Springfield Projects Receive Grant Awards
Springfield Projects Receive $4.7 Million through Community One Stop Growth Awards
SPRINGFIELD- State Senator Adam Gomez (D-Springfield) joined Governor Maura Healey, Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, Secretary Hao, and Secretary Augustus on Thursday morning in Worcester for the announcement of this year’s Community One Stop for Growth awards. Gomez’s district, representing the cities of Springfield and Chicopee, is set to receive nearly $4.7 million in funding through the grant programs for 13 different projects.
“I am grateful to be here today as we see millions of dollars being awarded to projects that will have an immediate return and impact for our constituents- improving their quality of life, the economic infrastructure of our communities, and our available housing stock,” commented the second term Senator. “These funds reflect the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s continued strategy to lift up the pillars that make our cities and towns such great places to live, and I am proud to partner with them in that effort.”
Administered by the Executive office of Housing and Livable Communities and Executive Office of Economic Development, the Community One Stop for Growth is the streamlined application process for communities and other eligible entities seeking to access various economic development grant programs. There are 12 different state grant programs within the portal that fund economic development projects related to community capacity building, planning and zoning, site preparation, building construction, and infrastructure. The popular MassWorks program is the largest grant program in the One Stop portfolio.
The following projects in Gomez’s district are set to receive funds:
Springfield Redevelopment Authority for $165,000
The former Vibra Hospital site in Springfield is one of the largest redevelopment sites in the city at 16.4 acres. A site assessment in 2013 indicated the site is impacted by asbestos as well as a number of underground storage tanks (USTs). The Springfield Redevelopment Authority is seeking site assessment funds to complete a more detailed Phase I and II environmental studies to better understand the soil conditions. This is needed to plan a full remediation strategy for this redevelopment site. The intended reuse is a mixed-use development that will provide both commercial and residential development.
HB&B Corporation for $100,000
The Panache Banquet Hall revitalization project plans to transform a historic venue in Springfield into a multi-use space with a commercial kitchen to support local food entrepreneurs. The project aims to enhance economic growth, create jobs, support local businesses, and foster community engagement in the Mason Square community.
JC Williams Community Center for $100,000
The J.C. Williams Resource Hub project aims to renovate a 5,040 sq. ft. underutilized gymnasium in Springfield into a two-level Workforce Development and Child Care Center. The project goal is to create a collaborative space for workforce training, education, and skill development to support historically marginalized residents in the Six Corners community.
Urban Food Brood LLC for $63,000
The Urban Food Brood (UFB) is a collaborative workspace in Springfield housing seven diverse food businesses, each operating independently while sharing resources, space, and a revenue-sharing model. UFB fosters inclusivity, innovation, and economic growth in Springfield's culinary scene, all while overcoming financial challenges and supporting minority, women, and LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs.
City of Springfield for $2,800,000
Construction will consist of installing numerous pedestrian, bicyclist, and motorist safety devices along the West Street (Route 20) and Plainfield Street roadway corridors. Project limits will be from the north end bridge on West Street, to the Connecticut River Line pedestrian tunnel on Plainfield Street. Some of the safety components include new traffic signal, shared use paths, HAWK signal, new crosswalks, a bus stop, and other geometric improvements to better sight lines.
Hope for Youth and Families for $160,000
Pre-Construction: ADA and fire safety capital improvements to the former CityStage to transform it into a multidisciplinary arts center providing free programs to Springfield youth.
McCaffery Interests Inc for $500,000
Pre-Construction: Predevelopment work to convert the building from vacant office space to 63 apartment units and ground floor retail.
MPZ Development LLC for $250,000
Pre-Construction: Planning and design work to convert a former school to 57 units of senior rental apartments.
Economic Development Council of Western MA for $100,000
Barriers & Breakthroughs is a collaborative pilot that engages job seekers and employers to help investigate a larger systems change effort for incorporating skills-based hiring into our workforce development structure.
Follow My Steps Foundations for $100,000
The By Youth, For Youth Entrepreneurship Program empowers marginalized young people to become entrepreneurs, providing mentorship, training, and real-world experience. By fostering their business acumen and innovative ideas, we create jobs, revitalize the local economy, and cultivate a generation of leaders committed to Springfield's future.
Community Music School of Springfield for $100,000
The Trust Transfer Project will address barriers to financial stability for low-income independent workers and small business owners in the arts and culture sector by providing technical assistance and training to Springfield residents, with a focus on robust engagement of Latino and Black artists, to help them leverage their existing skills and resources for greater profit and economic stability.
New North Citizens' Council Inc for $100,000
The Mano a la Obra program uses the Individualized Placement Support (IPS) model for workforce development in the North End to support economic advancement of Latinos in the City of Springfield. IPS is the standard evidence-based model of supported employment for helping individuals find and keep a regular paid job in the competitive labor market with at least a minimum wage. The project also supports the development of Latino small businesses in the city.
Springfield Business Improvement District for $100,000
This project incentivizes small businesses to occupy vacant ground-floor units, providing rent subsidy and technical assistance to small business owners. This project rewards innovative ideas to fill persistent vacancies since the pandemic shutdown, and builds on momentum from new entrants that have boosted foot traffic in the last 2 years.
For more information on the grant awards, please visit https://www.mass.gov/guides/community-one-stop-for-growth .
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