Page 11 - BusinessWest September 1, 2021
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 Community Spotlight
Southwick Emphasizes Balance for the Community
By Mark Morris
When they talk about managing their town into the future, officials in Southwick emphasize the word “bal- ance.”
In order for the town to remain a desirable place to live, said Karl Stinehart, chief adminis- trative officer, there needs to be a combination of
“We like to point out that Southwick is a recreational community. We also want to make sure our zoning allows
for commercial and industrial developments because the taxes they contribute will keep our town an affordable place to live.”
housing and recreation areas as well as commer- cial and industrial development.
“We like to point out that Southwick is a recre- ational community,” he noted. “We also want to
make sure our zoning allows for commercial and industrial developments because the taxes they contribute will keep our town an affordable place to live.”
Russell Fox, vice chair of the Southwick Select Board, reinforced the recreational community description by pointing to the Congamond Lakes, which make up nearly 500 acres of recreational space in town. “Also, the Southwick Rail Trail has become a gem in our community, running 6.5 miles through town.”
Another big recreation activity happens at the Wick 338, the popular motocross track that host- ed a national event in July and drew more than 30,000 people to Southwick.
In recent years, living at the lakes has become more desirable, and, as a result, prices for hous- es and lots are skyrocketing. As lake property increases in value, it also drives up the tax bill for residents there.
“I’m concerned about the retirees who have lived on the lake for years who may now have trouble staying in their homes because of the tax increases,” Fox said. “If we can attract more busi- ness to Southwick, we can help offset that tax
Southwick
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            COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
SEPTEMBER 1, 2021 11
 Southwick at a glance
YEAR INCORPORATED: 1770
POPULATION: 9,502
AREA: 31.7 square miles
COUNTY: Hampden
RESIDENTIAL TAX RATE: $17.59
COMMERCIAL TAX RATE: $17.59
MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME: $52,296
FAMILY HOUSEHOLD INCOME: $64,456
TYPE OF GOVERNMENT: Open Town Meeting; Select Board
LARGEST EMPLOYERS: Big Y; Whalley Computer Associates; Southwick Regional School District
*Latest information available
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