Business Development
MassINC: Building near commuter rail could transform cities
Vacant land surrounding commuter rail stops in Gateway Cities has the potential to house approximately 140,000 people and create a similar number of new jobs. But improvements to commuter rail service is required to encourage development in these areas, according to a study being released Tuesday by the MassINC think tank. At the same time,…
Read MoreMayor Reichelt’s idea to lure breweries, businesses ‘offering a fun social experience” gaining steam in West Springfield
Mayor Will Reichelt’s push to tweak the town’s zoning regulations to make West Springfield a more “fun social experience” for residents and out-of-towners alike has earned support from the Planning Board and a committee that is reviewing the zoning regulations. On April 18, the Planning Board unanimously voted to issue a favorable report on the…
Read More‘Opportunity Zones’ designation could spur Westfield Urban Renewal
The city’s downtown corridor was designated an Opportunity Zone this week by Gov. Charlie Baker. Mayor Brian P. Sullivan said this will help attract investors to Westfield. “The Opportunity Zone designation has potential to be very beneficial to the revitalization of the city’s downtown,” said Sullivan. “It is another tool in the toolbox for developers and people…
Read MoreGov. Charlie Baker looks to spur investments in Springfield, other ‘Opportunity Zone’…
Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker has recommended that Springfield and several other communities across the state be deemed “opportunity zones” — a designation created under the GOP tax law to open municipalities to private, tax-free investments. Baker, in paperwork submitted to the U.S. Treasury Department on Thursday, suggested that a total of 138 communities — the maximum amount allowed for Massachusetts — be considered…
Read MoreMayor Reichelt: West Springfield zoning changes could make city ‘more exciting’ for developers, beer-brewing companies
With news that West Springfield is working to bring Two Weeks Notice Brewing Co. to the city, the mayor has proposed changing zoning regulations to include recreational facilities, breweries, distilleries and wineries in the city’s industrial zones. “We’re in talks with a couple (of breweries) now, namely Two Weeks Notice, to relocate in town,” said Mayor William…
Read MoreWestfield’s special permitting process could be revamped
The Westfield City Council’s ad hoc Business Development Committee has been revived under Chairman Michael Burns (Ward 4) and plans to revamp the special permit process. City Advancement Officer Joe Mitchell is working with the committee and said most communities’ special permits go through the planning board. He said that makes sense because the planning…
Read MoreDeerfield Strives to Be More Than a Tourist Town
Wendy Foxmyn acknowleged that, when pressed to describe Deerfield with a word or two, most responders would say ‘tourist town,’ or something to that effect. And, sounding somewhat like the Seinfeld characters in that infamous episode, she said there’s nothing particularly wrong with that. But she quickly, and repeatedly, stressed that this community that is…
Read MoreNew Tower Square owners want more retail for downtown Springfield; seek brand outlets like Gap, Old Navy
The new owners of Tower Square want to talk with outlet retailers about bringing brands like Gap and Old Navy to the mall portion of the downtown property they just bought. “MGM is filled with retail already. I think they are going to bring people and drive interest,” said Dinesh Patel of East Longmeadow moments…
Read MoreInaugural ‘Markets at Eastfield’ vendor fair in Springfield mall deemed a success
The Markets at Eastfield, a vendor fair in the old Macy’s at Eastfield Mall, drew thousands of visitors last weekend for its grand opening, according to the promoter who is organizing it as an ongoing event. Bill Bullock, owner of Bulldog Enterprises, said he expects even more people this weekend when he combines the market with…
Read More‘The story of all of Springfield’: Council OKs $100,000 toward city’s $1 million image promotion campaign
Councilors said that a key to their support for the campaign is the explanation that it will tell the story of the entire city of Springfield including the neighborhoods, rather than be a downtown promotion. “It’s to tell the good story of all the things happening in the great city of Springfield,” said Richard K.…
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