Page 13 - BusinessWest June 23, 2021
P. 13

 Community Spotlight
Westfield Grateful to Move Past Pandemic
By Mark Morris
For Donald Humason, the phones ringing at Westfield City Hall is a sure sign the pandemic is nearing its end.
While recognizing that some people suf-
fered devastating personal and economic loss, Humason remains grateful that, on the whole, Westfield came through the last 14 months better than expected. He credits the team at City Hall
Because construction crews continued work- ing through the pandemic, Westfield saw prog- ress on several infrastructure projects. In April, the main structure was installed for the Green- way Rail Trail bridge that crosses Main Street. As the trail continues through Westfield, it will be an elevated path with exit ramps that drop down to local neighborhoods and businesses. Humason
 “At our weekly department meetings, I would always ask if we were prepared for the eventual end of the pandemic, so we would be ready when the
phones start ringing again. Thanks to everyone’s efforts, I feel we are ready.”
expects the final phase of the trail to be complete this fall.
“This last section of the trail is taking longer because there are several overpass bridges which are more complicated to build than the pathway itself,” he said.
Meanwhile, Westfield-Barnes Regional Airport recently broke ground for a $4.7 million taxiway project that will benefit both military and civilian air traffic. Anoth- er improvement at Barnes involves a pri- vate company looking to build three new aircraft hangars, Humason noted.
      for working tirelessly with state officials to secure grants for Westfield agencies and businesses.
“At our weekly department meetings, I would always ask if we were prepared for the eventual end of the pandemic, so we would be ready when the phones start ringing again,” the mayor said. “Thanks to everyone’s efforts, I feel we are ready.”
Massachusetts state and federal legisla- tors are currently on a campaign to bring the next generation F-35 fighter jets to the Air National Guard’s 104th Fighter Wing at Barnes.
Humason said he appreciates having a fleet of F-15 fighter jets based at Barnes, but it’s worth pursuing the newer jets, too. “We are compet- ing with several states in the Northeast to get
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 COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
JUNE 23, 2021 13
 Westfield at a glance
YEAR INCORPORATED: 1669
POPULATION: 41,552
AREA: 47.4 square miles
COUNTY: Hampden
RESIDENTIAL TAX RATE: $18.88 COMMERCIAL TAX RATE: $36.55
MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME: $45,240 MEDIAN FAMILY INCOME: $55,327
TYPE OF GOVERNMENT: Mayor, City Council
LARGEST EMPLOYERS: Westfield State University, Baystate Noble Hospital, Mestek Inc., Savage Arms Inc., Advance Manufacturing Co.
* Latest information available
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