Springfield City Council OKs $1.1 million for community preservation: Here’s who received…

The City Council on Monday night approved special tax funds totaling $1.1 million for 11 community preservation projects including studies aimed at restoring the long-deteriorated Campanile tower and advancing bike-walkway projects along an abandoned rail line. The funds were approved by unanimous votes and are dedicated to historic preservation, open space and recreation and affordable…

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Sunshine Village Welcomes Christine Pollender as New HR Director

Sunshine Village recently welcomed Christine Pollender as the new director of Human Resources. With the organization serving more than 500 individuals, Pollender will oversee employee relations, benefits administration, and procedural compliance for over 260 employees at nine sites across the Pioneer Valley. With an extensive background in human resources in retail and hospital settings, she…

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People in Business: Springfield Regional Chamber Taps Two Professionals to lead its legislative efforts

The Springfield Regional Chamber has tapped two local experienced professionals to lead its Legislative Steering Committee. Michael P. Kane, director of government affairs for Columbia Gas Massachusetts, has been elected chair and Hugh Barrett, assistant vice president for state government relations at MassMutual, has been elected vice chair. Both positions are for two-year terms. Read…

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Environmental report on proposed Westfield industrial park finds no impact to aquifer

 A draft environmental impact report says the proposed Westfield Turnpike Industrial Park is not detrimental to city water, a main concern of project opponents. The 265-page report states that the project “will not impact aquifers used for potable water, such as the Barnes Aquifer.” In accordance with the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act, the report provides additional…

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Downtown Westfield looks to capitalize on rail trail

Friends of the Columbia Greenway Rail Trail Chairman Joseph Giffune and Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce Director Kate Phelon invited the Westfield City Council to join them in learning how other cities have capitalized on their downtown rail trails. “The Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce is excited about being pro-active in learning and sharing any…

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