Center, Hilton Garden Inn, and dozens of educational institutions. “Fontaine Brothers is elated to partner with Tishman Construction and MGM Springfield on this exciting project,” said David Fontaine Jr., vice president, Fontaine Bros. “We are thrilled to join this world-class team and to play an active role in the continuing revitalization of the city we call home. We look forward to working with Tishman to manage the construction effort while continuing to help the team connect and partner with talented contractors based here in Western Massachusetts.”

Business Leaders Purchase South Hadley Plaza

SOUTH HADLEY — South Hadley Plaza, located at 501 Newton St., is officially under new ownership. The new owners are a triumvirate of local business leaders: Rocco Falcone of Rocky’s Hardware, Peter Picknelly of Peter Pan Bus Lines, and the Yee Family, whose other South Hadley businesses include Johnny’s Bar and Grille, Johnny’s Taproom, and IYA Sushi & Noodle Kitchen. The plaza is home to Rocky’s Hardware, Friendly’s, Dunkin’ Donuts, General Cleaners, and Mandarin Gourmet. There are currently vacancies in the former Movie Gallery and Big Y locations. That is due to change under the new ownership. “We’re in a great position to attract a mix of local and national businesses,” Falcone said. “This is a vibrant community, and we want to deliver some exciting options and breathe new life into South Hadley Plaza. The former Big Y site in particular, with its 60,000 square feet of space, is a unique offering that we’re exploring some interesting ideas for.” The new owners bring the resources and pedigree to draw new business and connect with the South Hadley community. Rocky’s Hardware has 31 stores in New England and four in Florida. Meanwhile, this will be the second collaboration for Picknelly and the Yee Family, who purchased and revitalized Springfield’s historic Student Prince restaurant in 2014. “It’s essentially three family businesses coming together — big families with big businesses, but families all the same,” Falcone said. “We look forward to expanding the horizons of this space and being a great resource for the community.”

State Unemployment Drops to 4.2% in April

BOSTON — The state’s unemployment rate dropped to 4.2% in April from the March rate of 4.4%, the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development announced. The preliminary job estimates from the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicate Massachusetts continues to gain jobs, with 13,900 added in April. The April gain follows March’s revised gain of 6,600 jobs. From December 2015 to April 2016, Massachusetts has added 35,600 jobs. In April, over-the-month job gains occurred in the professional, scientific, and business services; leisure and hospitality; trade, transportation, and utilities; education and health services; other services; information; financial activities; and manufacturing sectors. The April state unemployment rate remains lower than the national rate of 5.0% reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. “We see continued strong job gains in many of the traditional economic drivers for the state,” Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Ronald Walker II said. “The strong job gains in April are on the heels of 6,600 jobs added in March and 13,900 jobs added in February.” The labor force increased by 15,400 from 3,581,500 in March, as 19,000 more residents were employed and 3,500 fewer residents were unemployed over the month. Over the year, the state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate dropped 0.8% from 5.0% in April 2015. There were 27,100 fewer unemployed people and 404,000 more employed people over the year compared to April 2015. The state’s labor force participation rate — the total number of residents 16 or older who worked or were unemployed and actively sought work in the last four weeks — increased 0.3% to 65% over the month. The labor-force participation rate over the year has decreased 0.3% compared to April 2015. Over the year, the largest private-sector percentage job gains were in construction; professional, scientific, and business services; other services; information; and education and health services.

State Launches Campaign for Good Samaritan Law

BOSTON — Gov. Charlie Baker and Attorney General Maura Healey announced a new public-information campaign to encourage people to call 911 for emergency medical services at the first signs of a drug overdose. Along with Health and Human Services Secretary Marylou Sudders, Department of Public Health Commissioner Monica Bharel, and members of the law-enforcement community, state officials launched the $250,000 Make the Right Call campaign to promote the Massachusetts 911 Good Samaritan Law. This law provides protection to individuals seeking medical assistance for themselves or someone else experiencing a drug-related overdose, including opioid-related overdoses, without the risk of charges of possession of a controlled substance. “Today we’re proud to announce, along with the attorney general, a partnership for a $250,000 campaign to encourage people to call 911 at the first sign of a drug overdose,” Baker said. Added Healey, “what the Good Samaritan Law says is that, if you see someone overdosing, or if you’re with someone who is overdosing, call 911. Get them help. And if you do call 911 to save that person’s, life you will not be prosecuted for drug use or possession.” Sudders noted that addiction is a disease, and “just like if we saw someone on the side of the street who had collapsed from a heart attack, we would stop, and we would call 911, and that is what this campaign is about.” Baker added that “this 911 Good Samaritan Law, will reinforce to bystanders and first responders alike that the most important step to take when someone is having an overdose is to save their life, and that someone shouldn’t face legal consequences for taking that step.”

Company Notebook

By BusinessWest Staff May 31, 2016

Company Notebook Departments

Report Cites HCC-UMass Relationship as Successful Transfer Pathway

HOLYOKE — The relationship between Holyoke Community College and UMass Amherst is highlighted in a national report as a model of a successful transfer partnership other colleges would do well to emulate. HCC and UMass were selected as one of only six pairs of ‘high-performing’ community colleges and partner universities in “The Transfer Playbook: Essential Practices for Two- and Four-Year Colleges” from the Aspen Institute and the Community College Research Center at Columbia University’s Teachers College. “We analyzed the practices at partnerships of community colleges and four-year institutions with high rates of transfer-student success,” said Davis Jenkins, senior researcher at CCRC and co-author of the report released Tuesday. “This report presents the evidence-based strategies that community colleges and university leaders can use to improve outcomes on their own campuses.” The free report is available online at as.pn/transfer1. It praises HCC for its “culture of commitment to transfer” and “the institution’s goal of improving transfer rates,” and cites President Bill Messner for regularly communicating “the importance of clear transfer pathways with UMass Amherst leaders.” The report cites collaborative grants that align degree pathways and support student success for HCC students who transfer to UMass; HCC’s learning-community courses that “provide the sort of rich and rigorous learning experiences that will prepare students for four-year college coursework”; the HCC Honors program, including a new transfer pact between HCC and the Commonwealth Honors College at UMass; the emphasis on dual enrollment for high-school students taking college classes; and regular visits to HCC from UMass transfer representatives. The report also notes the general expectation among faculty, staff, and advisors that students at HCC will transfer after earning a certificate or degree. “Everyone asks, ‘where are you going next?’” an HCC student quoted in the report remarks. Each year, UMass Amherst accepts and enrolls more transfer students from HCC than from any other community college in Massachusetts. For the fall 2015 and spring 2016 semesters, a total of 203 HCC students transferred to UMass Amherst.

90 Meat Outlet Opens Expansion on Avocado Street

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno joined officials from 90 Meat Outlet recently to celebrate the completion of its 15,000-square-foot expansion at 90 Avocado St. in the North End. Latino Food Distributors, an affiliate of 90 Meat Outlet, built the expansion and moved its headquarters to the Avocado Street site. The move relocated eight jobs from a temporary leased site in West Springfield. Under the five-year tax-increment financing agreement, the company invested approximately $1.5 million into the project, including renovations and equipment, and will create seven new jobs. The business will continue to pay current taxes on the 90 Meat Outlet building, and received an exemption on the new construction, beginning at a full exemption during the first year, and down to 20% by the fifth year. The exemptions result in a savings of approximately $45,600 for the company over a five-year period, and a gain of $30,400 in taxes for the city of Springfield. 90 Meat Outlet owner Jim Vallides has also pledged to donate $1,000 to fund the ShotSpotter public-safety initiative that covers the North End area of Springfield to the Chicopee line.

Center for EcoTechnology Wins Environmental Award

NORTHAMPTON — The Center for EcoTechnology was recognized recently at the 2016 Environmental Merit Awards ceremony of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) New England regional office. The Center for EcoTechnology was among three dozen recipients across New England honored for helping to improve New England’s environment. “I could not be more proud of the efforts of the Center for EcoTechnology in conjunction with our partners,” said President John Majercak. “We decided to make an active effort to reduce food waste, and it’s tremendous to see the impact that focus has had.” The Center for EcoTechnology was noted for being a leader and pioneer in food recovery in Massachusetts, most recently through its partnership with the state Department of Environmental Protection to offer RecyclingWorks MA. Wasted food makes up the largest component of our country’s municipal solid waste and accounts for the largest portion of its methane emissions, making wasted food a significant environmental issue. In addition, reducing food losses by just 15% could feed more than 25 million Americans each year, according to the National Resources Defense Council. Each year since 1970, EPA New England has recognized individuals and groups in the six New England states who have worked to protect or improve the region’s environment in distinct ways. “We’re proud to honor those citizens, businesses, and organizations who have gone the extra mile to help protect and preserve our region’s natural resources,” said Curt Spalding, regional administrator of EPA’s New England office. “These New England award winners are committed to making our towns, cities, and countryside of New England healthy, vibrant places with clean air, land, and water.” The Center for EcoTechnology, along with RecyclingWorks, has spearheaded collaborative efforts to address and divert wasted food by helping hundreds of food-waste processors, recovery agencies, haulers, and thousands of businesses divert wasted food and build a strong industry to comply with the state’s food-waste disposal ban. The center recently expanded its work to Connecticut to replicate strategies tested in Massachusetts. Since 2012, the Center for EcoTechnology has helped businesses divert 20,389 tons of wasted organics, including wasted food, annually.

ATC Audio Video Lighting Celebrates 30th Year

WEST SPRINGFIELD — ATC Audio Video Lighting recently celebrated its 30th anniversary. In 1986, the company started in a basement workshop. Due to a lack of space, it moved to its first brick-and-mortar retail location, which was a meager 400 square feet. After moving to three larger locations, ATC now resides in its 8,000-square-foot location on Myron Street. The company offers professional/commercial audio, video, and lighting installation, integration, design, and sales. ATC’s clients are in a wide range of industries, such as corporate, colleges and universities, public and private schools, government, hospitals, casinos, technology centers, houses of worship, theaters, sport facilities, DJs, musicians, and any organization that utilizes AV technology. ATC’s Myron St. location also houses one of the only walk-in retail stores of its kind in New England. The retail store offers over-the-counter sales and service of audio, video, and lighting equipment. Another major part of the company’s business is its rental and production inventory, giving the customer the ability to rent anything from simple items like a microphone up to major audio- and video-production equipment and technician services. “I remember working solo in the first store on White Street in Springfield,” said Tony Caliento, ATC owner and president. “We had 400 square feet, no air conditioning and heat that barely worked, but we didn’t care at the time; we just loved what we were doing. Once we were known to clients, we stocked more equipment, offered more services, and the 400-square-foot space filled quickly. Reflecting on the company’s growth since then, Caliento added, “our staff enjoys working for ATC and loves what we do for our clients.”

HUB International New England Awards Scholarships

EAST LONGMEADOW — HUB International New England, a division of HUB International Limited, a leading insurance brokerage firm, announced it will award scholarships to local graduating high-school seniors planning to attend an accredited college, university, junior college, or community college. The students must plan to continue their study of business and enter college the same year as their graduation from high school.
“There is such a wide range of young talent right here in Western Mass.,” said Timm Marini, president of HUB International New England. “We are delighted to recognize these students for their high achievements, hard work, and dedication to continuing their studies and pursuing their dreams.” HUB International has been providing scholarships to high-school seniors for 29 years. Scholarships are awarded based on the high school’s recommendation. Winners will be announced in the coming weeks.

People on the Move

By BusinessWest Staff May 31, 2016

Departments People on the Move

Michael Moran

Michael Moran has been appointed president and chief administrative officer of Baystate Health’s Eastern Region. He had been serving in this role in an interim capacity since Jan. 29. “Since January, Mike has been deeply engaged with community members, seeking input as the Eastern Region evolves to meet the contemporary needs of patients in Ware, Palmer, and surrounding communities,” said Nancy Shendell-Falik, senior vice president, Hospital Operations, Baystate Health. “He is working with Baystate Health colleagues to bring more primary care and specialty care to the Eastern Region, has ensured the current level of emergency care in Ware will continue, and is building relationships with Eastern Region team members, local leaders, community groups, the region’s EMS services, and many others.”
Moran came to the Eastern Region from a health-system role as vice president for Clinical, Facilities & Guest Services. In his 14 years at Baystate Health, he has had a vast scope of responsibility, at one point overseeing 13 departments and more than 1,300 team members throughout the system. He has been responsible for a broad spectrum of services including cancer, behavioral health, neurosciences and rehabilitation, food and nutrition, facilities, and more. He is known for building high-performing teams, fostering engagement, and serving as executive leader for Baystate Medical Center’s complex cardiovascular and emergency-room facilities-improvement projects. He led the building of the orthopedic surgery and cancer centers in Springfield and the surgical center under construction at Baystate Franklin Medical Center. He has co-led the health system’s largest and most complex Lean project, which improved patient flow at Baystate Medical Center and resulted in efficiencies of more than $5 million. The Baystate Health board of trustees and board members for the Eastern Region voted unanimously to make Moran’s appointment permanent. “Michael brings 27 years of experience in multiple industries, including the military, recreation, hospitality, education, and healthcare,” said Shendell-Falik. “His community involvement includes service to several boards and committees throughout Western Massachusetts. His skills and experiences are well-suited to fulfill the leadership needs of the Eastern Region.”

•••••

Robert Kleine III

Robert Kleine III has been named Dean of the Western New England University (WNEU) College of Business, effective July 1. He succeeds Dean Julie Siciliano, who is retiring after 30 years at WNEU. Linda Jones, WNEU provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, announced the appointment, citing Kleine’s academic accomplishments and strong record of institutional leadership. “I am pleased to welcome Dr. Kleine as our new dean, and I look forward to working closely with him as we continue to develop new academic programs and to advance the College of Business and the university,” she said. Kleine was previously associate dean and James F. Dicke professor of Marketing at Ohio Northern University, where he served for 14 years. While there, he collaboratively led the creation of several programs, including a whole-campus entrepreneurial mindset initiative; the pharmaceutical business major, for which he served as coordinator for several years; and, more recently, a risk management & insurance major. Prior to that, he served as marketing faculty, with graduate faculty status, at Arizona State University, and served as a marketing consultant to the U.S. Army Recruiting Command. He earned a PhD in marketing from the University of Cincinnati and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of New Hampshire. Kleine’s research, published in top marketing journals including the Journal of Consumer Research, Psychology & Marketing, and the Journal of Personal Selling & Sales Management, is widely cited and influential. He received the Ferber Award for best interdisciplinary article based on a dissertation published in the Journal of Consumer Research. The Marketing Science Institute recognizes his work as “essential reading in marketing.” Kleine is an accomplished educator and certified master teacher. In 2012, he received the Instructional Innovation Award, recognizing his innovative experiential curricular-development efforts. He is a member of Alpha Mu Alpha, Beta Alpha Psi, Beta Gamma Sigma, Gamma Theta Upsilon, and Phi Kappa Phi. “Western New England University generally, and the College of Business specifically, presents a great opportunity,” Kleine said. “The university is blessed with strong leadership, and the College of Business has an abundance of talented faculty and staff. As dean, I look forward to building on the college’s strengths, working collaboratively across the university campus to strengthen existing programs, and to identifying unique, high-value, differentiated new-program opportunities in ways that positively impact the college’s enrollment and reputation.”

•••••

Thomas McDowell

Springfield Bishop Mitchell Rozanski has appointed Thomas McDowell Interim Head of School for Pope Francis High School. He will begin his position in late July or early August. Meanwhile, a national search for a permanent head of school has been undertaken. McDowell is a retired school superintendent, having served most recently as interim superintendent in Wethersfield, Watertown, and Tolland, Conn. He also has served as superintendent of schools in Plymouth, Conn., and in Westfield. He said he looks forward to the new interim position at Pope Francis High School. “It’s exciting, building something new,” he said. “I like the idea of having one school as a superintendent, with a smaller group of kids.” He said the advantage of serving a smaller group of students will be the opportunity for more communication and more presence in the school community. “What I miss most about being a superintendent is being close to students.” McDowell will oversee day-to-day school operations while Paul Gagliarducci remains on as executive director of the Pope Francis High School project, focusing on construction of a new facility as well as other elements regarding the creation of this new Catholic secondary school. In September, the students and staff of Holyoke Catholic High School in Chicopee and Cathedral High School in Springfield will officially merge, becoming Pope Francis High School in its temporary location on the present Holyoke Catholic campus. Construction of the new Pope Francis High School building on Wendover Road in Springfield is expected to begin later this year, with an anticipated completion date in 2018.

•••••

Jynai McDonald was recently hired as Regional Manager of the Training Resources of America Inc. (TRA) Western Mass. offices located in Holyoke and Springfield. McDonald holds a bachelor’s degree in digital marketing and social-media management, an associate’s degree in business administration, and a paralegal program certificate in legal studies, all from Bay Path University. She brings significant leadership, supervisory, and job-development experience to her new position. Training Resources of America, headquartered in Worcester, is a private, nonprofit organization that has been providing quality education, employment, and training services in Massachusetts since 1975. Over the years, its efforts have enabled thousands of educationally and economically disadvantaged youth and adults to improve their quality of life by learning new skills, developing self-confidence, and finding pathways to self-sufficiency through education, employment, and training. It has training sites in Brockton, Fitchburg, Holyoke, New Bedford, Quincy, Salem, Springfield, and Worcester.

•••••

John Mieczkowski

The Hampshire Mall management team recently welcomed Operations Manager John Mieczkowski. John has more than 20 years of both commercial and industrial construction experience. He is the longtime owner and operator of Arc Welding and has served as a firefighter for over 20 years, currently as a lieutenant with the Hadley Fire Department. He continues to reside in Hadley where he was born and raised, and is a member of the PTO, Young Men’s Club, and Firemen’s Assoc. “We are excited to have John join our team at Hampshire Mall. With his vast experience in construction and project management, he will be a valuable asset to us,” said General Manager Lynn Gray.

State Unemployment Rate Drops to 4.2% in April

By BusinessWest Staff May 20, 2016

Daily News

BOSTON — The state’s unemployment rate dropped to 4.2% in April from the March rate of 4.4%, the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development announced Thursday.

The preliminary job estimates from the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicate Massachusetts continues to gain jobs, with 13,900 added in April. The April gain follows March’s revised gain of 6,600 jobs. From December 2015 to April 2016, Massachusetts has added 35,600 jobs.

In April, over-the-month job gains occurred in the professional, scientific, and business services; leisure and hospitality; trade, transportation, and utilities; education and health services; other services; information; financial activities; and manufacturing sectors. The April state unemployment rate remains lower than the national rate of 5.0% reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

“We see continued strong job gains in many of the traditional economic drivers for the state,” Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Ronald Walker II said. “The strong job gains in April are on the heels of 6,600 jobs added in March and 13,900 jobs added in February.”

The labor force increased by 15,400 from 3,581,500 in March, as 19,000 more residents were employed and 3,500 fewer residents were unemployed over the month.

Over the year, the state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate dropped 0.8% from 5.0% in April 2015. There were 27,100 fewer unemployed people and 404,000 more employed people over the year compared to April 2015.

The state’s labor force participation rate — the total number of residents 16 or older who worked or were unemployed and actively sought work in the last four weeks — increased 0.3% to 65% over the month. The labor-force participation rate over the year has decreased 0.3% compared to April 2015.

Over the year, the largest private-sector percentage job gains were in construction; professional, scientific, and business services; other services; information; and education and health services.

Pope Francis High School Names Thomas McDowell Interim Head

By BusinessWest Staff May 20, 2016

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield Bishop Mitchell Rozanski has appointed Thomas McDowell interim head of school for Pope Francis High School. He will begin his position in late July or early August. Meanwhile, a national search for a permanent head of school has been undertaken.

McDowell is a retired school superintendent, having served most recently as interim superintendent in Wethersfield, Watertown, and Tolland, Conn. He also has served as superintendent of schools in Plymouth, Conn., and in Westfield. He said he looks forward to the new interim position at Pope Francis High School.

“It’s exciting, building something new,” he said. “I like the idea of having one school as a superintendent, with a smaller group of kids.”

He said the advantage of serving a smaller group of students will be the opportunity for more communication and more presence in the school community. “What I miss most about being a superintendent is being close to students.”

McDowell will oversee day-to-day school operations while Paul Gagliarducci remains on as executive director of the Pope Francis High School project, focusing on construction of a new facility as well as other elements regarding the creation of this new Catholic secondary school.

In September, the students and staff of Holyoke Catholic High School in Chicopee and Cathedral High School in Springfield will officially merge, becoming Pope Francis High School in its temporary location on the present Holyoke Catholic campus. Construction of the new Pope Francis High School building on Wendover Road in Springfield is expected to begin later this year, with an anticipated completion date in 2018.

Series of Key Partnerships Will Help Develop a Rail-car Workforce

By BusinessWest Staff May 17, 2016

Manufacturing Sections

On Schedule

David Cruise says partnerships to raise up a workforce for CRRC MA USA. will benefit the region’s entire manufacturing sector.

When a company from across the globe sets up shop in Springfield, it can’t exactly bring its workforce with it.

“We need 100% new employees,” said Bobby Doyle, senior consultant for CRRC MA USA, the Chinese rail-car manufacturer currently building a $95 million production plant at the former Westinghouse site on Page Boulevard. “We can’t transfer people from China here; it wouldn’t work.”

Among the reasons CRRC — formerly CNR Changchun Railway Vehicles — chose Springfield, however, was optimism that the city and region could supply a workforce to support what will become the company’s North American headquarters. “The capital investment we’re putting in, that’s a big commitment,” he said, “and there’s got to be a long-term labor force.”

That’s why CRRC has forged a number of interlocking partnerships — with the Regional Employment Board (REB) of Hampden County, the local sheet-metal and electrical unions, Roger L. Putnam Vocational Technical Academy, and the engineering departments of area colleges and universities, for starters — to build that workforce.

But local economic-development leaders see potential benefits to these partnerships beyond the CRRC jobs, said David Cruise, the REB’s president and CEO.

“We’ve been working with [Doyle] to identify very specific production positions they will need on the factory floor,” he said. “They’ll need some administrative positions and engineering positions, but at the Regional Employment Board, we’re focusing on how to help them on the factory floor, where the heart of the work is going to get done.”

At the same time, Cruise continued, “we’re also concerned with not just identifying the workforce for CRRC, but with the broader regional metal-fabrication industry as well, hoping other companies benefit from the presence of CRRC in the region. We want to be sure that any sort of workforce training we develop benefits that broader metal-fabrication industry. That’s been our strategy.”

He explained that CRRC could present some spinoff work for other manufacturers and perhaps attract new manufacturing business to the region.

“We certainly want to be a conduit and help with CRRC Massachusetts, but we also shared with them, and they understand the value of, our intent to build training programs and build a delivery system that can respond to all the needs that may develop here in the region.”

Local Flavor

In 2014, CNR Changchun received a $566 million contract to manufacture 284 new subway cars for the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA — 152 for the Orange Line and 132 for the Red Line.)

Construction at the 40-acre site — including a new, 220,000-square-foot factory building and conversion of the former Westinghouse administration building into CRRC’s administrative, engineering, and research offices — is underway. When it’s fully operational in 2018, the factory will employ 150 production workers with starting salaries of at least $66,000 a year, on top of about 150 construction workers needed to build the new plant. The MBTA cars will be built over a five-year period.

To develop a worker pool with the necessary skills, the REB is working closely with Sheet Metal Workers Local 63 and Electrical Workers Local 7 to develop training programs to be hosted mainly at Putnam after school hours.

“Putnam has some of the latest technology and equipment in the area, and I felt it was really critical to build that relationship between Local 63, Local 7, and Putnam,” Cruise said.

Along with training workers currently in the field for CRRC’s immediate demand, another goal is to attract unemployed and underemployed individuals into the training programs to prepare for a surge in demand as the rail-car plant grows beyond its initial buildout.

“As this facility comes online, the majority of initial-wave workers will be individuals who have experience in sheet-metal and electrical work,” Cruise said. “But as the facility expands and grows, clearly there will be some opportunities for entry-level positions.”

Cruise believes that, indeed, CRRC will be that kind of catalyst.

“We think this assembly facility will lead to the development of contracts with other municipalities and states around the country, with hope that some, if not all, of that work finds its way back to Springfield,” he told BusinessWest. “We’re not building programs just to get to opening day, but that can grow with them — and they can have some assurances that broader training is in place to meet future demand. There will be times when their workforce will be expanding pretty dramatically.”

Doyle agreed. “We’re pursuing two other contracts right now, one in Pennsylvania and one in Los Angeles, and both would be manufactured in Springfield, so Springfield is going to be a very busy location in the next five years,” he said. “We’d like to see the workforce keep doubling if we’re successful.”

Cruise said the after-school programs at Putnam — say, 3 to 9 p.m. — will complement offerings at Local 63’s own training center during the day. “That gives us 12 hours a day, which is exciting for us. It gives us some real bandwidth in terms of not only building great programs, but having some flexibility in scheduling.”

Meanwhile, the REB is working on a similar arrangement with Local 7, developing a curriculum for training programs to meet CRRC’s specific needs. “They’re excited to partner with us. They have a training facility in Chicopee, so we can run the same kind of afternoon program at Putnam, and at the same time utilize Local 7’s training facility during the day should demand dictate.”

The REB will look to competitive state grants to fund these programs. “It’s a challenge to identify funding to do this; unions are not allowed to use their funding for apprenticeship programs.”

That issue aside, Doyle called Putnam a “tremendous resource” and noted that CRRC officials have visited several times already. “We see them as a huge long-term partner.”

Once the initial hiring process is complete, a group of 20 to 30 employees, maybe more, will relocate to China for 10 months to a year to train on light rail cars in that country, learning how to test all the systems in the trains and bringing that technology back to Springfield. A second group of employees will go to China for four months to learn the assembly process. Production of the MBTA cars will begin in Springfield early in 2018.

College Try

CRRC is starting to build other connections as well, working with Western New England University’s College of Engineering to develop talent for the design and research operations at the new plant, and examining similar opportunities with UMass Amherst and Springfield Technical Community College. Meanwhile, FutureWorks, the one-stop career center located in Springfield, will serve as a resource for the hiring process.

“For them to be able to see that these kind of partnerships can be developed quickly — that they’re coordinated, agile, flexible, and can respond to their business demands — to me is adding great value and ensuring this corporation, and the industries that will benefit from it, will have a very bright future, not only here in Massachusetts, but across the country,” Cruise said.

Doyle admitted that, during CRRC’s search for a North American home, Springfield posed some negatives, including one of the highest commercial tax rates in the Commonwealth. But other positive factors outweighed that, including the city’s proximity to two major interstates and a CSX Transportation rail line, and, yes, those aforementioned partnerships, and the enthusiasm of the municipal and economic-development leaders who forged them.

“I’m excited about where we are,” Cruise said. “We’ve worked over time with a lot of different companies and a lot of different partnership arrangements. This is especially exciting because the parties we pulled together do not have an established history of working as partners in this workforce-development space.”

Therefore, he went on, “we are excited about the opportunity this company presents to the city of Springfield and the region and job-creation efforts here in the Valley. Quite honestly, I can’t wait to get started.”

Joseph Bednar can be reached at [email protected]

Real Estate Transactions

By BusinessWest Staff May 17, 2016

Departments Real Estate

The following real estate transactions (latest available) were compiled by Banker & Tradesman and are published as they were received. Only transactions exceeding $115,000 are listed. Buyer and seller fields contain only the first name listed on the deed.

FRANKLIN
COUNTY

BERNARDSTON

77 Church St.
Bernardston, MA 01337
Amount: $312,500
Buyer: Seneca Realty LLC
Seller: Streeters Realty Inc.
Date: 04/04/16

164 Parmenter Road
Bernardston, MA 01337
Amount: $133,000
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Francis E. Denison
Date: 04/05/16

BUCKLAND

Apple Valley Road
Buckland, MA 01338
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Kathryn N. Dean
Seller: Andrew M. Singer
Date: 04/08/16

CHARLEMONT

111 East Oxbow Road
Charlemont, MA 01339
Amount: $341,000
Buyer: Matthew R. Palmeri
Seller: Terry J. Narkewicz
Date: 04/15/16

COLRAIN

241 Thompson Road
Colrain, MA 01340
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: John J. Wells
Date: 04/08/16

41 Van Nuys Road
Colrain, MA 01340
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Robert M. Navarra
Seller: Stanforth, Ann E., (Estate)
Date: 04/15/16

CONWAY

137 South Shirkshire Road
Conway, MA 01341
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: James Fitzsimmons
Seller: Alvarez, Mauricia, (Estate)
Date: 04/13/16

GREENFIELD

160 Chapman St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $116,800
Buyer: Nikolas G. Langlois
Seller: 1 Arch Place Inc.
Date: 04/15/16

32 Maple St.
Greenfield, MA 01376
Amount: $128,900
Buyer: Aimee Rackham
Seller: PDV Inc.
Date: 04/15/16

41 Maple St.
Greenfield, MA 01376
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: Benegan 2 LLC
Seller: Maple & North LLC
Date: 04/14/16

43 Maple St.
Greenfield, MA 01376
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: Benegan 2 LLC
Seller: Maple & North LLC
Date: 04/14/16

123 Shelburne Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Shawn A. Atamaniuk
Seller: Faith Kaemmerlen
Date: 04/13/16

73 Washburn Ave.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $176,000
Buyer: David J. Parody
Seller: Fredrick H. Darwell
Date: 04/06/16

MONTAGUE

150 Millers Falls Road
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $248,000
Buyer: Brenda L. Denison
Seller: Maurice R. Fugere
Date: 04/15/16

51 Montague St.
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Jason Toivo-Liimatainen
Seller: Nancy J. Barry-Yankowski
Date: 04/08/16

9 Oakman St.
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Robert D. Pierce
Seller: Brian D. Notter
Date: 04/15/16

NEW SALEM

93 Moosehorn Road
New Salem, MA 01355
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Shane Hunter-Coburn
Seller: Samuel Adams-Macleod
Date: 04/07/16

75 North Main St.
New Salem, MA 01355
Amount: $144,500
Buyer: Chester H. Hall
Seller: Vanderstelt, Cornelius, (Estate)
Date: 04/15/16

26 Whitaker Road
New Salem, MA 01355
Amount: $167,376
Buyer: FHLM
Seller: Helen P. Labrecque
Date: 04/05/16

NORTHFIELD

196 Millers Falls Road
Northfield, MA 01360
Amount: $212,078
Buyer: PNC Bank
Seller: Curtis W. Gray
Date: 04/04/16

ORANGE

124 Drew Blvd.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $174,900
Buyer: Peter M. Jack
Seller: FNMA
Date: 04/05/16

SHELBURNE

28 Stevens St.
Shelburne, MA 01301
Amount: $188,109
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Gail E. Wolcott
Date: 04/15/16

SHUTESBURY

15 Town Farm Road
Shutesbury, MA 01072
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Nancy & Tim Logan TR
Seller: David J. Orrell
Date: 04/07/16

SUNDERLAND

180 Amherst Road
Sunderland, MA 01375
Amount: $129,200
Buyer: Valley Building Co. Inc.
Seller: Garry E. Wing
Date: 04/11/16

WENDELL

345 Farley Road
Wendell, MA 01379
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Stacylou B. Leelyn
Seller: Douglas A. Simon
Date: 04/13/16

WHATELY

River Road
Whately, MA 01093
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Nourse Realty LLC
Seller: Mary Lou Green RET
Date: 04/15/16

HAMPDEN
COUNTY

AGAWAM

49 Barn Road
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Alexis G. Lussier
Seller: Kimberly J. Biron
Date: 04/15/16

44 Howard St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $159,400
Buyer: Timothy R. Welch
Seller: Tangocci, Florida T., (Estate)
Date: 04/08/16

29 Kensington St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $164,000
Buyer: Stacy Fitzpatrick
Seller: Joseph A. Renaud
Date: 04/12/16

795 Main St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $198,000
Buyer: Michael C. Buoniconti
Seller: Robert A. Frasco
Date: 04/15/16

861 Main St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: M. A. Charette-Strange
Seller: Sara Brancieri
Date: 04/13/16

23 Morningside Circle
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $289,900
Buyer: Ethan R. Thomas
Seller: Robert J. Marvel
Date: 04/14/16

25 Park St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Reinaldo Vasquez
Seller: Robert, Warren H., (Estate)
Date: 04/08/16

57 Poplar St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: William K. Demers
Seller: Bank of New York Mellon
Date: 04/15/16

53 Silver St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Yellowbrick Property LLC
Seller: Dorothy A. Lipps
Date: 04/12/16

79 Spencer St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Whitney R. Cass
Seller: Karen L. Bogacz
Date: 04/07/16

BLANDFORD

27 South St.
Blandford, MA 01008
Amount: $232,289
Buyer: Patrick J. Gregersen
Seller: Deutsche Bank
Date: 04/15/16

BRIMFIELD

24 Crestwood Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $144,300
Seller: Scott L. Sharp
Date: 04/15/16

CHICOPEE

102 1st Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $2,325,000
Buyer: Oleary-Vincunas No 2 LLC
Seller: Dow Jones & Co. Inc.
Date: 04/13/16

54 Artisan St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Sandra L. Alker
Seller: 54 Artisan Street LLT
Date: 04/15/16

149 Bemis Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $188,550
Buyer: Joanna M. Heron-Forget
Seller: Michael K. McCarthy
Date: 04/07/16

77 Daley St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $159,000
Buyer: Kimberly A. Lavallee
Seller: Donna M. Rosenberg
Date: 04/08/16

39 Dewey St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $137,500
Buyer: Monique Braese
Seller: Lauren Labrecque
Date: 04/07/16

215 Frontenac St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Patrick Styckiewicz
Seller: Richard Stevens
Date: 04/08/16

357 Irene St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $159,000
Buyer: Richard A. Heller
Seller: Denise A. Dulude
Date: 04/15/16

130 Jean Circle
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Mark S. Higgins
Seller: John J. O’Neil
Date: 04/15/16

111 Meadow St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $164,500
Buyer: Michelle C. Lorenzana
Seller: Francis L. Chamberland
Date: 04/08/16

872 Meadow St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $172,500
Buyer: NI Management LLC
Seller: United Brothers LLC
Date: 04/05/16

14 Mount Vernon Road
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $227,000
Buyer: Ignacio Rivera
Seller: Jonathan Dejesus
Date: 04/15/16

N/A
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $189,796
Buyer: Citibank
Seller: Gary A. Wesolowski
Date: 04/05/16

5 Riverview Terrace
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $191,500
Buyer: Ambrose I. Mwea
Seller: Ryan Dunigan
Date: 04/14/16

17 Saint Jacques Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $134,500
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Linda L. Jackson
Date: 04/05/16

32 Walsh St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $189,500
Buyer: Robert N. Dougherty
Seller: Michael J. Perez
Date: 04/15/16

102 Winthrop St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Yelena Kulakova
Seller: Wilmington Savings Fund Society
Date: 04/05/16

EAST LONGMEADOW

66 Fernwood Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Kenneth Werner
Seller: Kyle B. Krupa
Date: 04/08/16

9 James St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Meghan Hickey
Seller: George A. Smith
Date: 04/07/16

69 Lee St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: David A. Brodeur
Seller: Joseph A. Borgatti
Date: 04/12/16

N/A
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Margaret Slade
Seller: Keith F. Brownlee
Date: 04/13/16

Pease Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $135,739
Buyer: PLH LLC
Seller: Rebecca S. Richards
Date: 04/11/16

60 Stonehill Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $395,309
Buyer: Adam L. Oliveri
Seller: US Bank
Date: 04/13/16

17 West Allen Ridge Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Kathryn M. Hakanson-Stacy
Seller: Wanda T. Moderski
Date: 04/15/16

5 Wilder Lane
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $299,900
Buyer: Kevin M. Lennon
Seller: Margaret I. Slade
Date: 04/13/16

HAMPDEN

172 Allen St.
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $153,000
Buyer: Katie E. Marsland
Seller: Frank Bauchiero
Date: 04/07/16

205 Chapin Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $213,000
Buyer: Corey A. Chenevert
Seller: Robert H. Ward
Date: 04/06/16

HOLLAND

26 Brandon St.
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $297,000
Buyer: Donald Pelletier
Seller: Michael H. Choate
Date: 04/06/16

15 Marcey Place
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Nathan J. Marcucci
Seller: Edward P. Artruc
Date: 04/04/16

HOLYOKE

642 County Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Jason H. Gentes
Seller: David J. Menard
Date: 04/08/16

5 Holly Meadow Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $372,000
Buyer: Jens M. Michaelsen
Seller: Michael P. Rudzik
Date: 04/15/16

15 Lindor Heights
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $321,000
Buyer: Michael J. Stone
Seller: Michael E. Sugrue
Date: 04/11/16

48 Lower Westfield Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $156,200
Buyer: Neill A. Benard
Seller: Kenneth R. Rebuck
Date: 04/11/16

78 Meadowbrook Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $178,000
Buyer: Kathie A. Morrison
Seller: Ilya M. Shnayder
Date: 04/15/16

340 Pleasant St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $128,908
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: William A. Tenanes
Date: 04/05/16

30 Saint Jerome Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Saint Jerome RT
Seller: Stephen M. Szlosek
Date: 04/14/16

LONGMEADOW

184 Blueberry Hill Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $477,500
Buyer: John J. Wujek
Seller: John I. Simpson
Date: 04/15/16

118 Field Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Janet D. Hamilton
Seller: Lisa Y. Gentile
Date: 04/14/16

98 Lincoln Park
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $258,000
Buyer: Kelly Koch
Seller: Jeffrey L. Rembrandt
Date: 04/15/16

21 Massachusetts Ave.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $181,800
Buyer: Nationstar Mortgage LLC
Seller: Raul E. Lorenzo
Date: 04/15/16

140 South Ave.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $226,000
Buyer: Christopher M. Hebert
Seller: Daniel M. Landesman
Date: 04/08/16

LUDLOW

140 Clover Road
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: David J. Menard
Seller: Betsy M. Marino
Date: 04/15/16

341 East St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $192,500
Buyer: Richard M. Tereso
Seller: Manuel P. Rosa
Date: 04/13/16

16 Greenwich St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Amanda L. Wojcik
Seller: Daniel Branco
Date: 04/12/16

442 Miller St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Buyer: Melissa Belanger
Seller: Melissa A. Graves
Date: 04/13/16

MONSON

12 Bethany Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $301,900
Buyer: Samuel D. Pursey
Seller: James W. Fiore
Date: 04/12/16

62 Palmer Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Tammy Sandomierski
Seller: Thomas C. Sandomierski
Date: 04/11/16

MONTGOMERY

30 Main Road
Montgomery, MA 01085
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Christopher P. Laurie
Seller: Daniel M. Cassanelli
Date: 04/08/16

PALMER

5 Fenton St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $141,900
Buyer: Christal Cline
Seller: New England Developers
Date: 04/05/16

28 Flynt St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $189,000
Buyer: Ashley M. Hutchinson
Seller: Jacquelyn L. Collins
Date: 04/05/16

13-19 South St.
Palmer, MA 01080
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Alexander A. Berezkin
Seller: Kenneth Fitzgibbon
Date: 04/08/16

115-117 Springfield St.
Palmer, MA 01080
Amount: $154,999
Buyer: Ninon Lissaint
Seller: Miroslawa Lisek
Date: 04/08/16

14 Ware St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Adrian Syrowik
Seller: Brad Brothers
Date: 04/12/16

RUSSELL

1025 General Knox Road
Russell, MA 01071
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Douglas H. Dreyer
Seller: Franklin C. Palmer
Date: 04/06/16

SPRINGFIELD

308 Abbott St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $148,400
Buyer: Milta Sostre
Seller: Claudia E. Goodine
Date: 04/08/16

321 Albany St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $410,000
Buyer: JAD Realty LLC
Seller: B&M Realty Corp.
Date: 04/05/16

49 Alwin Place
Springfield, MA 01101
Amount: $362,000
Buyer: Lakeisha R. Norris
Seller: Grahams Construction Inc.
Date: 04/15/16

15-17 Broad St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $750,000
Buyer: Bar South Land Holdings
Seller: Hall LLC
Date: 04/08/16

17 Broad St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $750,000
Buyer: Bar South Land Holdings
Seller: Hall LLC
Date: 04/08/16

41 Clement St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $148,500
Buyer: Bonnie H. O’Donnell
Seller: Robert D. Pierce
Date: 04/14/16

56 Copeland St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $157,500
Buyer: Paige N. Derry
Seller: Adam A. Tebaldi
Date: 04/15/16

78 Cunningham St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Rached Elzinji
Seller: Kevin Leeman
Date: 04/15/16

57 Dorset St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Nancy Soto
Seller: James A. French
Date: 04/05/16

130 Eddywood St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Shannon M. Clark
Seller: Colleen M. Milbier
Date: 04/15/16

88 Eddywood St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $184,500
Buyer: Kati T. Litten
Seller: Allan C. Arnaboldi
Date: 04/14/16

21 Groveton St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Rosa N. Bonilla
Seller: Norzom Gyatso
Date: 04/14/16

78 Helberg Road
Springfield, MA 01128
Amount: $148,000
Buyer: Erica D. Percy
Seller: Rosemary Thompson
Date: 04/08/16

284 Hermitage Dr.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Murat Karaarslan
Seller: London Realty LLC
Date: 04/05/16

70 Intervale Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $203,000
Buyer: Sarah Biswa
Seller: Zaki-Jabbar Robinson
Date: 04/15/16

16 Irene St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $143,000
Buyer: Danielle Krzemien
Seller: Leslie M. Messier
Date: 04/14/16

16 Leatherleaf Circle
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Johanna Ortega
Seller: Mark S. Babineau
Date: 04/15/16

190 Leopold St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $116,000
Buyer: Alex Owusu
Seller: Emmanuel Y. Tete-Donkor
Date: 04/11/16

510 Main St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $750,000
Buyer: Bar South Land Holdings
Seller: Hall LLC
Date: 04/08/16

528-534 Main St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $750,000
Buyer: Bar South Land Holdings
Seller: Hall LLC
Date: 04/08/16

34 Mary Coburn Road
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $129,945
Buyer: Kristine G. Schmidt
Seller: Morin, George R., (Estate)
Date: 04/06/16

161 Newton Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Joshua F. Scott
Seller: Daniel Faria
Date: 04/15/16

13 Norwood St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $750,000
Buyer: Bar South Land Holdings
Seller: Hall LLC
Date: 04/08/16

90 Parkerview St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Yomaira Baez
Seller: Robert Wojcik
Date: 04/13/16

15 Portland St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $128,000
Buyer: Luis Arena
Seller: Stanley Harrington
Date: 04/05/16

50 Revere St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Dionne Real Estate LLC
Seller: Dionne Real Estate LLC
Date: 04/15/16

32-34 Rittenhouse Terrace
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $158,000
Buyer: Ganga Tiwari
Seller: Nicholas G. Calabrese
Date: 04/08/16

820 Roosevelt Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Amber C. Haywood
Seller: Marcia Alexander
Date: 04/15/16

770 Sumner Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $168,000
Buyer: Orlando J. Tavarez
Seller: Robert Longo
Date: 04/13/16

154 Victoria St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $129,500
Buyer: Julyssa Apointe
Seller: Lynn C. Stockley
Date: 04/08/16

13 Wales Court
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $141,000
Buyer: Joseline Delgado
Seller: Lydia E. Gallacher
Date: 04/14/16

164 Windsor St.
Springfield, MA 01020
Amount: $128,000
Buyer: Bank New York
Seller: Holli A. Jeffrey
Date: 04/15/16

SOUTHWICK

180 Berkshire Ave.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $601,000
Buyer: Charles S. Serafin
Seller: Joseph P. Young
Date: 04/15/16

TOLLAND

Colebrook River Road
Tolland, MA 01034
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Franklin Woods Investments
Seller: John M. Dunn
Date: 04/06/16

WALES

34-A Ainsworth Hill Road
Wales, MA 01081
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Matthew J. Chalue
Seller: Michael E. Milanese
Date: 04/08/16

WEST SPRINGFIELD

63 Burford Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $127,500
Buyer: San De
Seller: Kozaira, Angelina, (Estate)
Date: 04/14/16

116 Ely Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $148,500
Buyer: Jennifer R. Lingenberg
Seller: Matthew A. Preuss

64 Fox St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $138,000
Buyer: Guy E. Tatro
Seller: Graham, Katherine, (Estate)
Date: 04/14/16

47 Gay Terrace
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Fitore Bajrami-Makolli
Seller: Rexford, Dorothy, (Estate)
Date: 04/08/16

74 Orchardview St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $222,000
Buyer: Patrick M. Sady
Date: 04/08/16

332 Rogers Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: West Co. Investments LLC
Seller: Evelyn D. Lees
Date: 04/13/16

55 Roseland Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Charlie Diaz
Seller: Mark L. Noble
Date: 04/15/16

WESTFIELD

207 Belanger Road
Westfield, MA 01073
Amount: $164,900
Buyer: Adam Hughes
Seller: CIG 2 LLC
Date: 04/15/16

67 City View Blvd.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $314,900
Buyer: Marcos Hernandez
Seller: Kathleen M. Hankel
Date: 04/15/16

95 Court St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Bengt-Olaf Schneider
Seller: T&S Holdings LLC
Date: 04/08/16

121 Franklin St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $116,720
Buyer: First Niagara Bank
Seller: Wayne Rines
Date: 04/07/16

58 Holland Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $150,500
Buyer: Charles E. Singleton
Seller: Kyle P. Davidson
Date: 04/08/16

176 Honey Pot Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Nathan F. Wolfe
Seller: William F. Dolan
Date: 04/07/16

598 Loomis St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $254,000
Buyer: Matthew A. Preuss
Seller: Bruce Gallagher
Date: 04/11/16

74 Massey St.
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Roger W. Ouimet
Seller: RSP Realty LLC
Date: 04/14/16

122 Old Farm Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $258,500
Buyer: Erika M. Burgess
Seller: Jean M. Noonan
Date: 04/15/16

20 Paper St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $138,000
Buyer: Jason T. Grunwald
Seller: Gregory A. O’Neil
Date: 04/06/16

15 Phillip Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $178,000
Buyer: Mitchell P. Garstka
Seller: Allan R. Sudyka
Date: 04/14/16

477 Southwick Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $445,000
Buyer: 477 Kids LLC
Seller: Paul W. Taylor
Date: 04/13/16

11 State St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $239,500
Buyer: Charles D. Flores
Seller: William F. Barry
Date: 04/08/16

170 Wildflower Circle
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $560,000
Buyer: Man Y. No
Seller: John D. Silvestri
Date: 04/04/16

80 William St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Maksim Merenkov
Seller: Michael A. Emond
Date: 04/05/16

WILBRAHAM

123 Bartlett Ave.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $167,000
Buyer: Melissa Sullivan
Seller: Scott M. Gierlich
Date: 04/15/16

6 Devonshire Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Maryann Baltazar-Alves
Seller: Abilio J. Casimiro
Date: 04/07/16

104 East Longmeadow Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Matthew J. Brodeur
Seller: David A. Brodeur
Date: 04/11/16

390 Soule Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Christian C. Michel
Seller: Patricia A. Plasse
Date: 04/13/16

1072 Stony Hill Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $193,420
Buyer: Nationstar Mortgage LLC
Seller: Yoanda Carpio
Date: 04/07/16

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY

AMHERST

25 Chapel Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $374,000
Buyer: Jaime Davila
Seller: Sally B. Singingtree
Date: 04/08/16

66 East Leverett Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $279,000
Buyer: Bryan Beck
Seller: Daniel R. Cooley
Date: 04/04/16

92 Grantwood Dr.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $290,305
Buyer: Frank A. Cable
Seller: Gloria B. Boyer
Date: 04/08/16

16 Hawthorn Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $762,500
Buyer: David W. Huntley
Seller: Cynthia F. Gensheimer LT
Date: 04/07/16

21 Lindenridge Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $665,000
Buyer: Hongwei Jin
Seller: Harry J. Flood
Date: 04/08/16

22 Railroad St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Chestnut St. Realty Partners
Seller: Britt, John E., (Estate)
Date: 04/13/16

BELCHERTOWN

Bay Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $174,900
Buyer: Jeffrey Oldenburg
Seller: FMJ Realty LLC
Date: 04/11/16

91 Bay Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $147,700
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Lori Dunn
Date: 04/05/16

72 Canal Dr.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $309,464
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Adam M. Alves
Date: 04/11/16

72 Dana Hill
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $198,900
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Zachary M. Siano
Date: 04/15/16

54 Meadow Pond Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $367,000
Buyer: Erika J. Bachand
Seller: John Mercier
Date: 04/11/16

18 Prescott Hill
Amount: $257,500
Belchertown, MA 01007
Buyer: Melissa Mercier
Seller: Jason J. Lafleur
Date: 04/11/16

CHESTERFIELD

26 Windy Lane
Chesterfield, MA 01012
Amount: $639,000
Buyer: Jeffrey G. Donovan
Seller: Richard S. Racz
Date: 04/15/16

EASTHAMPTON

4 Duda Dr.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $255,150
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Wayne H. Petlock
Date: 04/06/16

501 East St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $186,000
Buyer: Nathan J. Wagner
Seller: Frederick K. & F. E. Fedor FT
Date: 04/06/16

9 Fox Run
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $394,500
Buyer: Jennifer L. Putnam
Seller: David A. Hardy Contractor
Date: 04/15/16

19 Main St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $600,000
Buyer: Nicholas D. Duprey
Seller: Edward P. Hamel
Date: 04/04/16

412 Main St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $1,100,000
Buyer: KC Tactical LLC
Seller: Argotec Stevens LLC
Date: 04/12/16

3 Maxine Circle
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Tara A. Martin-Perez
Seller: Tanya M. Favorite
Date: 04/08/16

26 Pepin Ave.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $168,400
Buyer: Juan P. Buscan-Dutan
Seller: Linda M. Tripp
Date: 04/15/16

GRANBY

Pleasant St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $123,000
Buyer: Bonneterre LLC
Seller: Mountain Stream Inc.
Date: 04/13/16

HADLEY

349 River Dr.
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: Gail A. Fuller
Seller: Dale M. Jones
Date: 04/07/16

HATFIELD

183 West St.
Hatfield, MA 01088
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: John J. Stanisewski
Seller: Charles E. Klein
Date: 04/15/16

HUNTINGTON

89 Pisgah Road
Huntington, MA 01050
Amount: $262,000
Buyer: Michael A. King
Seller: Mary E. Gasperini
Date: 04/14/16

10 Stanton Ave.
Huntington, MA 01050
Amount: $212,000
Buyer: Leon A. Boguszewski
Seller: Henry L. Dubay
Date: 04/04/16

MIDDLEFIELD

122 Cone Road
Middlefield, MA 01243
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: Dennis R. Robinson
Seller: Bradford P. Fisk
Date: 04/13/16

NORTHAMPTON

33 Bright St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $540,000
Buyer: 33 Bright Street Properties
Seller: Crescent Bright Phillips
Date: 04/12/16

65 Chestnut Ave.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $416,750
Buyer: Donal O’Sullivan
Seller: Beaver Brook NT
Date: 04/08/16

65 Kensington Ave.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $594,000
Buyer: Catherine Balletto
Seller: Robert M. Haddad TR
Date: 04/14/16

50 Phillips Place
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $660,000
Buyer: 50 Phillips Place Props
Seller: Crescent Bright Phillips
Date: 04/12/16

31 Rustlewood Ridge
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $825,000
Buyer: Zachary N. Helms
Seller: Bonnie S. Carhart
Date: 04/15/16

PELHAM

108 Buffam Road
Pelham, MA 01002
Amount: $313,000
Buyer: Jeffrey C. Bird
Seller: Seymour H. Cabin TR
Date: 04/08/16

SOUTH HADLEY

44 Hillside Ave.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $341,000
Buyer: Deutsche Bank
Seller: Jody M. Sicard
Date: 04/14/16

114 Lyman St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Jesse W. Green
Seller: Joseph Lafond
Date: 04/13/16

7 Skinner Lane
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Matthew Muldoon
Seller: Manuel T. Reyes
Date: 04/12/16

SOUTHAMPTON

30 Helen Dr.
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: David Garstka Builders
Seller: Davyn M. McGuire
Date: 04/14/16

WARE

8 Cottage St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $186,100
Buyer: Shawn J. Wells
Seller: Daniel Carpenter
Date: 04/14/16

10 Indian Hill Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $123,700
Buyer: Roger M. Driscoll
Seller: Driscoll, Judith A., (Estate)
Date: 04/07/16

WESTHAMPTON

17 Hathaway Road
Westhampton, MA 01027
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: Christopher J. Butler
Seller: William R. Forest
Date: 04/15/16

119 Kings Hwy.
Westhampton, MA 01027
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Angela C. Griefen
Seller: Leslie A. Dicurcio
Date: 04/04/16

WILLIAMSBURG

15 Main St.
Williamsburg, MA 01096
Amount: $189,900
Buyer: Nancy L. Basler
Seller: Big Mamou Properties LLC
Date: 04/15/16

WORTHINGTON

24 Old Post Road
Worthington, MA 01098
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Brittany L. Duma
Seller: Blissful RT
Date: 04/08/16

138 Witt Hill Road
Worthington, MA 01098
Amount: $162,000
Buyer: Wilmington Savings
Seller: Darlene E. Arel
Date: 04/05/1

Company Notebook

By BusinessWest Staff May 17, 2016

Company Notebook Departments

Tighe & Bond Honored for Advancing Women in Engineering Field

WESTFIELD — The Connecticut chapter of the Women’s Transportation Seminar (WTS CT) honored Tighe & Bond as Employer of the Year during its recent annual awards dinner on April 14 at St. Clement’s Castle in Portland, Conn. The recognition applauded the firm’s support of WTS, and for providing ongoing opportunities to advance women in their engineering and transportation careers. “It’s an honor for our firm to receive this award, and we are thrilled that WTS CT selected us,” said David Pinsky, president and CEO of Tighe & Bond, who accepted the award on the firm’s behalf. “Our firm takes recruiting, retaining, and advancing women in engineering seriously. More than 30% of Tighe & Bond’s 270-plus employees are female, and approximately 14% of these women hold key management and/or leadership positions at our firm. Last year, more than 30% of Tighe & Bond’s new hires were female, and this year the number is even higher.” For more than 18 years, WTS CT has been dedicated to advancing women in transportation. It provides a forum for transportation professionals to meet and interact, sharing experiences and expertise. Member benefits include professional development, career support, mentorship, and student outreach.

Country Bank Sponsors Financial Literary Fair at WPI

WARE — Recently, Country Bank sponsored its first Financial Literacy Fair for college students at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) in Worcester. This program was a partnership with WPI’s Student Aid and Financial Literacy Department. The event featured the Next Step, a financial-literacy exercise where college students are asked to step into their very near future by visiting 10 financially informative booths to make real-world decisions. “Students learn about many of the next steps that they will encounter after they graduate from college,” said Jodie Gerulaitis, the bank’s financial education officer. “They learn that the decisions they make today will affect their finances in the future, such as the unexpected expenses of owning a vehicle, saving for retirement, renting an apartment, or owning a home, and how location can be a deciding factor in their finances.” The booths the students visit include credit, housing, student loans, insurance, budgeting, fraud prevention, transportation, savings and investing, career development, and employment benefits. The goal is for students to have a better understanding of their future fiscal responsibilities. They learn about balancing a budget and making educated choices about their finances. They also learn how one financial choice can greatly impact another.

Chamberlain Group Named 2016 Exporter of the Year

BOSTON — The Small Business Administration (SBA) has named the Great Barrington-based Chamberlain Group the 2016 Exporter of the Year for Massachusetts and New England. “Lisa and Eric Chamberlain are saving lives with the products they create in the medical-simulation industry,” said Robert Nelson, SBA Massachusetts district director. “They are connecting with new customers all over the globe and establishing an international distribution network throughout Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Mexico.” Founded in 1999, the Chamberlain Group designs and builds mimetic organs for surgical and interventional training. Working in close collaboration with medical-device companies and teaching hospitals, the company creates models that address training needs for clinicians, sales, marketing, device research, and development. In 2000, Lisa Chamberlain became a client of the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center (MSBDC), and her business plan for the Chamberlain Group won first prize in the UMass Five College Business Plan Competition. In 2003, the company was recognized with the Governor’s Entrepreneurial Spirit Award for spurring job creation and economic development.
Today, after 17 years in business, the company has grown to 21 employees, and it exports more than 500 products directly from its Great Barrington office to more than 50 countries worldwide. “We’re honored and delighted to be recipients of this year’s Exporter of the Year awards in the Commonwealth and the New England region,” Chamberlain said. “Eric and I have been well guided by the advice and encouragement we have received from the MSBDC and the Mass Export Center. It’s made the process of growing our business and our international reach viable, knowing we have subject experts to consult with who have our best interests at heart.” The company was nominated by Ann Pieroway, regional director of the Massachusetts Export Center.

44 Business Capital Becomes Division of Berkshire Bank

PITTSFIELD — Berkshire Bank completed its asset purchase transaction with 44 Business Capital, LLC of Blue Bell, Pa., and Parke Bank of Sewell, N.J., under which Berkshire Bank has acquired the business model of 44 Business Capital and certain other assets of Parke Bank’s Small Business Administration (SBA) 7(a) loan program operations. 44 Business Capital is now operating as a direct small-business lending division of Berkshire Bank, reporting up through the bank’s already-established small-business line, and originating SBA loans for Berkshire Bank. 44 Business Capital has consistently been one of the top SBA originators and a market-leading provider and facilitator of SBA-guaranteed loans to small businesses in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Northern Virginia, and Washington, D.C. 44 Business Capital’s entire team, along with its leadership — Greg Poehlmann, Phil Rapone, Jeff Sherry, and Joe Dreyer — have joined Berkshire Bank. “We’re pleased to welcome the employees and customers of 44 Business Capital,” said Berkshire Bank CEO Michael Daly. “This combination increases the client offerings for both companies, diversifies our loan portfolio, and provides a valuable future growth channel.” Added Poehlmann, senior vice president of Business Banking for Berkshire Bank and former president of 44 Business Capital, LLC, “as a division of Berkshire Bank, 44 Business Capital will continue to leverage our staff’s experience to build out an exceptional SBA lending platform that will serve the SBA’s mission on a larger scale. We are extremely excited to become part of Berkshire Bank, and look forward to establishing ourselves collectively as a major player in the SBA-lending market.”

Circle K Convenience Store Opens in Holyoke

HOLYOKE — Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse, Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce President Kathleen Anderson, and Circle K franchisee Yasser (Sunny) Hussain gathered on May 5 for the grand opening of the new Circle K convenience store at 337 Appleton St. in Holyoke. Hussain, the site’s owner, took a vacant and abandoned building in the downtown area and completely renovated the space into a new, state-of-the-art Circle K convenience store. The store is open 24 hours a day and carries everything from morning coffee to late-night snacks, as well as a wide selection of cold drinks, fresh roller grill items, and staples like milk and eggs.

Comcast Spotlight Leases Space at Agawam Crossing

AGAWAM — Comcast Spotlight has signed a lease for a new, 3,157-square-foot space in Agawam Crossing, located at 200 Silver St. in Agawam. This is the final space at Agawam Crossing, a class A professional office building. Comcast Spotlight recently moved into its new home alongside Baystate Rehabilitation, Life Laboratories, and Associates in Women’s Health, among others. Comcast Spotlight is an advertising sales company that provides video solutions to local, regional, and national businesses through television and digital advertising. It provides local market coverage across multiple platforms (cable TV, satellite, telco, online, VOD) and can target customers geographically, demographically, and by message to reach specific audience segments. Development Associates of Agawam was the leasing agent and project manager for the construction of Comcast Spotlight’s new offices. The tenant was represented by Bob Peterson, managing broker at REAL Partners, LLC, and Daniel Moore of NAI Plotkin of Springfield.

Friendly’s Sells Retail Ice-cream, Manufacturing Division

WILBRAHAM — Friendly’s Ice Cream announced it has sold its retail ice-cream and manufacturing business to Texas-based Dean Foods Co. for $155 million in cash. “We are thrilled at the prospects the Friendly’s Ice Cream acquisition brings to Dean Foods,” said Dean CEO Gregg Tanner. “Coupled with the momentum of Dean Foods’ current regional brands, the Friendly’s brand will be a catalyst in our strategy to grow our existing ice-cream business and branded portfolio. Friendly’s is an ideal complement to our other heritage brands across the country and fills a manufacturing and retail ice-cream void in our nationwide footprint.” Dean Foods is the largest processor and direct-to-store distributor of fresh fluid milk and other dairy and dairy-case products in the U.S., the company said. Friendly’s Ice Cream had $166 million in net sales of ice cream to supermarkets in 2015. After the transaction closes late in the second quarter of 2016, Dean Foods plans to continue producing ice cream at the current Friendly’s plant in Wilbraham, which employs about 200 people. “Friendly’s ice cream strongly resonates with consumers throughout the Northeast,” Tanner added. “Very similar to the traditions shared by consumers who grew up enjoying our existing regional milk and ice-cream brands, such as Mayfield or Dean’s, we believe the Friendly’s Ice Cream brand represents and promotes what Dean Foods has built itself around and is a great fit in our branded portfolio. Dean Foods is rooted in the traditional goodness of dairy, making Friendly’s more than just a good business and financial opportunity.” Added Friendly’s President and CEO John Maguire, “today marks a new chapter for Friendly’s retail and manufacturing ice-cream business. Dean Foods Company has recognized the growth momentum that Friendly’s retail ice cream has experienced over the last five years, and I am thrilled that Dean Foods will be the ongoing steward of the retail ice-cream business, led by the current experienced retail and creamery teams.” Friendly’s Restaurants, which boasts 260 locations in the U.S., will continue to be owned and operated by an affiliate of Sun Capital Partners Inc. and will license use of the Friendly’s trademark to Dean’s under a license agreement entered into as part of the transaction.

Keller Williams Pitches in at Springfield Boys & Girls Club

SPRINGFIELD — On Thursday, May 12, Keller Williams Realty associates around the globe donated hundreds of thousands of hours to their local communities during RED Day. Introduced in 2009, RED Day, which stands for renew, energize, and donate, is Keller Williams Realty’s annual day of service. Each year on the second Thursday of May, associates spend the day away from their businesses serving worthy organizations and causes in their communities. As part of the RED Day effort, Keller Williams Realty – Pioneer Valley chose to spend the day with the Springfield Boys & Girls Club at 481 Carew St. to paint the inside and outside of the facility, paint parking-lot lines, and landscape. The Springfield Boys & Girls Club provides, in a safe environment, programs that inspire, educate, guide, enable, and support all young people to realize their full potential as productive, responsible, respectful citizens and leaders. “RED Day is built on the belief that people can and should come together to achieve extraordinary things to help others,” said Mike Dombrowski, associate partner of Keller Williams Realty – Pioneer Valley. “It just happens to be a one-day expression of the constant state of the Keller Williams culture. We see a need, and we take action to help the Springfield community.” Since the first RED Day in 2009, Keller Williams associates have given almost a half-million hours of community service through activities ranging from food and blood drives to cleaning up trash in public parks; from revamping gardens at nursing homes to rebuilding homes and schools for community members in need. For more information about RED Day, visit www.kw.com/kw/redday.

Country Bank Supports Palmer Celebrations

PALMER — Representatives from Country Bank presented the Palmer 300th Anniversary Committee and the Celebrate Palmer Committee with donations totaling $5,000. “We are so pleased to be a major sponsor of both of these meaningful events,” said Shelley Regin, senior vice president, Marketing at Country Bank. “We look forward to celebrating with the town of Palmer, and we commend both committees for their tireless effort to make them a success.” For more information on these events, visit palmer300th.org or townofpalmer.com. For more information about Country Bank, call (800) 322-8233 or visit countrybank.com.

Barrington Brewery & Restaurant Enjoys a Moment in the Sun

By BusinessWest Staff May 17, 2016

Restaurants Sections

Star Power

Andrew Mankin, owner and brewer, says a ‘green’ operating philosophy has helped Barrington Brewery & Restaurant create a strong brand.

Andrew Mankin recalls that when he and business partner Gary Happ were crunching the numbers regarding their planned use of solar-heated water for their brew-pub establishment in Great Barrington, what they saw gave them reason to pause.

But not for very long.

“We decided that at some point you’ve got to put your money where your mouth is and do something,” he recalled, as he talked about the system they were contemplating — one that would coincide with, and be a key element in, the construction of a banquet facility that would complement their already well-established brewery and restaurant on busy Route 7. “When you’re putting up a new building, you’re spending a lot of money on all kinds of things, so we thought, ‘why not something that’s environmentally friendly?’”

That ‘something’ has turned out to be an investment that has paid off in a number of ways — from dramatically reducing natural-gas bills to giving Barrington Brewery & Restaurant a branding identity — ‘solar-brewed beer’ — that is not only earth-friendly, but helps generate business as well.

“People will come in, point to those words, and say, ‘what does this mean?’ said Mankin, who, as the company’s owner/brewer, is not only willing but well-equipped to explain it all. (Usually, the dissertation includes handing the individual one of the informative placemats the company uses that not only detail the solar hot-water use but explains the brewing process in five easy-to-follow steps.)

Co-owner Gary Happ with his daughter, Chelsea, who is managing the operation’s banquet facility.

Overall, the sun-heated water gives many environmentally conscious individuals and families a reason to turn off Route 7 and into the large converted barns that comprise this operation. Or another reason, to be more precise.

And there must be several, said Happ, now a nearly 40-year veteran of the ultra-challenging hospitality industry, noting that, while the beers brewed at that location — labels that include Black Bear Stout, Hopland Pale Ale, Berkshire Blond, and Ice Glen IPA, along with a host of seasonal offerings — are a huge draw, there are hundreds of microbrews available in this region. In short, the food has to be good, too.

Barrington Brewery & Restaurant has that part of the equation covered with a menu, classified generally as ‘pub fare,’ that includes everything from barbecued ribs to shepherd’s pie to spinach and eggplant casserole.

To say this establishment effectively blends beer and food is not just idle talk, Happ noted. Indeed, those aforementioned brews are included in the recipes for menu items ranging from the chili to the blue cheese dressing to the famous (it’s been profiled in Bon Appetit a few times) chocolate stout cake.

“We try to keep everything simple, and we make everything here,” he explained. “It’s not a fancy, expensive menu, but it’s good, fresh food.”

The interior’s décor can be described with one word: beer.

As for that aforementioned banquet facility, named Crissey Farm, it has become a solid addition to the venture, said Mankin, noting that, in a region studded with venues at both the high and low end, this 200-seat room has become an attractive middle-of-the road option.

“We throw a very good wedding for a very fair price,” he explained, adding that the facility is drawing its share of other types of events as well, including corporate outings and meetings. “It’s an attractive alternative for people looking for something in the middle.”

For this issue and its annual Restaurant Guide, BusinessWest takes an in-depth look at the Barrington Brewery and Restaurant, where the bright ideas include, but are certainly not limited to, the water-heating process.

Lager than Life

The sign that greets patrons says it all.

It doesn’t take much time, or many words, for that matter, to describe the décor and the mood at this establishment. ‘Beer’ will do just fine.

It’s brewed on the site, served on tap at the tavern portion of the eatery, sold in pint bottles (the partners distribute to a few other locations as well), explained on the placemats, and reflected on the walls — all of them.

There are pictures of old breweries, tavern signs from a long time ago — one declares that something called ‘white rose special’ costs 20 cents a bottle — and glasses, coasters, and trays bearing the names of brewers from the present, past, and distant past.

While referencing the huge display of coasters — Mankin has no idea how many there are on display or in storage because there’s no room left to display them — he pointed to a couple of his favorites: Dog & Parrott and Ridley’s Old Bob.

Those were brewed in England, which is where Mankin cut his teeth in this art and science. He was a self-described home brewer some 30 years ago, when he had a chance to learn from the masters at the Vaux Brewery in Sunderland in Northeast England, near the border with Scotland.

Upon returning home, his thoughts turned increasingly toward making beer a career, not a hobby. And when he met Happ, things started to come together.

Happ, then a partner in the hugely successful 20 Railroad Street restaurant in Great Barrington’s downtown, was selling his interest in that entity and eyeing a new entrepreneurial adventure. Mankin was looking for his first.

They decided to blend their resources and talents and opened Barrington Brewery & Restaurant on Route 7 in what’s known as the Jennifer House Complex, which featured antique shops and other forms of retail.

Over the past two decades, this venture has become a key component in a broad revitalization effort that has seen Great Barrington evolve from a sleepy Berkshires town “where the sidewalks were rolled up at 8 o’clock,” said Happ, to a true year-round destination.

The town’s rebirth has included everything from new shops and restaurants to the stunning $9 million renovation of the 111-year-old Mahaiwe (pronounced Muh-hay-we) Theatre. Now known as the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center, it presents music, dance, theater, opera, talks, and movie classics (The Graduate is playing on May 21).

With this new vibrancy has come both opportunity and challenge in the form of greater competition, said Happ, adding that Barrington Brewery & Restaurant has thrived by drawing both local residents and the tourists that now come all 12 months of the year, and through creation of a niche with many elements.

Food (moderately priced) and beer are obvious ingredients, both figuratively and literally, he explained, but the ‘green’ factor is also a key part of the equation.

And there’s more to it the solar hot-water system, which, when installed, was the largest such facility in the region. Indeed, the venture buys its power from Pine Island Farm in Sheffield, a partnership dairy operation that boasts what’s known as an anaerobic digester facility, in which the methane from animal waste is converted into electricity and sold to National Grid.

“When we write a check for our energy at the end of the month, we don’t make it out to National Grid, we make it out to Pine Island Farm,” said Happ, with a strong dose of satisfaction and pride in his voice. “From the beginning, we’ve always tried to run a green business as best we could, and we’re continuing down that path.”

The next step, already on the drawing board and well into the development stage, is to create a photovoltaic system on a two-acre parcel the partners recently acquired and generate enough power to operate both the restaurant and Crissey Farm.

Unfortunately, the state has thrown a roadblock of sorts in front of what Happ called the “crown jewel of our greenness.” Apparently, there is a cap on photovoltaic systems of this type, and it has been reached, he went on, making it clear that this was a source of great frustration.

“Here are two guys trying to do the right thing, run a good, green business, and leave a small footprint, and who’s holding us up? The state,” he said with noticeable exasperation. “We’re ready to go.”

Crissey Farm, the banquet facility at Barrington Brewery & Restaurant, is making a name for itself.

Whether the state eases restrictions on solar-power systems and allows the partners to proceed remains to be seen, although both men believe this matter involves the question ‘when?’ and not ‘if?’

In the meantime, they will continue making beer with solar-heated water and press on with their efforts to grow the banquet side of the business.

Off to a solid start, 200-seat Crissey Farm, opened just as the Great Recession was starting in the summer of 2008, is creating a niche in its own right, said Mankin.

“We have a wedding booked every weekend right into October,” he explained. “Over the past few years, business has really picked up.

Icing on the Cake

Mankin told BusinessWest that Barrington Brewery isn’t shy about sharing the recipe for its famous chocolate stout cake. It’s already been published in Bon Appetit, he noted, and staff at the restaurant will hand patrons a copy if they ask for one.

This willingness to share trade secrets is somewhat rare in the restaurant business, he acknowledged, but the company isn’t worried about losing business from the practice.

“It’s not easy to make it — there’s a lot that goes into this,” he said, referring to the stout cake.

But those exact words could be used to describe the restaurant industry itself. The Barrington Brewery has succeeded by creating an effective niche — one that involves price, beer, food — and a green philosophy.

All that gives this establishment star power — in all kinds of ways.

George O’Brien can be reached at [email protected]

Square One Advocates for Access, Opportunities in Early Education

By BusinessWest Staff May 17, 2016

Education Sections

Joan Kagan, Square One president and CEO

For more than 130 years, Square One has met the challenge of providing quality early-childhood education, thus serving not only young people, but also their families and the community. Today, as the importance of such education becomes ever more apparent, the challenges to providing it continue to mount. Square One is trying to meet those challenges through vital connections to a host of constituencies.

By Sarah Leete Tsitso

When a water main broke and created a massive sinkhole in the middle of downtown Springfield two weeks ago, Square One President and CEO Joan Kagan could empathize with those who were displaced.

She has seen more than her fair share of disasters and led her team back from the brink. In June 2011, a tornado tore through Square One. Eighteen months later, another of its buildings was destroyed by a gas explosion downtown. Even now, the view from the Square One administrative offices on Main Street is obscured by bulldozers, dirt piles, and orange fencing that are all part of MGM’s massive construction project.

Through — or despite — it all, this 133-year-old nonprofit organization continues to thrive, serving 700 children and their families each day, even in the face of adversity. When the tornado hit on a Wednesday evening, the agency reopened on Monday morning and had space for every single child in the program. After the gas explosion, it got tougher; the team was weary from living in crisis mode and struggling to find the energy to regroup and rebuild. Still, despite the loss of two sites, it had to turn away only 17 children, helping those families find other programs that met their needs.

“The key to the survival of Square One is our adaptability and responsiveness to the needs of the community,” said Kagan. “We have a great, committed staff and team, a board that is willing to take occasional leaps of faith, and a caring community.”

To further strengthen the organization, Kagan and the board of directors recently made a bold decision to expand the resource development team. She hired Kristine Allard in July as vice president of development, then added Dawn DiStefano in January to serve as director of grant development.

Together with Kagan, this experienced team is already making an impact in raising funds and awareness.

Building a Solid Foundation

Square One’s mission is to ensure that all children and families have the opportunity to succeed at school, at work, and in life by providing educational programs, family-support services, health and fitness resources, and a voice in the community. At the core of everything it does is a belief, confirmed by research, that children who begin learning early become better learners for life.

Programs at Square One include center-based child care; preschool and kindergarten; home-based child care in 40 locations throughout the region; after-school, weekend, and summer programming for children living in homeless shelters; fitness and nutrition initiatives; job-skills training for parents; parent education for incarcerated and post-incarcerated parents; supervised visitation; peer support groups for victims and survivors of domestic violence and parents recovering from addiction; and family literacy programs.

Kristine Allard, vice president of Development for Square One, says the agency hopes to build support by creating connections.

Taking a holistic, whole-family approach to early-childhood education ensures that the needs of the child are met, with a belief that family success contributes to educational success. As science and research have expanded to show the importance of early-childhood education, the demand for highly qualified teachers has risen dramatically over the past couple of decades. Unfortunately, salaries for these teachers have not kept pace, which presents a near-constant issue for organizations like Square One.

Kagan said early-childhood education has been a focus in terms of curriculum development and resources; however, there is still a lot of work to do in ensuring that programs can attract — and retain — energetic, committed, qualified teachers to lead these classrooms and undertake the important work happening inside.

For many years, early-childhood education was called nursery school, and was focused on keeping children safe and entertained while their parents were at work. Now, these programs are geared toward preparing children for public school, making sure they are ready to learn and interact with their peers when they enter kindergarten.

As this evolution progressed, the need for trained and educated teachers expanded. But supply has not kept up with demand, particularly since jobs in early-childhood education have notoriously low pay rates. Kagan said it is increasingly difficult to find and keep these teachers. As their level of education and training increase, they often leave to take better-paying jobs in the public school system.

Because Square One mostly serves at-risk children and families, Kagan and Allard stressed the need for teachers and others who can meet the unique needs of this population. Of the 700 children served each day, only four are privately paid. The others receive some sort of subsidy that enables them to access services.

Many of Square One’s children have at least one parent who is incarcerated. Others are involved with the Department of Children and Families, are homeless, have at least one parent in recovery, or have a teen parent. With this wide array of needs, Square One employs social workers, therapists, and others who can provide support services to the children and their families.

Many of these family issues have an impact on education, as well as the children’s social and emotional growth. If a child is hungry or malnourished, it affects that child’s ability to focus in school. If a child has a toothache, he or she may not be as cooperative and open to learning.

Kagan noted that 85% of brain development occurs between birth and age 5; if a child does not have a solid foundation, he or she will fall behind, resulting in lifelong implications for future success. To give a strong start to as many children as possible, Square One has partnered with the YMCA, Head Start, and the Springfield School Department on a pilot program geared toward providing free early education to 4-year-olds who had never before participated in a formal program. The school department, which received a four-year grant from the state, provides coaches who work with the teachers at Square One to ensure that the curriculum aligns with state standards.

“We realized there is a large pool of children entering kindergarten who have had no access to formal child care or preschool, so those children were entering kindergarten completely unprepared for it,” said Allard. “This means they are already way behind their peers, even when it comes to basics like how to stand in line or take instructions from a teacher.”

The program launched in September, with 60 children in three classrooms participating at Square One. Kagan reports that, while there have been challenges, the children’s growth has been remarkable.

If You Fund It, They Will Learn

Funding for pilot programs like the one at Square One is important, but only scratches the surface of the organization’s true financial needs. Kagan spends a considerable amount of time lobbying legislators at the state level to increase funding for education programs.

While she understands there is only so much money to go around, and plenty of worthwhile causes looking for a piece of the pie, she believes access to early-childhood education is crucial to the growth and development of society as a whole. She and others in the field have spent years advocating for adequate funding to cover the cost of doing business, which includes paying teachers a living wage and providing exceptional classroom experiences.

At Square One, the annual cost to provide high-quality early education and care is $15,000 per child. The state reimburses $9,000 of that cost, leaving a $6,000 gap for each child, every year.

“The state has to understand that this is really about getting children off to a good start,” she said. “We want them to succeed in school, graduate, go to college or vocational training, and become productive members of society. We also need the state and other stakeholders to understand the savings involved; when you invest in early education, the research has shown that there are significant savings down the road in costs associated with social welfare, criminal justice, and special-needs programs.”

Financial limitations have resulted in fewer programs offering these services to children statewide, and fewer seats in the remaining classrooms. In recent years, the number of available spots for those seeking early-childhood education in Massachusetts has shrunk by 3,000. This reduction in capacity is due to several factors, including the difficulty finding teachers and ever-increasing state regulations. If programs cannot find staff and cannot comply with state licensing requirements around the quality of the teachers they do find, they are closing their doors. It’s a simple business problem — it is not possible to operate without quality staff and enough money to pay the bills. When these centers close, it is the children who suffer.

At the core of everything Square One does is a belief, confirmed by research, that children who begin learning early become better learners for life.

If a child doesn’t have access to early-education programs, they have difficulty keeping up with their peers once they enter the public schools. The struggles are academic, social, and behavioral, and are challenging to address once the ship has sailed. For many of these struggling students, Kagan noted, it’s like going to a job every day where your boss yells at you for doing it wrong, but never shows you the right way.

This is where public and private investment in early-childhood education comes into play. Advocating for increased government funding is one way to raise needed funds, but it can’t be an organization’s only revenue stream. This is where Allard and DiStefano come in.

Developing a Brand

Since joining the team almost a year ago, Allard said she has been asking a lot of pointed questions. Did people in the community know the Square One brand? Did they know about the wrap-around services provided for families? Were they aware that there is more to Square One than preschool? Had people made the mental transition from the organization’s old identity — Springfield Day Nursery — to its new one?

The team sought answers to those questions, and built its development plan around the answers. This included implementation of a new annual fund-raising campaign, more marketing, bigger special events, and expanded outreach on new grant opportunities. The equation is simple: if they can raise more money, they can serve more kids, pay higher teacher salaries, and have a greater impact on the community.

“When you look at our families and the challenges they face, it can consume you,” said Allard. “Or, you can identify a need and perhaps make a call, write a grant, make a connection in the community, and, in the end, find a solution.”

While Greater Springfield does not have a deep pool of donors, the businesses and individuals here are generous with both their time and money. However, with fierce competition for limited dollars and volunteers, nonprofits like Square One are focused on tracking results. Donors look at their contributions as investments, and want to see those investments yield dividends. Kagan and Allard believe their donors appreciate the work done by the organization and understand how it benefits the community. But there are still those who may not be familiar with Square One and its mission.

Special events are one way to help spread the word and engage new supporters. While labor-intensive and time-consuming, events are about more than making money. They are also about making friends.

“Events let us get in front of people and provide them with that personal connection to the people we serve,” said Allard. “They get to meet the people their money supports and hear their stories first-hand. It’s different coming from the person who lived it. Afterward, people walk away with a better understanding of their community.”

That awareness also gives Square One and other nonprofit organizations a platform to advocate for what they need to meet their mission. For example, Kagan cited the Kentucky Derby-themed event held on behalf of Square One on May 7 at the Colony Club. This event, she noted, provides an opportunity to talk about the early-education and family-support services the organization provides.

“From understanding comes compassion,” she said. “That’s a big part of what comes from hosting an event like this. It’s about funds, friends, and advocacy. And, of course, it’s about having fun.”

Kagan and her staff bring that philosophy directly into the classroom, promoting friendship and fun as well as education. This long-standing commitment to families and children’s education has resulted in a large, dynamic group of donors and supporters who are always willing to lend a hand. Kagan recalls how, after the tornado, when she and her team escaped with nothing more than the items in their pockets, they were setting up shop in temporary space all over the city. A local business heard about their plight and showed up on their doorstop with a big box of office supplies.

“It may not seem like a big deal, a box full of pens and notebooks, but it was a very big deal for us,” she said. “You take those things for granted until you don’t have them. We literally had nothing; we got out with our lives, but that was about it. So, for someone to think about that basic need and make their way to our door with that box? It’s just one example of how this community rallies around its friends and neighbors in need.”

Greenfield Strives to Reinvent Its Downtown

By BusinessWest Staff May 17, 2016

Community Spotlight Features

Community Spotlight

Mayor William Martin says renovations are being made to transform the century-old former Lunt Silversmiths building into medical offices.

Mayor William Martin says projects that were started years ago are coming to fruition in Greenfield, and new ones are underway that will help the town continue down its path to independence, as well as addressing areas that need revitalization.

The Town Council just approved a $5 million bond to create a municipal Internet, phone, and data-services company called Greenfield Community Energy and Technology (GCET) that will be paid for by the company after it is established. Free Internet service is being provided on Main and High streets until the project is completed, thanks to a $500,000 pilot program, and 82% of voters voiced approval for GCET, which will provide the bandwidth and speed needed to stay competitive and attract new businesses, as the town has lost some in the past due to a lack of technology.

“We’ve been given the green light to move forward with this project,” Martin said, noting that, in addition, Greenfield Light and Power began operating as a municipal aggregation plan more than a year ago and brought not only lower-cost electricity to the community, but measures to procure the energy from renewable sources.

“The company went online Jan. 1 last year, and now all of our electricity is 100% green,” the mayor told BusinessWest, adding that the public utilities will increase the likelihood of retaining businesses, encouraging them to expand, and enticing new businesses to move to the community.

GCET will also allow the Greenfield School Department to administer the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) exam to public-school students; the test is aligned with Common Core standards and replaces the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) test.

Other compelling reasons for installing an up-to-date fiber-optic system include the fact that Greenfield Community College has a downtown campus, and the town established the Mass. Virtual Academy at Greenfield five years ago on Main Street, the Commonwealth’s first virtual K-12 public school.

Public utility companies will play a vital role in maintaining the town’s independence, but they are only a part of other major initiatives taking place. The new, $66 million Greenfield High School opened its doors last September, and the new, $73 million Greenfield Trial Court is expected to open in October, benefiting downtown businesses and restaurants that suffered when construction began on the courthouse about three years ago and operations were temporarily moved several miles away.

Keeping Pace

Martin told BusinessWest that, although some people over the age of 50 still think of downtown Greenfield primarily as a place to do retail shopping, that business has moved to malls, which makes developing a new identity critical to the neighborhood’s future.

“Greenfield is fortunate to have maintained some of its luster and attractions that are extremely unique, such as the century-old Wilson’s department store and Gardens seven-screen cinema,” he said, noting that the downtown area also contains new ethnic restaurants as well as federal, state, and county agencies, including the courthouse, Baystate Franklin Medical Center, the county jail about a mile away, and the new, $14 million intermodal John W. Olver Transit Center that serves Franklin County Transit Authority bus routes and provides intercity bus service as well as a train station that houses Amtrak’s Vermonter line.

The new, $60 million Greenfield Trial Court is expected to open in October and restore lost foot traffic to downtown businesses and restaurants.

In spite of these major institutions, the temporary courthouse move did affect a number of downtown businesses. However, some made accommodations to make up for revenue that was lost, including restaurants that started delivery services.

But when the Greenfield Trial Court opens next fall, the attorneys, courthouse employees, and people scheduled to appear in court are expected to help to restore the regional downtown center to its former vitality.

However, city officials are well aware that academics, government, education, and manufacturing are the fast-growing industries in the Pioneer Valley.

“So we’ve applied a special focus to advancing our downtown in these specific areas,” Martin said. “Downtowns of the future will be more service-oriented, with attention paid to the needs of individuals and families, rather than the wants. And an increase in pedestrian traffic will stimulate the development of other small businesses offering entertainment, food, boutique shopping, and social, cultural, and religious gatherings.”

He added that the town’s focus on healthcare is exemplified by the planned development of the former Sears Department store into medical, dental, and professional offices. The Lunt Silversmiths property about 1.5 miles from Main Street is also undergoing substantial reconstruction for conversion to a residential medical treatment center of 65 beds operated by Behavioral Health Network and other clinics, which complements Greenfield’s regional position as host to Baystate Franklin Medical Center.

“We’re actively soliciting medical groups,” Martin noted, adding that Patriot Care, which provides medical marijuana, has purchased the former American Legion building at 7 Legion St. just off Main Street, and is renovating it to suit its needs, and a former convenience store a half-mile from downtown was purchased by a cardiology practice with several hundred clients and is expected to open in June.

Other efforts are being made to enhance the downtown, and last month the Town Council approved spending $4.2 million to build a new community center on a one-acre site a block from Main Street, which will serve as a senior center during the day and offer space for classes in the evenings and on weekends.

Martin said a 100-year-old building on the site which currently houses the central office for the school department will be either demolished or converted to housing, and the office will be moved to the middle school.

In addition, a central communications center for the county is in the planning stages, and will be located in a strategic area on West Main Street, which Martin describes as “an area that requires stimulation and planning with both private and public development.

“It is blighted, so we want to fill it in and make it more attractive to stimulate further development,” he told BusinessWest, adding that a number of buildings there have already been demolished, redeveloped, or scheduled for major renovations or redevelopment.

Town officials are also working to create a village of tiny houses, which are growing in popularity, on a ¾-acre lot at 102-106 Deerfield St. A bike path is situated to the rear of the lot, and a formal bike lane was established on Route 2 after the town adopted the Complete Streets program, a transportation and design initiative that promotes safe travel for walkers and cyclers.

Greenfield also received a $177,000 grant to create a new dog park a short distance away at Green River Park off of Petty Plain Road, as well as a $400,000 PARC grant to install a new playground, signage, basketball court, and pickleball court and revamp the parking lot.

“It will be a big expansion,” Martin said. “Right now, the park only contains two softball fields, a basketball court, and a parking lot. But in addition to the improvements and expansion, next year we expect to create a mile-long walking and biking path around the park that will provide a quiet, meditative place where individuals and families people can take their kids to enjoy a walk by the river.”

Measures have also been taken to address flooding from the Green and Deerfield rivers on Deerfield Street, which have caused real problems in the past for Mohawk Meadow Golf Course and the Department of Public Works treatment plant. Streetscape and engineering work has been done to prevent future floods, including the installation of a unique set of storm doors on the DPW building.

Martin added, however, that condemned properties with flooded basements are still monitored, while fire ravaged-buildings have been removed.

Continued Growth

Greenfield hopes to build a new library to replace the current structure on Main Street, built in 1880, which lacks the space and modern amenities needed to keep pace with today’s needs. A state grant was procured to pay for a design, and a forum was held last month to inform residents about evolving plans.

Martin said the town’s finances are in good shape, and it was fortunate to be able to negotiate contracts with the unions that will allow it to maintain a steady cost of living, while reducing the increase over time.

Although the residential tax rate is high, he noted — Greenfield ranks fourth in the state in that category — valuations are low, so the average homeowner pays $3,934 in real-estate taxes, ranking 211th in the Commonwealth.

So, the combination of new projects and long-awaited ones coming to fruition has officials excited about the future.

“We’re looking to continuously strengthen our unique approach to reframing Main Street, and our next step will be to make it an attractive destination for young people with curious minds,” Martin said, adding that the town hopes to open an innovation center and a program that would allow businesses to share services.

He told BusinessWest that two manufacturing companies have plans to move Greenfield, and officials hope to build on the success of businesses that have been in town for years and work with the school department to shorten the path from graduation to job security.

“We believe that municipal investment will act as a catalyst for private investment and set the town up to repair and replace institutional buildings and needed infrastructure,” the mayor added, noting that new sewer and water lines and pump stations are being installed throughout the town.

Upcoming challenges will include a lack of parking when the new courthouse opens because it was built on a former parking lot.

“But we’re looking forward to the revival of foot traffic, which will help downtown businesses, although things won’t really settle down until construction on a new multi-storied garage is complete,” Martin continued, explaining that strategies to deal with the issue may include measures such as a shuttle service to distant parking lots.

But the town is keeping pace by installing utilities and technology that will keep it independent, attract young people, and offer businesses all they need to be successful in the years to come.

90 Meat Outlet Opens Expansion on Avocado Street

By BusinessWest Staff May 16, 2016

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno joined officials from 90 Meat Outlet last week to celebrate the completion of its 15,000-square-foot expansion at 90 Avocado St. in the North End.

Latino Food Distributors, an affiliate of 90 Meat Outlet, built the expansion and moved its headquarters to the Avocado Street site. The move relocated eight jobs from a temporary leased site in West Springfield. Under the five-year tax-increment financing agreement, the company invested approximately $1.5 million into the project, including renovations and equipment, and will create seven new jobs.

The business will continue to pay current taxes on the 90 Meat Outlet building and received an exemption on the new construction, beginning at a full exemption during the first year, and down to 20% by the fifth year. The exemptions result in a savings of approximately $45,600 for the company over a five-year period, and a gain of $30,400 in taxes for the city of Springfield.

90 Meat Outlet owner Jim Vallides has also pledged to donate $1,000 to fund the ShotSpotter public-safety initiative that covers the North End area of Springfield to the Chicopee line.

Berkshire Bank Foundation Awards Nearly $85,000 to 20 Nonprofits

By BusinessWest Staff May 13, 2016

Daily News

PITTSFIELD — The Berkshire Bank Foundation announced it has awarded $84,318 in grants and pledges to 20 nonprofit organizations in the Pioneer Valley during its first-quarter grants cycle.

The funding supported a variety of organizations, including DevelopSpringfield, supporting the construction of the Springfield Innovation Center in downtown Springfield; Volunteers in Public Schools of Westfield, supporting the Westfield Credit for Life Fair; Ludlow Community Center & Randall Boys & Girls Club in Ludlow, supporting its Project Learn academic-success program; Revitalize Community Development Corp. in Springfield, supporting its Green-N-Fit Neighborhood Block Rebuild; HAP Inc. in Springfield, supporting its first-time homebuyer counseling and education program; and United Way of Pioneer Valley in Springfield, supporting the creation of a financial-success center.

“We are proud to partner with these great organizations as we work collaboratively to make our communities stronger,” said Lori Gazzillo, foundation vice president and director. “It’s only through broad-based support from individuals, foundations, and businesses working alongside these nonprofits that we’ll successfully improve our community. We’re proud to play a small role in that effort.”

In addition to financial support, the XTEAM, the bank’s employee-volunteer program, provides employees with paid time off to volunteer during regular business hours. In 2015, more than 70% of Berkshire Bank’s employees provided more than 40,000 hours of service to benefit community organizations across the bank’s service area.

Tishman Construction, Fontaine Brothers Win MGM Garage Contract

By BusinessWest Staff May 13, 2016

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — MGM Springfield, the urban announced it has awarded a construction contract to Tishman Construction, a wholly-owned subsidiary of AECOM, in partnership with Springfield-based construction manager Fontaine Brothers Inc. Together these companies will be responsible for erecting the seven-level, 3,400-space parking garage structure. Construction is set to begin this month and be completed in approximately 20 months.

“We are delighted about our continuous progress toward building MGM Springfield. Today’s announcement is yet another example of how we are engaging top global companies and local businesses to develop this tremendous project,” said Michael Mathis, president and COO, MGM Springfield. “We are excited to see construction on the garage move forward as the foundation is poured and we watch this structure rise out of the ground over the coming months.”

MGM Springfield is expected to open in fall 2018, and is currently the largest construction project under development in Western Mass. The resort will feature a luxury hotel and a variety of entertainment offerings, including dining, shopping, gaming, and amusements, expected to attract millions of visitors and locals to downtown Springfield.

“We are thrilled to be part of another iconic MGM Resorts development and excited to continue our work with the city of Springfield, Pioneer Valley Building Trades, and Fontaine Brothers Inc. to bring the vision of MGM Springfield to life,” said Edward Cettina, COO of AECOM’s building construction group.

MGM Springfield is committed to engaging the community and maintaining diversity across its workforce, partners, and supply chain. In alignment with this commitment, Tishman Construction will host information sessions for diverse companies interested in working as subcontractors on the project.

Tishman is partnering with Fontaine Brothers to manage the parking-garage project, including solicitation of subcontractors and other procurement efforts. Fontaine Brothers is a local, fourth-generation, family-owned construction firm. In Springfield, Fontaine is best-known for its work on major construction and renovation projects including Symphony Hall, the MassMutual Center, Hilton Garden Inn, and dozens of educational institutions.

“Fontaine Brothers is elated to partner with Tishman Construction and MGM Springfield on this exciting project,” said David Fontaine Jr., vice president, Fontaine Bros. “We are thrilled to join this world-class team and to play an active role in the continuing revitalization of the city we call home. We look forward to working with Tishman to manage the construction effort while continuing to help the team connect and partner with talented contractors based here in Western Massachusetts.”

Michael Moran Named President of Baystate Health Eastern Region

By BusinessWest Staff May 11, 2016

Daily News

WARE — Michael Moran has been appointed president and chief administrative officer of Baystate Health’s Eastern Region. He had been serving in this role in an interim capacity since Jan. 29.

“Since January, Mike has been deeply engaged with community members, seeking input as the Eastern Region evolves to meet the contemporary needs of patients in Ware, Palmer, and surrounding communities,” said Nancy Shendell-Falik, senior vice president, Hospital Operations, Baystate Health. “He is working with Baystate Health colleagues to bring more primary care and specialty care to the Eastern Region, has ensured the current level of emergency care in Ware will continue, and is building relationships with Eastern Region team members, local leaders, community groups, the region’s EMS services, and many others.”

Moran came to the Eastern Region from a health-system role as vice president for Clinical, Facilities & Guest Services. In his 14 years at Baystate Health, he has had a vast scope of responsibility, at one point overseeing 13 departments and more than 1,300 team members throughout the system. He has been responsible for a broad spectrum of services including cancer, behavioral health, neurosciences and rehabilitation, food and nutrition, facilities, and more.

He is known for building high-performing teams, fostering engagement, and serving as executive leader for Baystate Medical Center’s complex cardiovascular and emergency-room facilities-improvement projects. He led the building of the orthopedic surgery and cancer centers in Springfield and the surgical center under construction at Baystate Franklin Medical Center. He has co-led the health system’s largest and most complex Lean project, which improved patient flow at Baystate Medical Center and resulted in efficiencies of more than $5 million.

The Baystate Health board of trustees and board members for the Eastern Region voted unanimously to make Moran’s appointment permanent.

“Michael brings 27 years of experience in multiple industries, including the military, recreation, hospitality, education, and healthcare,” said Shendell-Falik. “His community involvement includes service to several boards and committees throughout Western Massachusetts. His skills and experiences are well-suited to fulfill the leadership needs of the Eastern Region.”

Hampshire Mall Welcomes New Operations Manager

By BusinessWest Staff May 11, 2016

Daily News

HADLEY — The Hampshire Mall management team recently welcomed Operations Manager John Mieczkowski.

John has more than 20 years of both commercial and industrial construction experience. He is the longtime owner and operator of Arc Welding and has served as a firefighter for over 20 years, currently as a lieutenant with the Hadley Fire Department. He continues to reside in Hadley where he was born and raised, and is a member of the PTO, Young Men’s Club, and Firemen’s Assoc.

“We are excited to have John join our team at Hampshire Mall. With his vast experience in construction and project management, he will be a valuable asset to us,” said General Manager Lynn Gray.

Comcast Spotlight Leases Space at Agawam Crossing

By BusinessWest Staff May 4, 2016

Daily News

AGAWAM — Comcast Spotlight has signed a lease for a new, 3,157-square-foot space in Agawam Crossing, located at 200 Silver St. in Agawam. This is the final space at Agawam Crossing, a class A professional office building. Comcast Spotlight recently moved into its new home alongside Baystate Rehabilitation, Life Laboratories, and Associates in Women’s Health, among others.

Comcast Spotlight is an advertising sales company that provides video solutions to local, regional, and national businesses through television and digital advertising. It provides local market coverage across multiple platforms (cable TV, satellite, telco, online, VOD) and can target customers geographically, demographically, and by message to reach specific audience segments.

Development Associates of Agawam was the leasing agent and project manager for the construction of Comcast Spotlight’s new offices. The tenant was represented by Bob Peterson, managing broker at REAL Partners, LLC, and Daniel Moore of NAI Plotkin of Springfield.

Collaboration, Shared Goals Spur Redevelopment in Springfield

By BusinessWest Staff May 3, 2016

Community Spotlight Features

Community Spotlight

Kevin Kennedy says MGM’s casino is just one of the many positive stories unfolding in Springfield.

Springfield is undergoing a $2.7 billion transformation, and although that number — and the current spate of progress — is dominated by MGM’s $900 million casino, a plethora of other exciting projects are underway.

Chief Development Officer Kevin Kennedy said the city initiated a team effort four years ago with city officials and groups that include DevelopSpringfield, the Springfield Regional Chamber, the Business Improvement District (BID), and the Parking Authority, who convene on a regular basis to collaborate on projects and areas of focus that are proposed or underway.

Each group does its part, and an annual city report is designed to show the public the substantial investments being made.

They include the $88.5 million renovation of Union Station, which is 55% complete and slated to open at the end of the year.

“We all share the same vision,” said Jeffrery Ciuffreda, president of the Springfield Regional Chamber, adding that the chamber wrote numerous letters of support to help secure the funding to revitalize Union Station.

DevelopSpringfield has a number of projects taking place (more about that later), and a groundbreaking ceremony will be staged in the upcoming weeks for the new Innovation Center, which will serve as the cornerstone for the city’s newly designated Innovation District.

DevelopSpringfield President and CEO Jay Minkarah told BusinessWest the center will comprise about 18,000 square feet of space in two formerly vacant adjacent buildings at 270 and 276 Bridge St. and will become the new home of Valley Venture Mentors (VVM), which provides collaborative work space and services to help fledging businesses.

The center, which will be bordered downtown on the south by the MGM casino and on the north by Union Station, will include a café and rental space for young companies as they outgrow shared space at VVM.

The city partnered with DevelopSpringfield on the project, and the Commonwealth awarded a $2 million MassWorks grant to MassDevelopment to support development of the Innovation Center. The agency then sub-granted the funds to DevelopSpringfield. MassMutual also contributed $500,000 to the project, and generous contributions were received from the Beveridge Family Foundation and the Berkshire Bank Foundation.

In addition, the city will soon announce plans to redevelop and refurbish Stearns Square and Duryea Way, which connects to Union Station.

“We’ve developed a collective strategy and vision, and have had a great deal of good fortune,” Kennedy told BusinessWest, referring to winning the bid for the casino and securing funding for Union Station, which was accomplished with help from legislators. However, he and other key figures credit the city’s successful tornado recovery and rebuild efforts that began in the wake of the 2011 catastrophe with their recent success in obtaining funding for downtown projects.

And the plans continue to expand. “We would also like to create a dining district, and are actively working with the BID to create a loan program to encourage new restaurants,” Kennedy noted. “Our future revolves around culture, entertainment, innovation, and dining. MGM is an entertainment giant, and their offerings will be very attractive, but we need to couple them with innovation because that is where the economy is moving.”

Sizeable Investments

Successfully revitalized downtowns feature housing options as well as retail establishments, said Ciuffreda, and the chamber is excited about SilverBrick Lofts, a 200-unit complex with one- and two-bedroom apartments that are slowly being converted from subsidized housing into market-rate rentals. Renovations have been going on for about 18 months as leases expire, and many of the revamped units are already rented and feature exposed brick, reclaimed wood beams, arched windows, and high ceilings.

The redevelopment of Union Station is being hailed as one of the keys to revitalization in Springfield’s downtown.

“They’re in an old mill that is actually three buildings in one, and runs from Worthington Street to Taylor Street; SilverBrick sits behind the new Innovation Center and is right across from the open tunnel that leads into Union Station,” Ciuffreda noted, adding that, in addition to housing, there are also a dozen retail spaces in the complex, mostly along Worthington and Main streets. One of them has been rented, and a new chocolate and coffee shop is expected to open there soon.

In addition, MGM’s contract includes establishing 54 new units of market-rate housing within a mile of the casino, and the (now-vacant) former Springfield School Department building on 195 State St. has been identified as a potential site.

“We’re starting to see the rebirth of the downtown with the Innovation District, the new market-rate housing, and Union Station opening in the fall,” Ciuffreda said. “The combination is resulting in a big change while MGM is being built.”

In addition, the Mass. Convention Center Authority has been working closely with the Springfield Parking Authority, and the Convention Center Authority will soon be issuing requests for proposals for a feasibility study to determine the future of the Civic Center Garage.

The Parking Authority has undertaken about $900,000 in structural repair work to the facility, but that patch is expected to be effective for only five years, so the study will show whether the garage should undergo more repairs or be replaced, given that MGM will build a garage to house 3,300 vehicles a few blocks away.

The city, Parking Authority, and Springfield Technical Community College also plan to conduct a study of the upper State Street area to determine the need and feasibility for developing a parking structure there to serve the growing needs of the neighborhood.

In addition, the city recently finished a $6 million reconstruction of Boston Road and has undertaken major work along the State Street corridor that serves as a major east-west connector with the downtown area.

Ciuffreda said real opportunity exists at Eastfield Mall on Boston Road, which has lost its anchor tenants in recent years, but continues to be a popular destination for area residents.

To serve their needs, the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority has a bus service that runs along the corridor. A recent study identified it as a prime route to introduce Bus Rapid Transit to the region, which would originate at Union Station and run to Eastfield Mall — a 7.1-mile corridor that’s one of the most heavily traveled bus routes in the PVTA system, with more than 5,000 riders a day.

Over the coming months, PVTA will host neighborhood and public forums to share information on the system and get input about the service, which would include faster service and fare collection, exclusive bus lanes, and stations as opposed to bus stops.

Work is also going on in other parts of the city. The intersection at Sumner and Harkness avenues was completely reconfigured within the last year, and reconstruction of North Main Street to the Chicopee line has taken place.

A ribbon cutting will be staged next month in Forest Park for the new Eco Center, which is part of the tornado rebuild; construction on the senior center at Blunt Park is about to begin; and work to rebuild the South End Community Center will commence this summer.

Kennedy added that financing is being lined up to redevelop the Indian Motorcycle building in Mason Square, which is partially occupied, and construction should start by the end of the year. In addition, the North End Citizens Council also received a $50,000 state grant to create a master plan for the area.

Preserving History

Minkarah said one of DevelopSpringfield’s exciting projects is the creation of the $1.8 million Lower Maple Business Park, which includes the renovation of the historic Ansel Phelps-Solymon Merrick House and the former Female Seminary on adjoining parcels along Maple Street.

Jay Minkarah says DevelopSpringfield is creating a new business park on lower Maple Street.

The site also includes six commercial garages and a two-story carriage house with a double-bay garage that is ideal for a contractor or other business that needs attached indoor parking. In addition, there is plenty of space for parking on the grounds.

The $1.8 million renovation of the property is almost complete, and is within walking distance of downtown Main Street. A number of offices and suites have been thoughtfully designed, while other space will be outfitted to suit tenants’ needs, and space in the Merrick House at 83 Maple St. will become DevelopSpringfield’s permanent home.

The majority of funding for the project has been provided by the organization, which was founded in 2008 and initially composed of volunteers in the wake of the State Street redevelopment program. Its focus is extremely challenging projects — restoring blighted but highly visible buildings with cultural and historic value that have deteriorated to the point where it is cost-prohibitive for the city or developers to rehabilitate them.

“We’re seeking to meet multiple goals, which include stimulating revitalization and economic development by saving buildings that show decay, decline, and disinvestment,” Minkarah said. “They give the wrong message when people drive by, but if they are restored, it has the opposite effect and helps to bring up property values, which contributes to the economy. We see ourselves as the city’s private, nonprofit development partner.”

He added that the Innovation Center was conceptualized at the end of 2014 when it became apparent that a new vision was needed for the city’s entertainment district.

“We’re hoping not only to create an exciting center for entrepreneurship and innovation, but a place where jobs are created,” Minkarah said, referring to VVM’s programs for startup businesses. “It’s always exciting when new businesses come to a city, but our core strategy needs to be growing new companies here to fulfill dreams and create jobs. We want to stimulate innovation, which needs to be one of the pillars of our economy.

“This project is also about revitalizing buildings that really need renovation and making a very visible investment in an area suffering from a high vacancy rate,” he continued, noting that the total cost, including acquisition and rehabilitation of the buildings, will total $3.5 million.

Other DevelopSpringfield projects include a historic renovation of the Gunn Block on the corner of State and Walnut streets. The organization is also working to bring a full-line grocery store to Mason Square, where it owns about 4.5 acres and is willing to develop the site.

Last August, it purchased a vacant church on the corner of Carew and Dwight streets in the North End and is in the process of acquiring six vacant lots from the city for parking.

Along the Central Street corridor, which was heavily impacted by the 2011 tornado, DevelopSpringfield acquired several vacant lots for redevelopment. New homes have been built on three of them by Viva Development for qualifying, working low-income families, and additional homes are planned.

“Sometimes we are the developer, sometimes we take a lead role in planning issues, and other times we provide support to the city and other nonprofits by serving as part of a project team or by writing grants to secure funding that can lead to revitalization,” Minkarah said.

Bright Future

A city’s reputation centers around its central business district, said Kennedy, noting that, while Springfield has had some problems in recent years, work by multiple stakeholders who share a vision is aimed at changing that perception.

“Our future is much brighter than it was five years ago, and there is a lot of activity going on downtown, coupled with increased lighting and a new police program,” he said. “All of the projects fit together, and we have the highest bond rating in our history, which really adds confidence to everything as we move forward.”

In short, the city is seeing considerable movement, he said in conclusion, noting that, through a concerted team effort, Springfield is enjoying real progress in its efforts to grow, thrive, and attract entrepreneurs, new residents, and visitors in the years to come.

Springfield at a Glance

Year Incorporated: 1852
Population: 153,278
Area: 33.2 square miles
County: Hampden
Tax Rate: Residential: $19.66; Commercial: $38.60
Median Household Income: $50,916 (2014)
Family Household Income: $64,576 (2014)
Type of government: Mayor, City Council
Largest Employers: Baystate Health; MassMutual Financial Group; Big Y; Sisters of Providence Health System; Smith & Wesson; Center for Human Development
* Latest information available

MGM Springfield Employs Local Businesses to Help Build Casino

By BusinessWest Staff May 3, 2016

Construction Sections

Work in Progress

American Environmental’s Tom MacQueen says employees of construction-related companies appreciate having steady work close to home.

With construction on the MGM Springfield casino underway, plenty of local businesses — 40 to 50 over the next six to nine months — will have worked on the project in its first phase. But that’s just the beginning, say city and regional business leaders, who say MGM has forged a number of strategic partnerships to ensure that even more area companies — those in construction, but also providers of myriad other services — benefit from this $900 million effort.

Construction is moving forward on the 14.5-acre MGM Springfield site between Union and State streets and Columbus Avenue and Main Street.

About 70% of the footprint for the garage, casino, hotel, and outdoor space has been cleared, and about 45 local and non-regional companies have been employed during the process.

Work to compact the ground and get it ready for the garage, which will be the first structure built, is taking place now. Demolition is also still occurring in the area where the casino and hotel will be built, and on April 19 the First Spiritualist Church was moved 600 feet from its former home on 33-37 Bliss St. in preparation for placing it on a new foundation.

Brian Packer, MGM’s vice president of construction, told BusinessWest that one building and the rear portion of the State Armory still need to be knocked down. In addition, the rear of two structures, 73 State St. and the Union Chandler Hotel, whose historic front facades will be preserved, also still need to be demolished once the facades are secured and braced.

“We are encouraged by the tremendous progress MGM Springfield has made over the last several months. As we begin the next phase of construction, our outreach efforts will focus on electrical, mechanical, and drywall,” he said. “We anticipate announcing dates for information sessions soon for union companies interested in these jobs. MGM Springfield continues to support the involvement of local businesses — and minority-, woman-, and veteran-owned businesses — and we encourage these companies to participate in the process.”

Eric Nelson, vice president and project executive for Tishman Construction Corp., the general contractor overseeing the MGM build, said a concerted effort has been made to hire as many local subcontractors as possible in keeping with the project labor agreement, and they will continue to hire firms over the next 12 months.

“A significant amount of the work has gone to firms in Springfield and the surrounding communities,” he said.

Local businesses benefiting from the trickle-down effect include American Environmental Inc., a minority-owned Holyoke business which did a significant amount of abatement and some demolition; Ultimate Abatement, a woman-owned firm in Springfield, which received a large contract to do abatement on the former YWCA building; Gagliarducci Construction Inc., which handled site work; and New England Blue Print Paper in Springfield, which has contributed printing and copying services.

Within the next six to nine months, Packer said, 40 to 50 local companies will have worked on the project, and the majority are in Springfield.

Gerry Gagliarducci, owner of Gagliarducci Construction Inc., said he has had a crew on site since last year. The company has done exploratory work for underground utilities, screened excavated materials for reuse on the site, and, most recently, conducted preparations needed to move the church.

“We’ve enjoyed our relationship with MGM and Tishman Construction. This project is a big boost to the local economy and carries down to all areas of business, including fuel for vehicles, lunches, and major expenditures,” he noted, adding that workers with good-paying jobs may buy new automobiles or make other major purchases.

Work for local firms has come about in part because MGM has been reaching out to the business community for several years to initiate strategic partnerships and discussions. They also participate in events such as the annual Western Mass. Business Expo, staged by BusinessWest, and have held informational sessions for contractors, which will continue before substantial work comes up for bid.

Brian Packer, pictured in front of the First Spiritualist Church during its 600-foot relocation, says MGM expects to reach out soon to local firms for electrical, mechanical, drywall, and other types of work.

Local providers have also benefited. They include Caring Health in Springfield, which won the bid for the drug-testing portion of the contract and has tested every construction employee on the site, as well as Arrow Security Co. Inc., which has provided security services for the property since the construction began.

“The project has definitely been beneficial to us,” said Arrow CEO John DeBarge. “Prior to the recession, 10% of our business was new construction. It went to 0%, and MGM is the first substantial project we’ve obtained, which helps our business and our employees. We’ve hired a number of new employees who are Springfield residents.”

At this point, the abatement and demolition is almost complete, site work is starting, and construction of the framework is expected to begin in the fall.

Outreach Efforts

Jeffrey Ciuffreda, president of the Springfield Regional Chamber, said his organization has an excellent relationship with MGM, and is working closely with the company to make sure local businesses benefit not only during the building process, but once the casino is operational.

He noted that MGM’s agreement with the city of Springfield includes spending $50 million annually on local goods and services after it opens, but said the word ‘local’ is relative, and includes Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin, and Berkshire counties.

So far, MGM has carried out its end of the contract and joined with the Springfield Regional Chamber to host two supplier and vendor fairs attended by its former vice president of global procurement, who came from Las Vegas to highlight opportunities for local businesses and provide strategies and insights for doing business with the casino. A vendor fair was also staged in Holyoke in conjunction with the Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce.

Businesses doing construction work have to be unionized, but suppliers and service providers do not when the project opens. However, they do have to be registered with the Mass. Gaming Commission.

Click HERE to download a chart of the region’s General Contractors

Companies hired so far tout the benefits of the project to the regional economy. They include American Environmental Inc., which has done a significant amount of work on the project. It won the first abatement contract, has been working for MGM since last March, and since that time has been awarded a half-dozen additional abatement contracts and an equal number of structural take-down contracts that have included demolishing the former YWCA on Howard Street, which dated back to the 1900s and most recently housed the Western Massachusetts Alcohol Treatment Center; the former St. Joseph Rectory on Howard Street; and the Springfield Rescue Mission on Bliss Street, which relocated to the former Orr Cadillac building on Mill Street, which the casino resort provided in exchange for the mission’s former property.

“It’s been a wonderful foundation project for the entire calendar year,” said Tom MacQueen, American Environmental’s general manager, adding that area employees appreciate having steady work close to home and MGM has done a great job identifying qualified, local contractors.

In addition, American Environmental has been introduced to new contractors on the site and made arrangements to work with them in the future, which is an extra benefit of working on the project.

T&M Equipment Corp. in Springfield is another local company benefiting from the ripple effect. The union-affiliated contractor was hired to do excavation work for the garage and hotel and has been on site for about a month.

“This is great for local companies, and we are excited to work with MGM and be part of history in Springfield,” said Project Manager Taylor Wright. “This site is really large and will not only bring more work to area companies, but will allow more people to be employed from local unions.”

MGM is working to increase union construction workforce opportunities, and has convened a Community Partners Network, which has grown from nine to 21 members. The network holds biweekly meetings to identify ways to recruit diverse populations that meet union requirements and are ready to join a union or a union joint apprenticeship and training committee, and also recruit people who may not meet union requirements and need supportive services and soft-skills training.

MGM has also met with a number of trade unions to share construction timelines, potential partnerships, and other issues pertinent to hiring. They include the Carpenters Union #108; the Painters & Allied Traders Council #35; Ironworkers Local #7; and a bevy of other groups. In addition, a construction diversity task force has been formed.

Outreach continues, and MGM Springfield and Tishman are exploring the possibility of developing an ongoing partnership with Putnam Vocational Academy students interested in joining unions and working on the Springfield job site.

The Springfield Regional Chamber created a list of members for MGM that could do construction-related work, and goals have been established by the Mass. Gaming Commission for doing business with certified minority-, woman-, and veteran-owned companies.

Ciuffreda has also told MGM about local companies that manufacture windows and other supplies that will be needed during construction, and said officials have expressed real interest in them.

With the $900 million project only in its early stages, MGM expects to involve many more local workers.

“The door was open early on, and although we can’t offer our members any guarantees, as the construction unfolds we will make sure that MGM’s list continues to be updated,” he told BusinessWest, adding that MGM has divided chamber members into categories and given the list to contractors, who are encouraged to use local suppliers.

“We’ve told our members that MGM is a world-class organization and is big on quality, quantity, and cost,” Ciuffreda noted, adding that some local firms may be too small to be competitive in terms of pricing or unable to produce the large number of items needed.

However, the chamber has filed a grant request with the Gaming Commission that would allow it to provide technical assistance to businesses. Funds will be targeted toward minority-, woman-, and veteran-owned firms that wish to do business with the casino.

MGM’s future needs will be seemingly endless, and goods and services needed will range from security to special hardware, signage, exterminators, alcoholic beverages — the casino has already agreed to work with local craft-beer producers — to food, which Ciuffreda said could be supplied by farmers in the Pioneer Valley. Other non-gaming vendors will include linen suppliers, garbage handlers, and limousine service companies. However, the majority of those firms won’t be hired for more than a year from now, when advertisements and meetings will provide interested businesses with the information they need.

“We are on track for the September 2018 opening and are excited to share in the economic growth,” said Seth Stratton, vice president and general counsel for MGM Springfield. “The silver lining is that there is still plenty of time for businesses to ramp up or start with us, and as we get closer to the opening, we will step up our own processes and procedures to formally do outreach with the business community so we can spend the amount of money we have agreed to in our contract.”

Keeping Pace

Ciuffreda said MGM will do well because it is a behemoth with an established history, but its future success will be measured by the impact it has on local companies. At this point, MGM is doing everything it promised, he noted, but the chamber will continue its quest to make sure its members benefit from the spinoff.

For example, the chamber has a 100-page document listing items that MGM Detroit purchases, and Ciuffreda intends to sit down with officials and find out what is procured from national companies and what could be supplied locally to fulfill the $50 million annual agreement as things move forward.

“We won’t leave any rocks unturned,” he told BusinessWest. “The trickle-down effect is not only going to happen, it’s happening right now and will continue to grow.”

Study Finds Global Green Building Expected to Double by 2018

By BusinessWest Staff May 3, 2016

Construction Sections

Fertile Environment

GreenUrban-519278869 Companies involved in U.S. construction plan on intensifying their involvement in green building over the next three years, according to the new World Green Building Trends Study from Dodge Data & Analytics, conducted with support from United Technologies Corp. and its UTC Climate, Controls & Security business. The U.S. is also one of the global leaders in the percentage of firms expecting to construct new green institutional projects and green retrofits of existing buildings.

The global study, which received additional support from Saint-Gobain, the U.S. Green Building Council, and the Regenerative Network, positions the U.S. as a strong participant in the global green movement. Responses from more than 1,000 building professionals from 60 countries place the U.S. green industry in context. The study also provides specific comparisons with 12 other countries from which a sufficient response was gained to allow for statistical analysis: Australia, Brazil, China, Colombia, Germany, India, Mexico, Poland, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, and the United Kingdom.

According to the report, U.S. construction should see an increase in the share of green work in the next few years, largely as a result of companies intensifying their involvement in the green-building industry. An increasing percentage of respondents projected that more than 60% of their projects would be green projects — from 24% of respondents in 2015 to 39% in 2018. Respondents projecting that fewer than 15% of their projects would be certified green plummeted from 41% in 2015 to 27% by 2018.

Worldwide Trend

While this increased share of green building is impressive, it is significantly less than many developing countries included in the survey. For example, Brazil expects six-fold growth (from 6% to 36%) in the percentage of companies conducting a majority of their projects green, five-fold growth is expected in China (from 5% to 28%), and fourfold growth is expected in Saudi Arabia (from 8% to 32%).

“The strong U.S. industry for green-building projects is clearly an opportunity for U.S. firms, but so is the rapid rise of green in many of the developing countries,” said Stephen Jones, senior director of Industry Insights, Dodge Data & Analytics. “Expertise from experienced green designers, builders, and manufacturers from the U.S. is likely to be essential to support the aggressive green-building expectations revealed by the study respondents.”

In the U.S., the highest percentage of respondents report that they expect to work on new green institutional projects (such as schools, hospitals, and public buildings), green retrofits of existing buildings, and new green commercial construction (such as office and retail buildings) in the next three years. When compared with global averages, it becomes clear that the U.S. is a leader in new green institutional construction and green retrofits of existing buildings. For example:

• 46% of U.S. respondents expect to work on new green institutional buildings, compared to 38% globally; and

• 43% of U.S. respondents plan to work on green retrofits of existing buildings, again well above the global average of 37%.

The U.S. is also distinguished from the global findings in terms of the importance it places on reducing energy consumption as an environmental reason for building green. Over three-quarters (76%) of U.S. respondents consider this important, nearly double the percentage of the next most important environmental factor, which is reducing water consumption. While the other 12 countries in the study prioritize the reduction of energy consumption, only Germany, Poland, and Singapore do so to the same extent.

“The survey shows that global green building activity continues to double every three years,” said United Technologies Chief Sustainability Officer John Mandyck. “More people recognize the economic and productivity value that green buildings bring to property owners and tenants, along with the energy and water benefits to the environment, which is driving the green-building industry’s growth. It’s a win-win for people, planet, and the economy.”

Cost and Value

The study demonstrates the benefits of building green, with median operating cost decreases for green buildings of 9% expected in just one year globally. Building owners also report seeing a median increase of 7% in the value of their green buildings compared to traditional buildings, an increase that is consistent between newly built green buildings and those that are renovated green. These business benefits are a critical driver for the growth of green building anticipated globally.

The U.S. is also notable for having the lowest percentage of respondents who report that their company uses metrics to track green-building performance. Only 57% of U.S. respondents report using metrics, compared to a 75% average globally. This may be linked to the fact that the U.S. is also the country with the highest level of concern reported about higher perceived first costs for green building, notably more than the percentage who consider this an important challenge to building green in other developed countries with active construction markets, like Germany and the U.K. u

Dodge Data & Analytics, which prepared this article, is a leading provider of data, analytics, news, and intelligence serving the North American construction industry.

Building Permits

By BusinessWest Staff May 3, 2016

Building Permits Departments

The following building permits were issued during the month of April 2016.

AGAWAM

Pleasant Hill Village
25 Pleasant Hill Dr.
$498,000 — Exterior renovations

Pleasant Hill Village
25 Pleasant Hill Dr.
$260,000 — Alterations to community building

Town of Agawam
760 Cooper St.
$7,950,000 — Construct a concession building, new athletic field, and renovate existing locker rooms

AMHERST

Middle Hampshire Development Group, LLC
31 Hall Dr.
$27,500 — Repair water damage from frozen pipes

HADLEY

Morningstar Church, Inc.
11 North Main St.
$6,000 — Interior renovations

LUDLOW

Black Diamond Development
485 Holyoke St.
$18,000 — Alterations

Xu Sheng, LLC
221-223 East St.
$8,000 — Alterations

NORTHAMPTON

Coolidge Northampton, LLC
243 King St.
$5,000 — Interior renovations at Domino’s

Gaev Bennett
95 South St.
$3,000 — Repair water damage

Norma Lee Realty Trust
90 King St.
$4,000 — Interior renovations

Northampton Four, LLC
338 King St.
$95,000 — Redesign and modernize fascia and alter vestibule

Rogers Hall
47 Roundhill Road
$3,758,000 — Convert Rogers Hall to 15 apartments

Thornes Marketplace, LLC
150 Main St.
$110,000 — Renovate interior for Herrell’s

Webs
82 Conz St.
$10,000 — Construct wall to create office space

PALMER

Keith Construction
1 Beacon Dr.
$30,000 — Renovate apartment to meet UFAS standards

Old Pond Elementary School
4107 Main St.
$18,342 — Exterior renovations

SOUTH HADLEY

Cinderelli’s
480 Newton St.
$13,000 — Re-roof

Michael E. Smith Middle School
100 Mosier St.
$150,000 — Install security modifications in lobby

South Hadley Post Office
1 Hadley St.
$206,000 — New roof

SPRINGFIELD

Baystate Health
759 Chestnut St.
$502,000 — Renovate pharmacy area into new command center

Kaitlin O’Hara
100 Brookdale Dr.
$400,000 — Renovations

Newport Development
379 Allen St.
$163,000 — Interior fit-up for Dollar Tree in existing building

Ronald McDonald House
34 Chapin Terrace
$67,000 — Interior renovations

Tom Hodouanek
300 Stafford St.
$476,000 — Renovate existing cardiology office

Woodruff Realty, LLC
90 Fisk Ave.
$36,000 — Convert warehouse to a meeting/training room

WEST SPRINGFIELD

DDR Corporation
935 Riverdale St.
$325,000 — Combine two tenant spaces at the Riverdale Shops

Hampden County Improvement
1305 Memorial Ave.
$43,000 — New roof

Sherwin Williams
835 Memorial Ave.
$30,000 — Cosmetic makeover of showroom

Sunnyside Corporation
177 Norman St.
$85,000 — Erect a 3,720-square-foot storage building

Toni Sorcinelli
781 Fairview Ave.
$9,000 — Exterior renovations