To say that 2020 was a challenging year for any municipality would be an understatement.  The challenges and obstacles that municipalities faced as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic were unlike any other we have ever experienced.

West Springfield, however, was fortunate to have been able to adapt its workplace and business models to continue to provide essential services to residents, while moving along important projects and developments that will come to fruition in 2021. While we were challenged by the pandemic, we were not derailed and believe that, as a result of our perseverance and creativity, 2021 will be one of our most productive years for development and growth yet.

If the restrictions brought to us by COVID-19 made us realize anything, it is how valuable open space land is for recreational activities. In spring of 2020, we saw our parks, watershed and conservation lands flooded with residents looking to get out of their house for various activities. We were able to offer them respite from the confines of their homes through recreational trails, disc golf and open natural space to enjoy.  

This resurgence of outdoor recreation highlighted the importance of one of our most significant 2021 projects – the finalization of a conservation restriction to protect in perpetuity the land known as “Bear Hole” for the enjoyment and use of future generations. The town has partnered with the state Department of Conservation and Recreation and the Massachusetts Audubon Society to secure permanent protection of Bear Hole, in exchange for $1 million to be used by the town in furtherance of the property’s recreational and other permitted uses.

While Bear Hole will be protected from development, several areas in the town, including the Riverdale Street and Memorial Avenue corridors, as well as the Central Business District (in the heart of downtown West Springfield), are slated for development and improvements.  Riverdale Street will see the opening of a long-awaited Starbucks franchise in early 2021.  On Memorial Avenue, the Morgan-Sullivan Bridge replacement project is scheduled for completion, which will tie in nicely with future traffic improvements planned for the corridor.

The Central Business District in downtown West Springfield has experienced investment and plans for reinvigoration of some of its prime properties.  The redevelopment began in 2020 and is slated to carry on into 2021 as new projects and local businesses continue to be drawn to this up and coming urban area.

Throughout 2020, I, with the support of the Town Council, sponsored and was able to implement several business-friendly initiatives, in an effort to spur economic recovery efforts in response to the effects of COVID-related restrictions on businesses.  My support of economic recovery efforts will be a trend that continues  in 2021, as I intend to propose a number of business-friendly initiatives to continue the economic recovery and revitalization of West Springfield.

The town is hopeful that it is on the precipice of overcoming the challenges brought to both local businesses and government alike by the pandemic.  I am excited to support and foster economic growth, recovery and development in 2021 and to a new year filled with promise.
 

William Reichelt
Mayor
Town of West Springfield