Page 9 - BusinessWest January 8, 2024

“I work closely with the mayors, as well as the state senators and representatives, to be sure that we’re providing a platform for the small businesses in Agawam,
and be that middle person to ensure that the businesses are able to have their voices heard.”
cost-effective than trying to again reno- vate and add onto the current structure, built in the mid-’50s.
Meanwhile, a new high school will certainly help the community effectively compete with neighboring cities and towns for young professionals and busi- nesses alike.
“It’s been 50 years since we’ve built a school,” he said, referencing the middle school, built in 1973. “We’ve gone a long time without making a major invest- ment. I’ve been in the real-estate world since I left the mayor’s office 24 years ago; I’m a real-estate attorney, and I have lots of friends who are Realtors and brokers, and they all say that, when it comes to new families moving into the area, one of the first things they want to know is what the school system is like.”
Robin Wozniak, president of the West of the River Chamber of Commerce, who serves on the committee studying options for the high school, agreed. “It’s imperative that we keep up with technol- ogy and provide facilities that are state- of-the-art,” she said. “We have to remain competitive with our neighbors.”
Beyond the high-school project are other pressing issues in town, as well as signs of progress, she said, noting, among them, the highly anticipated opening of a Starbucks in a lot at the corner of Main and Suffield streets, being developed by the Colvest Group. The store is in the final stages of construction, she said, and it will be an important addition to that section of town just over the Mor- gan-Sullivan Bridge from West Springfield.
With the acquistion by Colvest of a small parcel on the edge of the neighboring Town Hall parking lot, there is room for additional
Chris Johnson will be returning to the mayor’s office in January 24 years after serving as the city’s first mayor.
development on the site, Wozniak said, noting that an urgent-care clinic and a fast-food restaurant have been among the rumored possibilities.
Meanwhile, she’s look- ing forward to working
Agawam
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WILBRAHAM & MONSON ACADEMY
TITAN TALKS
Join us for coffee and conversation to learn more about WMA’s programs and community.
At Home.
In the World.
MIDDLE SCHOOL
(families interested in grades 6-8)
Tue., Jan. 23, 9 - 10 a.m.
UPPER SCHOOL
(families interested in grades 9-12, PG)
Thu., Jan. 25, 8 - 9 a.m.
RSVP: www.wma.us/TitanTalks
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