
Looking to find your way in Springfield? After 2 years of development, new wayfinding system sprouting downtown
A system of 52 wayfinding signs are in the process of being installed downtown, officials said Wednesday. Designed to orient visitors, increase foot traffic and promote central locations throughout the city’s downtown area, the signs are going into place just in time for the grand opening of the MGM Springfield casino. The system was developed over…

Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito ‘can’t wait to see’ MGM Springfield, senses momentum and excitement…
Although MGM Springfield is not set to open its doors to the public until next week, Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito said Wednesday that she can already feel the “momentum” and excitement that the $960 million casino project has brought to the city. Polito, who joined local officials in announcing public safety plans ahead of MGM Springfield’s opening, praised the city’s…

MassMutual removes name from Tower Square in Springfield as new owners reach deal on hotel
The letters for “MassMutual” are coming down from Tower Square in what was — given the current state of the sign Wednesday — an “utual” decision between the insurer and the new owners of the 28-story building. But the recently departed Marriott sign on the complex’s hotel is on its way back, according to the…

Springfield Innovation Center work resumes; US Rep. Richard Neal, secretary of state William Galvin announce $250K grant
The long-delayed Springfield Innovation Center at 270-276 Bridge St. got a $250,000 boost Wednesday. Construction has already resumed on the the $7 million renovation project, with completion expected by the end of December. Workers started back on the renovation project earlier this week, said Nicholas A. Fyntrilakis, chairman of DevelopSpringfield, which owns the building. He said the…

Peoples United Foundation Awards $62,000 in Grants
People’s United Community Foundation, the philanthropic arm of People’s United Bank, N.A., today announced that it awarded $62,000 to Western and Central Massachusetts non-profits during its second grant cycle of 2018. Funding was allocated to 13 non-profit organizations in support of activities that ranged from basic needs services and affordable housing initiatives, to education and…

People in Business: Twenty-six Graduate from MHA Leadership Series 2018
MHA’s Leadership Series, which is open to all members of management in the agency and targeted at program Supervisors and Directors, delivers a leadership curriculum specialized for human services professionals. The comprehensive training is designed to support Supervisors and Directors within their roles. With such diverse responsibilities associated with positions throughout the agency, MHA believes…

Now open on Springfield-New Haven CTrail trains: a restroom; ConnDOT continues work on ADA compliance
The CTrail Hartford Line has opened one restroom per train on the route serving Springfield to New Haven, and the Connecticut Department of Transportation will keep temporary handicapped-accessible bathrooms at stations in place. The on-board bathrooms reopened Monday. Meanwhile, Connecticut will continue to work on modifying the onboard bathrooms to meet modern handicapped accessibility rules. Read the…

Baystate Health gets $750K grant to expand asthma program
A Baystate Health partnership formed to served MassHealth enrollees through the model of an Accountable Care Organization has been awarded a $750,000 state grant to expand in-home asthma services through an area pilot program. The Massachusetts Health Policy Commission grant to Baystate Health Care Alliance/BeHealthy Partnership ACO will help expand over an 18-month period beginning…

Comcast Helps More Than 6 Million Cross Digital Divide
Comcast today announced it has now connected more than six million low-income Americans to the Internet through its Internet Essentials program, the largest and most comprehensive broadband-adoption program for low-income families in the U.S. The company connected more than 2 million people in the past year alone, which is the largest annual increase in the program’s history.…

New Valley Bank & Trust reaches latest milestone toward opening
New Valley Bank & Trust has identified a site for the first office, a former medical building at 908 Allen St. in the city’s East Forest Park neighborhood, according to an application filed with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. and obtained by The Republican through a public records request. Read the source article at masslive.com

South Hadley High’s culinary arts program receives state certification
South Hadley High School’s culinary arts program has received state Chapter 70 vocational certification, according to Superintendent Nicholas Young. The district continues to introduce vocational offerings and improve the educational experience for all grades, Young said. The high school also added a carpentry component in recent years, which is awaiting state certification. Young described the…

MGM Springfield reveals ‘The Loop’ bus service to bring casino patrons to city attractions (photos, video)
MGM Springfield, the PVTA and the city unveiled The Loop Monday at a news conference with U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal at the renovated Union Station as MGM nears its Aug. 24 grand opening. The free bus service begins at 1 p.m. on opening day, just after traffic clears from a planned parade, said Sandra…