Page 16 - BusinessWest July 21, 2021

Community Spotlight
Deerfield Looks to Thoughtful Development
By Mark Morris
Long described as a town with natural beauty and a sense of history, Deerfield may soon be known as a place for
thoughtful economic development.
Kayce Warren, town administrator, said Deer-
field emerged from the pandemic better than expected, giving credit to other town officials and staff for continuing essential services for residents. “Everyone just jumped in and figured out how to keep the town processes moving forward.”
The challenges these days are far more man- ageable as the town figures out how to effectively run hybrid public meetings where some people attend in person while others take part via video platform.
One far-reaching town project kept mak-
ing progress despite the pandemic. In 2020, the Deerfield Select Board approved an extensive Green Infrastructure and Climate Resiliency Policy. The top-line goals of the policy include promoting sustainable practices for managing stormwater and incorporating permeable pave- ments, green roofs, and rain gardens to keep rainwater close to where it falls.
Warren said the policy resulted from iden- tifying climate-vulnerable spaces in town such as flood plains. “Because Deerfield is located
between the Connecticut and Deerfield rivers, we have to pay attention to stormwater runoff and flooding issues.”
She added that green infrastructure and cli- mate resiliency are now factored into every proj- ect going forward, such as a redesign of the town common and the streets that lead to it.
The green policy will also apply to a $12.6 mil- lion upgrade to the wastewater treatment plants in South Deerfield and Old Deerfield. Funds from the American Rescue Plan (ARP) can be used to invest in infrastructure projects, and that approach could be an effective way for Deerfield to pay for the wastewater project.
“Climate resiliency plays a big part in how you develop new infrastructure and upgrade current facilities, so the ARP funding could play a big role in getting these projects done,” Warren said.
The biggest economic-development news for Deerfield may be the arrival of Tree House Brew- ing Co., which purchased the former Channing Bete headquarters on Route 5 at the end of last year. The Charlton-based brewer is well-known for long lines of cars visiting the brewery during the pandemic to pick up beer orders.
Warren is thrilled that Tree House chose Deer- field for its newest location. “Tree House will play a big role in building a different economic pres-
We Gotta Key for That!
Car, Truck, Boat, Motorcycle, Padlock, Cessna, Gumball Machine... Whatever it is!
We can make it.
977 St. James Ave., Springfield, MA 732-8538 • www.servulocksmiths.com
SOUTH DEERFIELD IS HAPPENING!
TWO PROPERTIES FOR SALE FOR DEVELOPMENT BY THE TOWN OF DEERFIELD
• Parcel 2-1 is 7.971 acres, Parcel 2-2 is 0.924 acres on Merrigan Way, South Deerfield.
• Excellent access to Rt 5 and I-91, both are flat, cleared and shovel ready for Commercial Development.
• Just outside the center of South Deerfield, close to restaurants, bank, and services.
BID DEADLINE: August 15
Contact Andrea Woods at Franklin Regional Council of Governments [email protected] for a full Proposal Package
16 JULY 21, 2021
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
Deerfield at a Glance
YEAR INCORPORATED: 1677
POPULATION: 5,400
AREA: 33.4 square miles
COUNTY: Franklin
RESIDENTIAL TAX RATE: $15.85 COMMERCIAL TAX RATE: $15.85
MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME: $74,853 MEDIAN FAMILY INCOME: $83,859
TYPE OF GOVERNMENT: Open Town Meeting
LARGEST EMPLOYERS: Yankee Candle Co., Pelican Products Inc.
* Latest information available
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