Page 14 - BusinessWest February 21, 2022
P. 14
Mayor William Sapelli says Agawam is putting federal money to good use on everything from infrastructure to small- business support.
Agawam
Continued from page 11
for the 21st century,” he went on. If approved, the new school would be built on the practice fields adjacent to the current building.
A few years back, a new high-school building was proposed for the former Tuckahoe Turf Farm located near Route 187 and South Westfield Street. Now owned by the city, the 300-acre parcel will be developed into a passive rec- reation park for Agawam. Construc- tion will begin in the spring to provide roads, parking areas, and access to a pond that will accommodate fishing, kayaks, and canoes.
A solar-energy installation is part of the parcel and will occupy nearly 50 acres of the land near South Westfield Street.
“The city will receive income from the solar array, which will help mitigate the costs to develop and maintain the property,” said Marc Strange, director of Planning and Community Develop- ment for Agawam. “The solar panels will occupy one small area of the par- cel, leaving more than 200 acres for recreation and trails.”
While developing this long-vacant site, city leaders will continue to
take steps to make the community more attractive for new business development.
As part of these efforts, infrastruc- ture work is planned at the intersec- tion of Springfield Street, North Street, and Maple Street, an area known as O’Brien’s Corner. This project, sched- uled to start in the spring, will involve paving, adding curbs, and upgrading the traffic signals in the area.
Agawam received just over $8 mil- lion in funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), which Sapelli plans to use on several stormwater infrastructure projects in town. Cul- verts on North Street and North West-
“In the early days of the pandemic, outdoor dining was a lifesaver. Now, going into the third year, it’s so popular, we are proposing an ordinance to make it permanent in Agawam.”
field Street have been temporarily repaired, but the state has made it clear both areas need a permanent solution. In addition, heavy rains are causing flooding problems on Meadow Street and Leland Avenue.
“Some of the puddles are so bad, people sent us photos of their neigh- bors going out in kayaks,” Sapelli said, adding that the photos helped empha- size the need for fixing these storm drains. “We are using the ARPA funds for what they are intended. These are projects that need to be addressed where we did not have the funding to do so.”
Beyond infrastructure, the city is using funds from various COVID-relief efforts to help the business commu- nity. Indeed, it secured a $200,000 Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) grant designed to help micro-enterprises — five or fewer employees — in Agawam.
“These grants are designed to help
Agawam
Continued on page 82
Powered by United Way of Pioneer Valley, The Springfield Service Center
now houses Mass2-1-1 and Call2Talk satellite call offices, the Thrive financial empowerment program, and the Springfield emergency food pantry. It will also serve as the home for their seasonal “Stuff the Bus” backpack and “Hope for the Holidays” gift programs.
This service center embodies United Way of Pioneer Valley’s commitment to provide local services throughout the area.
These programs only exist with your generous support. Please make an investment in your community by donating today.
The Springfield Service Center is now open.
1441 Main Street, Suite 147 Springfield, MA 01103 www.uwpv.org | 413.737.2691
14
FEBRUARY 21, 2022
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
BusinessWest
Staff Photo