AGAWAM – On Feb. 4, Mayor William Sapelli attended the Agawam City Council meeting to deliver his State of the City address. The speech addressed several topics. The following is a summarized version of the portion of Sapelli’s State of the City address where he discusses planning and economic development, zoning, public safety, and public health. The remaining categories, infrastructure, education, budget, buildings and government will be released next week as the second part of this series.

Sapelli opened the speech with recognition for the several groups within the town of Agawam. “I think what goes unnoticed often times are the number of volunteers that Agawam has and a lot of communities have that serve in different capacities because they care about our community.” Sapelli said.

Among the groups recognized were the Cable Television Commission, Historical Commission and Housing Committee. “These different commissions spend a lot of time and energy and expertise, and we appreciate their volunteering. I greatly appreciate all that they do.” Sapelli said.

Sapelli also recognized the work of Agawam departments. “Like some of our commissions, throughout the year, we have numerous dedicated department heads in staff throughout the town that perform their responsibilities away from public view and without fanfare to enhance the lives of those citizens in Agawam.” Sapelli said.

Planning and Economic Development

Sapelli addressed the current state of planning and economic development in Agawam. “Planning and economic development is crucial to any community, and we have our economic development director Marc Strange, who works along with Pam Kerr, and they’ve done a lot of work this year.” Sapelli said.

Sapelli named a number of new businesses who opened their doors in Agawam in the last year, including Taplin, J&J Ice Cream, The Taproom and Box Paper Scissors. Sapelli also shared that he is “very proud” of existing businesses that call Agawam home including OMG, Six Flags New England, H.P. Hood and Allied Flooring.

“I think many of us have noticed over the last year and a half or so that many of our storefronts that were vacant are now filled, and a lot of that is because a lot of the incentives and the business-friendly atmosphere that Agawam portrays to the public.” Sapelli said.

Sapelli cited tax incentives including district improvement financing and tax increment financing as examples of why Agawam has been successful in keeping businesses in the area.

Agawam received a community development block grant for $80,000 that was applied to three areas of the town: Aging in Place, Housing Rehab and planning for town hall.

Aging in Place provides resources that allow for seniors to remain in their homes in lieu of assisted living. Housing rehab allows for residents to make necessary repairs to their homes.

A portion of the grant will go toward a plan for making Town Hall handicap accessible. Sapelli addressed concerns regarding town hall among citizens. “We’ve all talked about that for years. We’ve all heard the comments from people that say ‘We need an elevator we can’t do the stairs.’” Sapelli said.

Sapelli continued, “If you noticed the back half of that building was added on, and when they added that on, they didn’t match up the floors. There are half floors, so it’s difficult to put in elevators in that structure the way it’s designed. We are going to get some experts in through this grant to design, give us some ideas on how we can maintain the front of that building, maybe take the addition off and add an elevator in. That’s one of the things that we’re going to be looking at.”

Sapelli said that the town of Agawam is also currently applying for another community block grant to address infrastructure improvements in north Agawam, including a rehabilitation of Brady Village housing. “We’re hoping and we think we stand in line to really have a strong position on receiving that grant money as well.” Sapelli said.

Zoning

Sapellli briefly addressed the state of zoning in the town of Agawam, stating, “We have established a zoning review committee, which some of the councilors are involved with. That committee is formulated to take a look at our zoning. We haven’t had zoning adjustments in several years, and what we need to do is take a look at updating some of these zoning changes and also to address some of the spot zoning issues we have throughout the town.”

According to Sapelli, a housing development for seniors aged 55 and older will be built on South Westfield Street. Wayfinders also purchased property on Mill Street, where a development will be constructed. Sapelli also shared that potential condominium projects are being sought on North Westfield Street.

Public Safety

Improvements have been made to benefit what is already a successful public safety unit in Agawam, according to Sapelli. The town of Agawam has hired three new police officers and four firefighters. Agawam has also purchased two pumper trucks and are seeking to operate a third ambulance.

“I can’t tell you the amount of positive feedback we have received on the response for the fire and police and for more than just a quick response in care.” Sapelli said, recognizing public safety staff for their kindness and strength in serving Agawam.

“That’s the kind of community the town of Agawam is. It’s a very giving and caring community.” Sapelli said.

Public Health

In regard to public health, Sapelli addressed the tobacco control ordinance that was implemented in Agawam, raising the smoking age from 18 to 21. “That ordinance we’re very proud of because we made moves before the state did. Now the state is caught up with Agawam. We did this back in October. The state has done this, but after us.” Sapelli said.

Sapelli also discussed the removal of flavored smoking products from stores in an effort to address vaping issues among kids and teens. “We’re really taking a close look at some of the things that are harmful to our youth today, and I think we’re doing a great job with that.” Sapelli said.

Infrastructure

Sapelli discussed several topics in regard to the town of Agawam’s infrastructure, including street improvements, stormwater and the Morgan-Sullivan Bridge project.

“Everywhere you turn around you hear, whether it’s the federal government, state government or local government, they’re talking about their infrastructure needs. Everybody has them. Not everyone’s addressing them, I don’t think, like Agawam is.” Sapelli said.

Reminder Publishing will release a follow up story next week highlighting the remaining topics of the address.