CHICOPEE – Mayor John Vieau hosted a press conference regarding the controversial parcel of land known as 0 Fuller Rd. on June 7. The event was open to both the media and public at Chicopee City Hall.

Westover Metropolitan Development Corporation (WMDC) purchased the land located at 0 Fuller Rd. in 2009. During a Chicopee City Council meeting on March 2, residents and councilors spoke out against a proposed zone change from WMDC which would change the 57.46 acres of land from residential to IPUD-1 for the purpose of industrial park development. This zone change was unanimously denied during that meeting.

In another City Council meeting on April 20, many residents appeared to request that the city investigate whether the land is protected as Article 97 State Conservation Land and therefore wrongly sold. The council voted unanimously in favor of this at the meeting, which required Chicopee’s Law Department to launch a formal investigation.

After months of controversy and speculation over what WMDC plans to do with the land and if the city of Chicopee is working to buy it back, Vieau spoke on the matter.

“It has come to my attention that there are many misconceptions, false information and conjecture which are being spread in connection with this piece of land,” he said.

Vieau said that they have updated the city of Chicopee’s website to include all available records and documents surrounding the history of this property. He said that his goal is to promote transparency between the city and the public and to stop the spread of misinformation.

“It is my goal to continue operating our city in a transparent manner and to provide our citizens with true facts surrounding the piece of land,” said Vieau.

Vieau said that those interested in learning the facts about the land at 0 Fuller Rd. are encouraged to visit  www.chicopeema.gov/419/Westover-Metropolitan-Development-Corporation.

He emphasized that the city of Chicopee does not own the property and the Mayor’s Office is not involved with any zone changing.

Attendees of the press conference asked Vieau if he is in favor of the land being developed.

“The Mayor’s Office would really like to see something happen that’s in the best interest of the city of Chicopee,” he said.

When asked what the best interest of the city is, Vieau remained vague.

“I personally have not performed a highest and best use analysis on this property, so to give answers … again there’s information that we feel may change the way people are perceiving what’s going on with this property,” said Vieau.

Many residents have said that the city of Chicopee should buy the land back from WMDC at a fair price and maintain it as conservation land. During the press conference, Vieau said that WMDC does not currently have the property up for sale, so he does not think purchasing it back is an option.

“Conserving the land is something that is up to Westover Metropolitan Development Corporation at this time,” Vieau also said about conservation plans.

Chicopee’s Planning and Development Director Lee Pouliot was also in attendance at the press conference. He said that there had been a proposal drafted for a land swap with the Commonwealth, but that it is now on hold.

Many residents have said that this is some of the only green space in Chicopee where they can freely walk, exercise and bring their families for outdoor recreation. During the press conference, Vieau said that he has not walked at the space as it is owned by WMDC and that would be considered trespassing.

One attendee then asked Vieau if he had any guidance for the hundreds of residents who use this area daily, as they would now be considered trespassers.

“The city of Chicopee does not own the property. It’s owned by Westover Metropolitan Development Corporation, it’s a question for them. If they want to allow people to use their property for passive recreation, then it’s their purview. It’s not up to the city of Chicopee to make that decision,” he said.

One Chicopee resident spoke directly to Vieau about how important having the space is for city residents. She implored him to look into conserving the land and purchasing it from WMDC. She said there is a written petition from residents and an online petition with over 826 signatures supporting this.

“Give the city back what they want. All they want is a place to walk, to bring their kids, to bike and hike,” she said.

“I have a very open mind and that’s what I do and I listen to all sides of every argument before I make decisions, so please know that,” Vieau responded.

In the end, Vieau emphasized that the city will remain transparent on this issue. He said that Chicopee has 36 parks in the city which can be used as recreation and they remain committed to maintaining and beautifying the spaces they currently own.

He spoke specifically on the new Post 9/11 Dog Park that will soon be coming to the city.

“I’m really excited about the Post 9/11 Dog Park that we’re going to have very soon. That’s about eight acres right at the entrance to Westover Air Force Reserve Base and we can’t wait to get building this really unique, modern, yet non-traditional park that hopefully we can all be really proud of,” he said.

According to Vieau, WMDC is also preparing to answer questions from the media and citizens soon.

Vieau remained firm on his stance that this was a land purchase that was done prior to him becoming mayor and that it had been unanimously approved by the City Council back in 2009. He said WMDC purchased the land with hopes to “promote new growth and create jobs” within the city and that Chicopee is now looking into all sides of the argument about 0 Fuller Rd.

“I’m here to dispel rumors and false information. If you want facts, please go to the website. We’re going to provide you with all the facts. I’m committed to transparency, it’s something that I ran on, I believe in it and I want the public to know that the City of Chicopee will provide you with everything that we know as it becomes available and we’ll provide you with what we already have,” he said.