Archive for May 2018
Eastfield Mall: Sears closing clears way for redevelopment
The imminent end of Sears at the Eastfield Mall might signal a new beginning for the 44-acre property. Mall owner Mountain Developer, based in New Jersey, plans to buy the Sears buildings — department store and auto center — and its parking lot and will proceed with plans to redevelop the mall, said Nicole Sweeney, co-property…
Read MoreFirst Whip City Brewfest in Westfield to feature over 50 brewers
The inaugural Whip City Brewfest is Saturday, and with over 50 local craft breweries offering samples, there is sure to be a beer for every taste. The event begins at noon for VIP ticket holders and from 1-5 p.m. for general admission. Advanced pricing is $40 for VIP, $30 for general and $10 for designated…
Read MoreMassachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker signs $1.8 billion bill authorizing spending on housing modernization and redevelopment
A low-income tax credit for affordable housing projects would hit $20 million a year. Another tax credit program would allow for the commitment of $10 million for market-rate housing projects in so-called “Gateway Cities” like Springfield and New Bedford. And the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development would be able to spend $10 million…
Read MoreUS Rep. Richard Neal announces $350,000 in public arts funding for Western Massachusetts
Despite recent threats to federal arts funding, Western Massachusetts cultural organizations will receive nearly $350,000 in National Endowment for the Arts grants to support theater, dance and other projects throughout the Berkshires and Springfield, U.S. Rep. Richard Neal, D-Springfield, announced Thursday. Read the source article at masslive.com
Read MoreHofbrauhaus in West Springfield rebooting as 1105 Main with a ‘smoke and game’ menu
It really was the final goodbye to the Hofbrauhaus back in April, but it was only auf Wiedersehen — until we see each other again — to chef and owner Joe Stevens. Husband and wife team Joe and Liz Stevens are transforming the closed German restaurant into a new concept — 1105 Main, named after the building’s address…
Read MoreYellow Stonehouse Farm in Westfield offers organic vegetables, fruits, flowers and herbs
When Connie Adams and John Keilch inherited a farm in 2005, the couple knew they wanted to make it work. The former dairy farm on Root Road in Westfield had been in Keilch’s family since the 1930s, but Adams and Keilch were no dairy farmers. “We both worked in business,” said Adams, “but I was…
Read MoreBusinesses aim to save $100M in health care costs by reducing emergency room visits
A group of 20 business organizations are launching an effort to save $100 million in health care costs by 2020 by reducing avoidable emergency room visits by 20 percent. The businesses are still figuring out their exact strategies. The first step will focus primarily on raising awareness among employees about the resources available for them to…
Read More‘It’s our oasis’: Starbucks opens in plaza at Springfield’s Monarch Place
The Monarch Place Starbucks is part of a revamped pedestrian plaza facing Main Street and Boland Way. Paul Marcelina, general manager at the Sheraton Springfield Monarch Place Hotel, said the restored fountain is back up and running and there is music playing at the outdoor seating area. “It’s our oasis in the heart of downtown Springfield,” he said. Read…
Read MoreFreight railroads’ key role in moving the Western Mass economy
When the Massachusetts Department of Transportation released a draft of its five-year state rail plan earlier this year, it faced concerns from transportation advocates and organizations based here in Western Massachusetts that the plan understates our region’s economic growth potential. Accordingly, agencies like the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission voiced concerns that the plan doesn’t fully…
Read MoreBusinessWest Accepting Nominations for Women of Impact Awards
BusinessWest magazine decided recently, after much consideration, to launch a new recognition program to honor a specific segment of the local population: women. More specifically, women making an impact in and on this region. BusinessWest is currently accepting nominations for the Women of Impact honor (www.businesswest.com/women–of–impact), and those who score the highest in the eyes…
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