Page 10 - BusinessWest August 19, 2024

EDITORIAL >>
Progress on the Other End of Main Street?
For the past several years, Springfield has recorded various forms of progress within its central business district — on or just off Main Street, to be more specific.
Examples range from the $1 billion MGM complex, which dra- matically altered the landscape in the South End, to the 31 Elm St. project, which brought market-rate housing to the former Court Square Hotel; from dramatic renovations to Tower Square and its hotel, with the Marriott flag restored, to new, local ownership and a host of improvements to the TD Bank building.
And there’s more on the way, with announced plans to convert the Clocktower Building and Colonial Block just south of State Street into more housing, all or most of it market-rate.
Mostly missing from the equation has been progress north of Bridge Street, the North Blocks area, a stretch dominated by older buildings, many of them vacant or largely vacant. But two recent developments may change that.
The first is the announced sale of what is known to many as the Fort building because the famous restaurant occupies much of its ground floor. The building was sold by the New England Farmwork- ers Council, at a fraction of its assessed value, to the same group that saved the restaurant from closing back in 2014.
That group is planning some improvements for the restaurant, some streetscape work, and, most importantly, 50 or more condos on the upper floors of the property, which have been mostly vacant for more than 40 years.
OPINION >>
The sale by the beleaguered Farmworkers Council to the Fort Street Realty Assoc. will bring much needed stability to an impor- tant property and, for the longer term, more housing, and the vibran- cy that comes with it, to the neighborhood.
The second development is the upcoming auction of the property housing the Paramount Theater and former Massasoit House Hotel, also owned by the Farmworkers Council. The auction is the last and best hope for council, which has been trying to sell the property for some time, without any luck, and has been desperate to get out from under the taxes and other costs it is burdened with when it comes to this landmark.
It acquired the property years ago with the intention of renovat- ing the theater and reactivating the former hotel space, perhaps for offices or even housing, and invested millions of dollars in a new roof and other improvements. But the development team it was part- nering with was never able to get these plans off the drawing board.
The auction provides an opportunity for a new party to come in and breathe some new life into efforts to take this important piece of the city’s past and give it a future. There are myriad challenges, and renovation of the property could still be classified as a long shot, but there might now be some renewed hope that something can be done with this property.
It remains to be seen what will happen with both the Fort build- ing and the Paramount property, but with these developments, there seems to be more stability — and more promise. BW
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Free Education Benefits Everyone
BY GEORGE TIMMONS
My grandmother always told me that an education is the one thing no one can ever take away from you. It’s the most pow- erful gift we can receive.
On July 29, Gov. Maura Healey signed into law MassEducate, a program that will provide free community college across the Com- monwealth to eligible Massachusetts residents.
What an extraordinary gift, indeed.
This development (see story on page 13) marks a water-
shed moment in the history of education in Massachusetts. The announcement of free community college for all eligible residents
is not just a policy change — it’s a catalyst for transformation across our state. Expanding on the success of MassReconnect, which the Healey-Driscoll administration unveiled last year, MassEducate will now offer tuition- and fee-free community college to all eligible Mas- sachusetts residents, regardless of age, who have yet to earn a bach- elor’s degree.
This is about more than just free tuition and fees — it’s a promise to our community — a promise that says, no matter your background or circumstances, you have the opportunity to pursue higher educa- tion and build a brighter future. At Holyoke Community College, we are enabling students to set an example for their families. To earn a livable wage. To address challenges within their community. To chart a completely new path — filled with potential — for themselves and their children. We are elevating society.
To our community: Free community college is an investment in our state’s future workforce. It will create a larger pool of skilled, educated employees ready to contribute to our regional economy. Your support and engagement will be crucial in ensuring that our academic programs align with the needs of our industries.
To potential students: Your aspirations are now within reach. Community college can be a launchpad to a four-year degree or a direct path to a rewarding career. Don’t let this chance pass you
by. Your future self will thank you for the decision you make today. Whether you’re a recent high-school graduate, a parent considering
a career change, or someone who has long dreamed of pursuing higher education, this is your moment. The opportunity to obtain a college degree without the burden of tuition and fees is unprecedent- ed. Seize it.
To parents: Your children’s educational journey just became more accessible and more affordable. This program opens up new pos- sibilities for your family’s future. Encourage your children to explore their passions and pursue their dreams by starting at community college.
While MassEducate covers tuition and fees, we recognize that the total cost of education extends beyond these expenses. At Holy- oke Community College, we’re committed to providing an excep- tional academic experience and robust support system that enables every student to reach the finish line without crushing debt. Our Itsy Bitsy Child Watch and Thrive Student Resource Center help address some of the greatest barriers to students’ continued attendance.
We are investing in spaces and technology that will make our students proud to learn here. Our work with industry partners helps create internships and career-development opportunities that pre- pare graduates for the work they will do. Guest speakers and cultur- al programming broaden the horizons of our students and our com- munity. And tutoring and mentorship programs build confidence, foster connection, and create invaluable networking opportunities.
While this ‘gift’ may seem specific to just the students who will benefit, we all benefit. A rising tide lifts all ships, and an educated and prepared workforce will be primed to solve the problems and answer the questions that our society is sure to face in the years to come.
Greater detail regarding eligibility can be found at hcc.edu and on the websites for each of our 15 Massachusetts community colleges, and our respective admissions and financial-aid teams stand ready to assist individuals as they prepare to apply as early as this fall. BW
George Timmons is president of Holyoke Community College.
10 AUGUST 19, 2024
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