rebuild Springfield plA n | Springfield MASSACHu S e TTS Citywide Plan

Springfield Redevelopment Authority

Presented by: Concordia Goody Clancy BNIM Project for Public Spaces

February 2012 Table of Contents

Overview & Introduction 2 Introduction 2 City-wide Overview 8

Recovery Initiatives & Recommendations 11 Major Moves 12 educational Domain Recommendations 15 physical Domain Recommendations 29 Cultural Domain Recommendations 51 Social Domain Recommendations 65 economic Domain Recommendations 89 Organizational Domain Recommendations 107 Overall Recommendations 113

Philanthropic Opportunities 123

Funding Opportunities 128

Implementation Challenges, Opportunities and Financing 132

Acknowledgements 143

rebuild Springfield PLAN | SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS iii iv rebuild Springfield PLAN | SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS Overview & Introduction

rebuild Springfield PLAN | SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS 1 2 rebuild Springfield PLAN | SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS Introduction

“The Rebuild Springfield citywide meeting presented an opportunity to hear people thinking mostly futuristically and optimistically about the city. It is good to look forward by thinking about our assets – not just dwelling on problems.” -- Participant, Citywide Meeting Round 1

The Rebuild Springfield initiative was created Rebuild Springfield was commissioned by Included in the Plan on page 132 is a broad in response to the June 1st tornado that struck DevelopSpringfield and the Springfield outline of challenges and opportunities for the City of Springfield. However, the scope of Redevelopment Authority. These entities, implementing the Plan’s recommendations. It is the initiative goes far beyond simple rebuilding. formed in 2008 and 1960, respectively, are tasked important to note that the scope of Springfield’s Citizens, city government, private businesses with restoring vitality to Springfield. rebuilding needs exceeds the availability of and other stakeholders rallied together to use current funding opportunities. It is likely that the June tornado as a catalyst for rethinking The Rebuild Springfield process takes place a dedicated Federal appropriation will be Springfield’s future. on two parallel levels with a strong emphasis necessary to closed various financing gaps towards action. At the citywide level, residents, presented in or as a result of the Plan. The Rebuild Springfield initiative integrated business leaders, and stakeholders have crafted community input with planning expertise to a vision and action plan for improving the quality Finally, In planning and implementing develop a realistic action plan for realizing the of life in Springfield. Springfield’s future, no group or individual vision of neighborhoods and the city as a whole. can act alone. Businesses, organizations, the At the same time, residents of the tornado government, and individual citizens must work impacted areas (Districts 1, 2, & 3) engaged together in a collaborative and cooperative way in addressing the needs and visions of their to build a revitalized Springfield and start taking respective neighborhoods. By gathering the first concrete steps toward that vision. together in “Planning District” meetings, residents focused on issues specific to the activities and experiences of their day-to-day lives. They outlined realistic actions for achieving their vision.

rebuild Springfield PLAN | SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS 3 Approach What is the concept behind the Rebuild Springfield initiative?

The Citywide planning process is organized in implementation of this plan is the key to of the City and Region and provide for concise according to the six Nexus Domains of a healthy realizing the hopes and dreams of the many and tailored direction. and vibrant community. These domains include community members who participated in the physical, cultural, social, organizational, creating the plan. The public meetings at both Pam McKinney of Byrne McKinney & Associates educational, and economic components of a the Citywide and District levels addressed three provided real estate consulting services to the community. core phases of developing the plan: entire project team, including significant work tailored to the conditions and needs of the Using the Nexus model as an organizing Phase 1 | Review and analysis of Districts of the Rebuild Springfield Plan. Her framework ensures the creation of a systemic existing conditions, vision work included in-depth real estate market and holistic plan for Springfield’s future. Assets analyses as well as supplemental information and needs of the community are analyzed and Phase 2 | Develop and synthesize related to the types of funding resources sometimes mapped according to their respective opportunities, consider financial necessary for implementing the many and varied “domain” or category. While items sometimes implications recommendations in the plan pertaining to real fall into more than one category, working in estate and development. this way ensures that each aspect of Springfield Phase 3 | Confirm and garners equal consideration during the planning prioritize recommendations and and community engagement process. implementation steps

The Citywide process used the Nexus framework. The Planning District process also used the In addition to this project framework and to the Nexus framework, but dug more deeply into work of Goody Clancy, BNIM, and Project for issues and ideas taking shape in Springfield’s Public Spaces, obtaining additional expertise was tornado-impacted neighborhoods. important.

Most importantly, public engagement has Dan Hodge of HDR provided economic analyses been key to developing the most appropriate and forecasting, and played a very significant recommendations for Springfield. role in the development and shaping of the Citywide recommendations in the Economic Community members; organizational and Domain. His intimate knowledge of the City of business leaders; municipal, regional and Springfield and the Pioneer Valley was crucial in state agencies; and elected officials must the eventual development of recommendations recognize that ownership and participation that respond well to the climate and stakeholders

4 rebuild Springfield PLAN | SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS Process Schedule, Phases and Community Participation

The Rebuild Springfield planning process began in October of 2011 and was completed in Rebuild Springfield Planning Process February of 2012.

The Citywide and Planning District meetings took place as iterative and parallel processes with DISTRICT 1 DISTRICT 2 DISTRICT 3 issues and solutions developed in the Districts Metro Center Six Corners Sixteen Acres informing the Citywide process. The Rebuild (Downtown) Springfield Plan works to assure that the city and Upper Hill East Forest Park its neighborhoods can function harmoniously. South End Old Hill There were three Citywide Meetings and 9 Planning District Meetings - three meetings in Forest Park each Planning District. The first round of meetings focused on CITY-WIDE CONGRESS Visioning, the second on Opportunities and Recommendations, and the final round on Priorities and Implementation.

District Meetings District Meetings District Meetings City-Wide City-Wide City-Wide Implementation 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 JANUARY OCTOBER DECEMBER NOVEMBER

rebuild Springfield PLAN | SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS 5 Recommendation Structure How to read a Rebuild Springfield recommendation

In the Rebuild Springfield Plan, Resource Needs recommendations will follow a uniform structure • This section provides a brief description of Priority to ensure continuity and clarity. Typical some of the resources needed for successful • The priority of a recommendation is often categories include: implementation of the recommendation. determined by the level of support it • “Resource Needs” can range from received during the community meeting Breadcrumbs financing and grant funding to leadership, process. • “Breadcrumbs” are intended to show the management, and communication. • Funding opportunities, time, feasibility, and source of an idea or recommendation. impact were also considered in judging the Throughout the community meeting process, Potential Resource Opportunities priority of the recommendation. ideas were cataloged and analyzed to • The “Potential Resource Opportunities” develop a diverse plan that addressed all section lists existing programs, Action Steps of the community’s needs. Breadcrumbs collaborations, projects, and funding sources • The “Action Steps” section is a simplified allow readers and community members to that might contribute to the successful checklist that can act as a starting point for understand where recommendations were implementation of the recommendation. implementation. conceived. • This list is not exclusive: additional resources • These steps are subject to change at the should always be explored and included discretion of Implementation Leaders General Description in the Rebuild Springfield implementation as dictated by on-the-ground reality of • The “General Description” offers a process. implementation once the recommendation is perspective on the existing conditions in • More resource opportunities are expanded put into action. Springfield that the recommendation will upon in sections at the end of this document address. which were prepared in conjunction with Project Location • This section also contains brief explanations philanthropic, real estate, and economic • The “Project Location” of a recommendation of the recommendation’s approach. development consultants. is often “Citywide”, as many of the following recommendations affect the entirety of Partnerships/Stakeholders Precedents/Best Practices Springfield. • The “Partnerships/Stakeholders” section • The precedents and best practices described • When the recommendation affects a more is a list of actors that might be well-suited in this section offer examples of projects or specific location, it is expressed here to focus to participate in the implementation of the programs that can provide insight into similar efforts on that site. recommendation. ideas that have workd in other places and • Importantly, the partnership lists readers cities. will see are by no means exclusive, and any • Implementation leaders are encouraged to individual, group, or organization who is reach out to their peers involved in those interested in participating or being included best practices to seek advice on challenges, in moving forward are encouraged to do so. tactics, and strategies on how to successfully implement the recommendation.

6 rebuild Springfield PLAN | SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS To Our Mother Tornado, Teatro V!da Emmy Cepeda, Jasmine Jimenez, Keila Matos, and Zoe April Martinez (Facilitated by Magdalena Gomez)

Our Mother came to clean up a disaster: Our Mother came to clean up a disaster: Our Mother came to clean up a disaster.

Isolation. Fear. Good people To join our hands Our Mother, helping her children the city wants our well-being and create the city we all want: the North and the South make peace, her family engaged in daily change security, connection, cleanliness, beauty work together like they should from neighborhood to neighborhood fresh-feeling parks to help our city be reborn. where we enjoy freedom. She gave us a blank page When I hear “impossible” City of equality. so we can draw colorful streets I say, “I’m Possible” to let go of egos full of lights, Everything is possible. and begin at the bottom. clean and beautiful. We are possible.

Our Mother came to clean up a disaster: Our Mother came to clean up a disaster: Let us destroy deception and hypocrisy.

Ignorance. Domination. Name is of no value here- “They’re just kids” This is not a game, We need you say we don’t know what we want no more fighting for trophies on the wall. Action, Voice, Conviction. but when we talk We stand for our home, our city; An impossible vision we are ignored; we see her placed perhaps now it’s our turn to speak. She wants change; above monetary gain You had your chance. productive change. but never above Empty streets scream fear. Now I stand for my home, my city. the People’s desire for justice. People feel insecure in their own homes.

rebuild Springfield PLAN | SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS 7 Citywide Overview A Brief on the History and Character of Springfield

Springfield was established in 1636, when William The appreciation and preservation of the set the stage for Springfield’s resurgence in the Pynchon laid claim to land on the Connecticut community’s historic structures is reflected in the first decade of the 21st century. River. Located between the major ports of overwhelming attention to preservation activities New York City, Boston, Albany, and Montreal, in the community. The Springfield Finance Control Board Springfield grew and prospered, first through (SFCB) was established on June 30, 2004 to industries like printing and manufacturing, and In 1936, at the height of the Great Depression, restore financial stability in the Springfield city later when insurance and finance took hold and the City of Springfield suffered one of its government. Since then, the SFCB has dissolved flourished in its economy. Today, Springfield is most devastating natural disasters prior to and local government’s fiscal capacities have the largest city in Western Massachusetts. the tornado of 2011. The Connecticut River been restored. With the formation of the SFBC, flooded, inundating the South End and North Springfield’s Metro Center saw significant overall Since its founding, Springfield has been a center End neighborhoods where some of Springfield’s improvement, including a dramatic citywide of invention and entrepreneurship. Residents finest mansions stood. Two years later, drop in crime and a viable course for the city’s today recognize and respect this history, during the 1938 New England Hurricane, high continued renaissance. talking about it with much pride. Inventions floodwaters ravaged Springfield once again. and firsts include the first American armory, Large portions of the North End and South End Springfield has also been designated as a the invention of the game of basketball, and neighborhoods were devastated because of “Gateway City”. This designation is given firsts in transportation – including marketable these two Great Floods. to formerly thriving industrial cities that show automobiles, motorcycles, and fire engines. promise as the cultural and economic centers of Other, man-made events have also affected their regions. Springfield is home to Smith & Wesson, and Springfield’s urban fabric. During the 1960s, local factories manufactured nearly all of the Interstate 91 was constructed on the land that Springfield, like its many peer cities, has faced Union Army’s weapons during the American once belonged to the citizens of the South End many economic troubles following the worst Civil War. Springfield’s involvement and efforts and North End neighborhoods. The highway economic crisis since the Great Depression. during the Civil War embody the spirit of the city. divided and dispersed most of Springfield’s Still, optimism of economic renaissance remains. Accomplishments like this brought great wealth inhabitants, including sects of English, Irish, Major employers like MassMutual Financial and to the city into the middle of the 20th century. Italian, French Canadian, and Polish residents. BayState Health remain economic engines along As a result of this boon, Springfield’s housing For generations before, this land provided with companies like Peter Pan Bus Lines, Big Y, stock became increasingly prominent and ornate economic value and recreational access to the and Merriam-Webster. These major employers among all of its classes. Connecticut River. and education institutions have played an important role in retaining momentum and The dense concentration of Victorian “Painted Presently, the city’s demographics are evenly innovation in the local economy. Lady”, Queen Anne, and Tudor style architecture split between Caucasians, African Americans, led to the local nickname of “The City of and Latinos (who are primarily of Puerto From early trading post, to manufacturing center Homes”. To this day, Springfield’s housing stock Rican descent). Participation by all citizens and invention capital, Springfield’s unique history consists of many elaborate historic houses. of Springfield through cultural activities, is still in motion. homeownership, and economic contributions will

8 rebuild Springfield PLAN | SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS rebuild Springfield plA n | Springfield MASSACHu S e TTS 9 10 rebuild Springfield PLAN | SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS Recovery Initiatives & Recommendations

rebuild Springfield PLAN | SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS 11 Major Moves The six primary Nexus Domains and their recommendations are listed below. Each recommendation appears in the order in which it was prioritized by meeting participants.

Educational Physical Cultural Domain Domain Domain Page: 15 Page: 29 Page: 51

1 | Put schools and libraries at the center of 1 | Develop a process for transforming 1 | Better connect the community to its creating a nexus of places, programs, vacant lots and structures into cultural amenities and assets through and access to technology to meet community assets coordinated outreach and diverse community needs events and arts programming 2 | Focus transportation resources to better 2 | Better engage the public in the process serve and connect Springfield residents 2 | Support and Grow the Arts and Culture and importance of education reform Sector through a Series of “Lighter, 3 | Build on existing physical assets to Quicker Cheaper” Cultural Events 3 | Create a system of connected and celebrate Springfield’s unique and integrated partnerships for a continuum diverse aesthetic character 3 | Celebrate the old and new cultural of education diversity of Springfield 4 | Plan for and take advantage of lessons learned from recent disasters by creating a comprehensive Disaster Preparedness Plan

5 | Design, develop, and operate places and spaces that are efficient and respectful of natural and human resources

12 rebuild Springfield PLAN | SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS Social Economic Organizational Domain Domain Domain Page: 65 Page: 89 Page: 107

1 | Improve the reality and perception of 1 | Develop and harness Springfield’s role as 1 | Strengthen DevelopSpringfield as the public safety in Springfield the economic heart of the Pioneer Valley Organization to Partner with the City and the SRA to take a Leadership Role in 2 | Attract a vibrant and youthful population 2 | Streamline the investment process and Guiding Springfield’s Future to be stewards of Springfield provide creative incentives and policies to encourage economic development 2 | Establish a body that coalesces 3 | Improve land owner and landlord and entrepreneurship community organizations to achieve oversight efficiency and efficacy through 3 | Expand career/workforce development collaboration and cooperation 4 | Increase Access to Health and Wellness and educational partnerships to provide Services all residents with an opportunity to meaningfully contribute to Springfield’s 5 | Provide equitable access to a variety of economy and meet the needs of housing options employers

rebuild Springfield PLAN | SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS 13 14 rebuild Springfield PLAN | SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS Educational Domain Description Recommendations

Educational resources are 1. Put schools and libraries at the center of creating a nexus of places, defined as encompassing all of programs, and access to technology to meet community needs the community’s assets that are allocated to lifelong learning. 2. Better engage the public in the process and importance of education Included in this category are reform functional spaces, curricula and instructional programs for all Pre-K 3. Create a system of connected and integrated partnerships for a to 12, community college and continuum of education university programs, as well as more informal public and private learning spaces and activities such as civil service training or individual skills development programs.

rebuild Springfield PLAN | SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS 15 Educational #1 Put schools and libraries at the center of creating a nexus of places, programs, and access to technology to meet community needs

Breadcrumbs • Citywide Meeting Round 1 • BNIM Education Group • District 3 Meeting Round 1 • District 2 Meeting Round 1 • Education Stakeholders meeting • Latino Meeting • Citywide Meeting Round 2

General Description Greater access to educational services is one of Springfield’s greatest public needs. A novel approach must be adopted for current city assets to be fleshed out into far-reaching institutions that do more than provide learning opportunities. Citizens of Springfield should count on schools and libraries for community support in its multitude of iterations. These physical spaces can do more than provide an education; they can stand for the advancement towards a better quality of life and provide the means for achieving it.

In light of the tornado of last June, and in an effort to address long-standing educational and community challenges, community institutions must galvanize social services to cultivate committed to extending the system’s function and develop partnerships. The wide-reaching success from the bottom-up. By serving the beyond just the classroom, school facilities, and SPS, parochial, and private school networks young people of Springfield and their families, school boundaries. These goals can be reached should be arena for these functions. This the Springfield Public School (SPS) system, as by enabling school facilities to do more than approach is modeled in the Community well as parochial and private schools, can apply teach children for eight hours a day. Schools Initiative (communityschools.org), and educational capacities to serve the community can transform a school from being simply a at large. With a change in SPS leadership on This social support does more than educate, it schoolhouse into a facility that serves people of the horizon, citizens must contribute to the provides a place for the whole community to all backgrounds, ages, and abilities. process of finding a new superintendent who is solve issues, improve health, build capacities,

16 rebuild Springfield PLAN | SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS Partnerships/Stakeholders • American international College • bay path College Cultural Cultural physical Physical Economic economic Organizational Organizational Educational educational Social Social • board of library Commissioners • Community Music School The city-wide planning process is organized according to the six domains of a healthy and vibrant community. • Community Schools initiative domains that are positively impacted by the initiative described on this page are indicated above. • davis foundation • elms College • futureworks Key steps include: increasing facility hours, • Holyoke Chicopee Springfield Head Start offering services to all ages, providing workforce • Homework Center readiness training, adult literacy classes, • Mayor technological competency classes, developing • O.W.l. Adult education Center community partnerships, and utilizing creative • private business Sector thinking in implementation. Certain institutions in • public, parochial, private School leaders Springfield already offer some of these services. • puerto rican Cultural Center by fulfilling these capacities, SpS will firmly • residents and neighborhood Councils establish its role in the Springfield community • School Superintendent and garner more support from neighborhoods • Springfield City library that harbor its facilities. in all cases, increased • Springfield College community participation and cooperative • Springfield department of Health and communication in these facilities is paramount in Human Services ensuring success for students and families. • Springfield Health and fitness Stakeholders • Springfield Office of i nformation, The Springfield City library recently completed improved language and literacy services, and Technology, and Accountability a strategic plan that laid out achievable more opportunities to access technology • Springfield parent Advisory Council recommendations to improve its service to the and technological education. Obviously, this • Springfield parks and recreation division city. There have been serious shortcomings in implementation item has different action steps in • Springfield public forum enacting this plan because of budgetary issues. the short- and long-term. • Springfield public Schools if the city’s libraries are to provide the services • Springfield School Committee that would make them one of the pillars of the planning for a joint library venture is a difficult • Springfield School Volunteers community, they will have to look for creative process, but SpS and Springfield’s library • Springfield Technical Community College mechanisms to achieve their goals, especially in leadership already possess the forethought • State delegation the short term. it is imperative for the community necessary to accommodate these methods. not • uMass to rally in support of the library system that does only will library services improve the educational far more than just house books. libraries are the experience of Springfield residents, but these local stewards of knowledge, both analog and joint facilities will also be able to provide a digital. wide range of social services and act as a community center for health, literacy, community One strategy for catalyzing progress is through organization, capacity building, and access to the partnership of some public library branches technology. it is important to note that partners with educational institutions. This approach that share facilities also share expenses in order would enable the consolidation of resources to provide greater services with the most efficient to allow for increased hours of operation, use of resources.

rebuild Springfield plA n | Springfield MASSACHu S e TTS 17 implemented with additional consideration Community Schools being given to co-location of community libraries with community schools. William R. Peck Full Service Community School 5. Creative thinking about joint-use facilities in (Holyoke, MA) general and their potential for more efficient use of resources, greater impact, and The William R. Peck School, just up the road from expanded services. Springfield, is a Full Service Community School 6. Literacy, neighborhood access to (FSCS) that cultivates thoughtful and strategic technology, and library and school partnerships in order to support the academic accessibility need to be core principles of and non-academic aspirations and needs of future programming and planning across the the students and families it serves. The school educational sector. provides: After School, Case Management, 7. Library services need to engage and support CHARLA services, College Awareness, Family the diverse community of Springfield; Assistance Team, Family Resource Room, Health helping those who don’t speak English, are Center, On Site Registrations, Parents in the unemployed, or wish to continue academic Classroom, and Peck Parents United in Action enrichment. (PPUA). There is a wealth of community partners governed by a Central Coordinating Committee Potential Resource Opportunities and working in organized workgroups. 1. The Springfield City Library Strategic Plan for 2011-2016 was completed in 2011. This The FSCS initiative operates from the following plan offers several suggestions that would guiding philosophies: improve and modernize the system and • Commitment to Family-School-Community • Vietnamese American Civic Association prepare City Library facilities for the 21st Partnership – We believe that Peck students • Western New England University Century. This plan has won several awards will be most successful when family, • Westfield State University and could provide a step-by-step process for school and the community are working in helping the library system in Springfield. collaboration. Resource Needs 2. FEMA funds for rebuilding Brookings and • Strengths Based Assumptions – We believe 1. The next Superintendent of Springfield Dryden that all Peck families want the best for their Public Schools (SPS) system needs to be 3. Massachusetts School Building Assistance children, that there is a role for every family committed to extending the system’s Authority member in FSCS work, and that every parent functions, benefits, and presence beyond the 4. The City of Springfield Parks and Recreation can contribute meaningfully to their child’s classroom. Division is one of the largest providers of education. 2. The rebuilding of Brookings and Dryden after school enrichment in the city. This • Commitment to Consistent Academic will be funded by at least in part FEMA. Division has already collaborated with Improvement-Our commitment is to finding This presents an opportunity to design the Department of Parks, Recreation, strategies that contribute to improved and construct these schools as full service and Building Management (DPBRM) and student achievement. Community Schools. Springfield Public Schools to develop a • Parent Leadership – We value parent 3. The new SPS Superintendent, as well as series of learning and recreation programs. partnership in all aspects of programming leaders of parochial and private schools, This partnership could be valuable in and governance and we will continue to work need to explore community outreach implementing this recommendation. towards parent leadership in the initiative. techniques that embody a Community 5. Gates Foundation (Library funding) • Accountability through Participatory School. Evaluation-We are committed to the 4. The Library Master Plan needs to be Precedents/Best Practices continuous strengthening of the FSCS

18 rebuild Springfield PLAN | SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS focuses on language arts and literacy training has also worked hard to gain an identity within curriculum. Using the Success for All program the community through activities that include developed at Johns Hopkins University, the Key voter registration booths, Center t-shirts, and a school has made priorities of having small class neighborhood tree-planting project. In addition sizes and personalized reading instruction. The to focusing on youth and family development, school provides adult literacy workshops and the Countee Cullen Beacon offers support other adult education programs that promote to underserved families: family preservation family learning and healthy development. Health services, emergency help, clinical services, home is a key component in the curriculum. A school visits, counseling, and practical help in finding counselor communicates regularly with families housing, jobs, or child care. and works with an on-site school-community coordinator to provide family support services, Joint-use Libraries career and educational guidance, and referrals and assistance with obtaining other services. The following two examples have been The school’s focus on academics and family resounding successes in their communities, support has lead to improvements in all metrics: despite public/university distrust on the outset. better school climate, increased attendance, and The resulting libraries have been able to offer source: http://www.philasd.org/schools/key/ improved test scores. far more services at the same or less cost than initiative through ongoing formative and before because of consolidation of resources. summative evaluation grounded in the Countee Cullen Community Center (New York, These practices are on the larger scale and show experiences of our partners including NY) the success that a large university (enrolling students, families, faculty and community more than 20,000 students), can partner with a partners. Located at Public School 194, the Center is open large library clientele (over 750,000 people in the • Family Voice- Programming and partnerships from 9 a.m. to sometimes well past midnight, library catchment). are determined in response to the articulated and operates on weekends and in the summer as • San Jose State University/San Jose Public needs and aspirations of Peck students and well. The community center is a Beacon program Library: After much deliberation and debate, families rather than either perceived student/ operated by the Rheedlen Centers for Children these two institutions combined to form a family needs on the part of the school, or and Families, and it provides positive alternatives “super library” that is able to offer far more stated needs and desires of community for young people who are growing up in one of technological access, language services, and partners. the poorest neighborhoods in New York City. multicultural programming, etc. to the entire • Multiple Forms of Parent Engagement - We During school hours, the Center provides on-site San Jose community. understand that parent participation in their social services, such as attendance improvement, • Nova State University/Broward County Public child’s education can take many forms, some child welfare, and dropout prevention Library: The library is now open 100 hrs/week more visible in the school building than interventions. After class, a variety of different rather than 70 hours. 50 new staff members others, and that this participation happens at activities attract varied local residents. For were hired and trained in the year that the Peck, in the home and in the community. parents and children there are support groups, library was opened. Expanded programming (http://www.hps.holyoke.ma.us/peck/ parenting workshops, and family recreational and language services were offered because community_partners.html). activities. For teens, the Center offers homework of the available funds freed up by the Francis Scott Key School (Philadelphia, PA) help as well as a drug awareness programs, consolidation of costs in the library. late-night basketball, and a movie series. The The Francis Scott Key School has served its South Center’s teens are active in the community, The next four best practices are examples of Philadelphia neighborhood for over 100 years. producing public service videos, organizing libraries that partner with smaller institutions for The school works with students and families street cleanups, publishing a newspaper, and service on the community-scale. In these cases, that have recently entered the country and operating a nighttime teen lounge. The Center the catchment area of the library service is less

rebuild Springfield PLAN | SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS 19 than 20,000 people. In studies, this scale of Boston Centers for Youth & Families, Boston top floor, and the high school and library service has proven to be extremely successful in Public Schools, and the Boston Public Library are sandwiched between. The floor plan is starting a joint-use school library. to promote education and literacy across the flexible to enable extensive use of the facility city after hours. Emmetsburg Public Library (Emmetsburg, IA) • Located in one of the toughest http://www.bostonpublicschools.org/school/ neighborhoods in the city burke-high-school Smith Wellness Center, run by cooperative • Transparent design http://boston.k12.ma.us/burke/Site/Home.html partnership between Iowa Lakes CC, the City • There is a community center on ground http://archrecord.construction.com/schools/09_ of Emmetsburg, and the citizens of Palo Alto floor, regulation basketball court on the burke_high.asp County • The library has its own Board of Trustees Earl Warren Middle School Library (Solana • The library also acts as a community center. Beach, CA) • Partnership has allowed for more space, increased handicap accessibility, expanded • Funded through a partnership between the services, more study and leisure reading City of Solana Beach, the County of San space, additional workspace for staff, and Diego, California’s School Facilities Program, more programming opportunities. the Friends of the Solana Beach Library, and • Eliminated duplicative services and work the San Dieguito Union High School District • Excellent communication has solved (SDUHSD) logistical issues • The campus of the middle school was • The computer lab available to both the reoriented slightly to accommodate the general public and students library (relocated entry to campus, improved • Electronic resources traffic management and bus pick up) • Genealogy Room is maintained by • Tripled the size of the previous facilities at Genealogical society and contains archives the school and community library of the area • The SDUHSD owns the facility, the county is http://www.emmetsburg.com/Community/ the tenant, and the city is an equity partner Libraries.htm with diminishing interest over time http://www.sdcl.org/locations_SB.html Franklin Community Library (Elk Grove, CA) School-Centered Neighborhood Revitalization • Partnership between Franklin High School, Toby Johnson Middle School, and the Education, housing and neighborhood Sacramento Public Library revitalization go hand in hand. New education • Opened in 2002 and housing partnerships can stabilize families • Library was able to offer extended hours, free and boost student achievement. Wi-fi, more services and programming, and computers for public use Over the last decade, school-centered http://www.saclibrary.org/?pageId=643 neighborhood revitalization has been an experimental tactic used in several US cities. Jeremiah E. Burke High School (Boston, MA) This approach is carried out through replacing blighted housing with an attractive new • Combination high school and public library. Source: http://archrecord.construction.com/schools/09_ school. The school is then used as a means of • Developed as a collaborative effort by burke_high.asp retaining and drawing-in a revitalization-minded

20 rebuild Springfield PLAN | SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS community. Priority Project Location Urgent Citywide, although Brookings and Dryden The scale and complexity of this approach often schools could set a precedent for Community requires significant public funding. Most school- Action Steps Centered Schools throughout the City of centered neighborhood revitalization projects 1. Select a new SPS Superintendent that is Springfield have been driven by large federal investments, committed to expanding the functions and such as those from the HOPE VI program. benefits of the system beyond the classroom. Massachusetts’ new education reform law is also 2. The SPS and its Superintendent, parochial providing communities with the opportunity to and private schools will seek a partnership integrate a new school with local neighborhood with the Community Schools Initiative (http:// revitalization plans. www.communityschools.org/) to assist in transforming local public schools into Springfield has already adopted this approach facilities that serve citizens before, during, with Veritas Preparatory, which is set to open in and after school hours. 2012. Veritas will be central to the South End’s 3. SPS will further explore design opportunities revitalization, but to be successful it will need for creating 21st Century Community Schools the community and local businesses to rally in in the rebuilding of Brookings and Dryden support. According to MASSInc., “Success [of schools. school-centered neighborhood revitalization 4. The City will explore the potential of is] often contingent on a strong partner (e.g., enacting the policies described in the Library a large employer, university, or foundation) Master Plan. operating outside of the school system with 5. On a community level, branch libraries and a long-term interest in the well-being of the community schools will meet and discuss community.” the opportunity to combine library services http://www.massinc.org/~/media/Files/Mass%20 with the focus on providing accommodations Inc/Research/Full%20Report%20PDF%20files/ and neighborhood-specific services to the growth_brief.ashx community at large and at the neighborhood level. 6. Schools and libraries alike will engage the greater Springfield community, expand their hours of operation beyond the school day and maximize the benefit they provide to citizens: enhanced language services, increased access to technology, and improved social service programming will all be included. 7. Space programming decisions will take into account the wishes and needs of neighborhoods, like prioritizing the implementation of after-school programs. 8. With the construction of two new schools in the future, plans will be made to build or renovate two community-scale joint-use libraries.

rebuild Springfield PLAN | SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS 21 Educational #2

better engage the public in the process and EDUCATION importance of education reform REFORM EDUCATION STAKEHOLDERS Breadcrumbs • education Stakeholders meeting in 2009, a feasibility study was commissioned by • Citywide Meeting round 2 the greater Springfield business foundation to activate the existing 501 (c)3, Springfield education COMMUNITY General Description partnership, established over 20 years ago, as an ADVOCACY AND INVOLVEMENT enacting education reform is one of the most lef. This effort was led by a steering committee pressing issues in the improvement of the of key business and education leaders from Springfield public Schools (SpS) system. if schools Springfield. While not successfully instituted in • Springfield School Volunteers are expected to take on a larger role in the 2009, the groundwork for moving forward exists and • Springfield business leaders for education community, political, institutional, and policy-related a renewed effort is recommended. • Springfield Technical Community College changes must have the support of residents to • Springfield Vietnamese American Civic achieve their desired impact. presently, the SpS Partnerships/Stakeholders Association is not receiving sufficient backing from citizens • American international College • Stand for Children because it does not have the resources to engage • bay path College • uMass them. • business Community • Western new england university • davis foundation it is vital that public opinion becomes an asset for • dunbar Community Center Resource Needs school reform rather than an obstacle. According • elms College 1. establishment of a local education fund (lef) to independent research, parental and community • faith-based Organizations or equivalent organization engagement is the most important factor in • local education fund 2. An organization to assume the role of engaging enacting ambitious education reform strategies . • Martin luther King, Jr. family Services the public in interacting with the Springfield Shackled with budgetary issues, the SpS is unable • parent information Center public School (SpS) system to allocate sufficient funds to developing a more • puerto rican Cultural Center 3. The public needs to have more transparent robust means of public engagement around reform- • Springfield City Council access to information and statistics regarding related issues. Therefore, a local education fund • Springfield College school performance (lef) or some equivalent advocacy and funding • Springfield department of Health and Human 4. The public needs to be more engaged in organization should be established. Services advocating for higher quality schools, better • Springfield education Association access to technology, and improved english as lefs are non-profit organizations that work to • Springfield family education department a Second language (eSl) services. enhance local engagement in public education. • Springfield Office of information, Technology, These entities are commonly funded by foundation and Accountability Potential Resource Opportunities or government grants. lefs are not solely • Springfield parent Academy 1. davis foundation dedicated to school reform; they also serve as • Springfield public forum 2. public and Community engagement (pACe) conduits between citizens and schools for shaping • Springfield public Schools • Springfield School Volunteers curriculum and monitoring progress. • Springfield School Committee • parent information Center

22 rebuild Springfield plA n | Springfield MASSACHu S e TTS High

Action Steps Cultural Cultural physical Physical Economic economic Organizational Organizational Educational educational Social Social 1. The “educational domain” working group will establish a set of short- and mid-term goals for The city-wide planning process is organized according to the six domains of a healthy and vibrant community. the implementation for this recommendation. domains that are positively impacted by the initiative described on this page are indicated above. 2. An organization will obtain grant funding and work to establish a network of citizens, stakeholders, and school administrators • family education department brokers relationships between the paterson school throughout Springfield for the expressed 3. public education network district and private sector entities interested in purpose of creating a public engagement 4. Support from local businesses public education in paterson. strategy for education reform. This organization 5. See greater Springfield business foundation could be part of the rebuild Springfield feasibility Study: Springfield education paterson education fund is a founding member implementation process, a local education partnership, March 10, 2009 (available via the of the public education network (pen), a national fund, or an organization with a similar mission. davis foundation) organization of local education funds (lefs) and 3. This implementation organization will take on individuals working to improve public schools and the role of engaging the public in interacting Precedents/Best Practices build citizen support for quality public education in with the Springfield public School (SpS) low-income communities across the nation. system and the wider education spectrum in The Paterson Education Fund (Paterson, NJ) Springfield. Ysleta Elementary School (El Paso, TX) 4. The public will have more transparent access The paterson education fund (pef), is a not-for- to information and statistics regarding school profit organization whose mission is to stimulate Ysleta elementary School has worked with an performance. community action for change so that the paterson interfaith education fund (ief) since 1992 to 5. The public will be more engaged in advocating public Schools ensure that all paterson children develop a discourse with the local community. for higher quality schools, better access to achieve high standards. http://www.paterson- Together, parents, teachers, administrators, and technology, and improved english as a Second education.org/ community leaders form a leadership team that language (eSl) services. tackles issues such as traffic safety, the design of 6. The public will be more engaged in advocating pef’s goals are: a new school, and the lack of medical care in the for higher quality schools, better access to • To build our community’s civic capacity to school. When the school was designing a system for technology, and improved english as a Second support, monitor and advocate education assessing the students, parents were trained about language (eSl) services. reform. the new processes and were invited to comment on • To educate and enable community leadership changes. Project Location to understand and act on changing education Citywide needs. Mobile Area Education Foundation (Mobile, AL) • To provide a forum for the community to effectively participate in the decision-making The Mobile Area education foundation is a processes concerning education. nonprofit organization dedicated to improving local public schools. Their mission is to build community founded in 1983, pef’s activities build and nourish responsibility for improving public education a constituency for systematic school reform by outcomes in Mobile County. They work with, but are educating the community on the importance of independent of, the Mobile County public School high standards and expectations in providing System. http://www.maef.net/ quality education for all children. pef convenes and Priority

rebuild Springfield plA n | Springfield MASSACHu S e TTS 23 Educational #3 Create a system of connected and integrated partnerships for a continuum of education

Breadcrumbs and coordinated to make a significant impact. and small. Job training, internships, and other • Citywide Meeting Round 1 educational outreach and participation strategies • Business Forum Starting at the beginning of a young person’s are all options for better connecting the • City of Springfield Workforce Development education, the schools in Springfield must focus Educational and Economic Domains. Together, Study on creating continuity and integration among these partnerships can ensure a pipeline for • City of Springfield Economic Development the various actors in the educational continuum. Springfield residents to meaningfully contribute Study Literacy, critical thinking, and creativity should to the local, regional, state, and national • Interview: Education Group be at the center of a coordinated curriculum. economy. • Interview: Mass Career Development Moreover, the pursuit of knowledge and job Institute readiness should not halt once a child leaves Currently, there are organizations doing • Citywide Meeting Round 2 the school system; opportunities to acquire important work related to workforce • Education Stakeholder Meeting vocational skills should be accessible for all development and job training. These include residents. the Regional Employment Board (REB) and General Description Massachusetts Career Development Institute The capacity for Springfield’s citizen’s to Finding a job as a young person is a daunting (MCDI). One of the most important elements contribute to and more fully participate in the process. Attracting and retaining younger of implementing this recommendation will be workforce has not been adequately engaged. residents should be a priority for both bringing all parties and stakeholders to the Starting with early-childhood education, educational institutions and local businesses. table to ensure continuity and cooperation in Springfield’s children are at a disadvantage to The educational sector must work strategically addressing this issue. compete in the modern economy. The Davis to create connections to and relationships with Foundation and other partners recognize the the economic drivers of the city, both large Partnerships/Stakeholders importance of Early Childhood Education and • ACCESS are increasing their efforts to raise the profile • American Career Institute of this critical initiative as the starting point of • American International College the continuum. In addition, these groups are • Bay Path College enhancing their efforts to support Universal • Commonwealth Academy Pre-K across the city is key. From the outset, • Cooperating Colleges of Greater Springfield this continuum impacts Springfield’s ability to • Diocese of Springfield (Parochial Schools) create local employment and employees, and • Elms College the education system needs to be equipped with • Local Daycare Providers a coordinated capacity to help Springfield and its • Mass Latino Chamber of Commerce businesses revitalize. • Massachusetts Career Development Institute • Private schools (Academy Hill, Pioneer Valley Although there are programs to assist in job Christian, Montessori etc.) readiness, these offerings need to be supported • Regional Employment Board of Hampden

24 rebuild Springfield PLAN | SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS development curriculum. 9. legislative buy-in and support for reform. 10. A Child development Account program Cultural Cultural physical Physical Economic economic Organizational Organizational Educational educational Social Social Potential Resource Opportunities The city-wide planning process is organized according to the six domains of a healthy and vibrant community. 1. All public high schools have specific focuses domains that are positively impacted by the initiative described on this page are indicated above. that will prepare students for whatever path they choose; whether that choice is college or immediate entry into the workforce. County crucial missing link in the educational sphere • Central High School: College preparatory • representatives from all stakeholders of Springfield. The earlier that Springfield’s • roger l. putnam Vocational Technical along the education continuum from early students are introduced into the educational Academy: Vocational training childhood to workforce development pipeline, the better their chance to lead a • The High School of Commerce: finance, • Springfield Chamber of Commerce productive and happy life. This resource is • Springfield College needed because of its wide-ranging trickle- • Springfield O.W.l. Adult education Center down effects on every aspect of the city’s • Springfield Office of information future. • Springfield parent Academy 3. The early Childhood, pre-K and early • Springfield public forum elementary programs need to think creatively • Springfield public Schools and employ novel techniques in developing • Springfield School Committee & The Mayor critical thinking and language development. • Springfield School Volunteer Organization 4. SpS, parochial, and private schools need • Springfield School Volunteers to investigate project-based learning • Springfield Technical Community College approaches and construct creatively-charged • Square One physical spaces for their students. • Stand for Children 5. SpS, parochial, private schools and the • State delegation Cooperating Colleges of greater Springfield • Technology, and Accountability (CCgS) need to work in a coordinated effort • Western new england university to understand each other’s needs, provide mutual support, articulate a consistent law, government, and entrepreneurship Resource Needs curriculum, and strive to solve problems • Springfield High School of Science 1. The City needs to hire a SpS superintendent multi-laterally. and Technology: Science, technology, who is committed to creating an integrated 6. The CCgS consortium can better coalesce engineering, mathematics system of education that reinvigorates the around the coordination of educational • The Springfield renaissance School innovation that once made Springfield services. (grades 6-12): Arts, culture, and prosperous; this process starts in early 7. The CCgS can better focus on preparing expeditionary learning childhood, ends with prepared students students to contribute meaningfully to the 2. Springfield parent Academy entering college and the workforce, and workforce. 3. important work has begun. A group of continues with persistent community 8. The public, parochial and private secondary- community leaders met in June of 2011 to educational enrichment. education and Cooperating College of launch a new community wide initiative to 2. universal pre-K: as recommended by nearly greater Springfield (CCgS) needs to address early Childhood education – Cherish every educational stakeholder during the develop a stronger connection with the every Child: A blueprint for Springfield’s rebuild Springfield planning process. local economy by integrating both large and future. As well, the davis foundation has universal pre-K was acknowledged as a small business interests into the workforce made a commitment to the improvement

rebuild Springfield plA n | Springfield MASSACHu S e TTS 25 and enhancement of educational Precedents/Best Practices which cultivates a sense of ownership and opportunities and achievements for the High Tech High (San Diego County, CA) confidence among students. http://www. children and youth of Hampden County hightechhigh.org/ through their Education grantmaking. High Tech High is a charter school system http://cherishspringfield.org/page/pdf/45/d. consisting of 11 schools, spanning K-12. Its Strive (Cincinnati, OH) asp4.pdf curriculum is centered on project-based learning 4. The Cooperating Colleges of Greater and innovation. By constructing environments Strive, a non-profit subsidiary of Springfield (CCGS) is an educational that are safe, transparent, flexible, and creative, KnowledgeWorks Foundation, Cincinnati, OH, consortium composed of the eight public students are encouraged to put their work on has brought together local leaders to tackle and private colleges in the Greater display and it with their peers. This level of peer the student achievement crisis and improve Springfield area: American International interaction is unrivaled in normal school settings, education throughout greater Cincinnati and College, Bay Path College, Elms College, and it develops a superior grasp of critical northern Kentucky. In the four years since Holyoke Community College, Springfield thinking in students. Students and teachers are the group was launched, Strive partners have College, Springfield Technical Community in constant conversations about the direction of improved student success in dozens of key areas College, Western New England College, their courses, and learning is tailored to engage across three large public school districts. See and Westfield State College. The CCGS is subjects that students are genuinely interested Stanford social Innovation Review, Collective an established organization, but it could in. With most coursework culminating in a project Impact, 2011, John Kania & Mark Kramer. become more active in the local collegiate deliverable, students are conditioned to a setting landscape. similar to that of an adult work environment, Stand for Children (Massachusetts)

Stand for Children’s mission is to ensure that all children, regardless of their background, graduate from high school prepared for, and with the access to, a college education. With members in more than 100 communities across Massachusetts who prioritize child advocacy in school reform efforts, out ultimate goal is to ensure that every child has access to a quality education and an equitable chance to succeed in life. Stand is now working in Springfield and can be an active partner in the education continuum.

Middle College National Consortium

In addition, education stakeholders expressed interest in the Middle College concept. The Middle College National Consortium believes that authentic school reform grows out of sustained collaboration among master practitioners, structured communication, and support for perpetual growth of leadership skills for all constituents. Centered on six Design Principles, MCNC schools bridge the high school Credit: Jim Brady (for Architecture Magazine) and college experience for underserved youth Source: http://www.architectmagazine.com/articles/awards/aia-cote-2011-top-ten-green-projects--high-tech-high-chula-vista.aspx?playlist=playlist____20_734540&plitem=1#

26 rebuild Springfield PLAN | SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS leading to increased access to and success in will investigate project-based learning college. For more information please visit www. approaches and constructing creatively- mcnc.us. charged physical spaces for its students. There is a chance to set new precedents The Boston Opportunity Agenda (Boston, MA) for 21st Century education environments WORK as schools damaged by the June 1 tornado FORCE The Boston Opportunity Agenda is a citywide rebuild. program that “sets a national standard for 5. The SPS and the cooperating Colleges of collaboration around a shared set of goals, Greater Springfield (CCGS) will create a more driven by data, accountable through regular robust and consistent dialog to understand reports to the community—and supported by each other’s needs, develop curriculum, and new resources.” Partners, including Boston work to solve problems multi-laterally. APPREN- CERTIFICATE TICESHIP or GRADUATE Public Schools, the United Way, and several 6. The CCGS will work to share and coordinate INTERNSHIP DEGREE private foundations have formed a public-private their educational services. partnership and committed “$27 million to the 7. The CCGS will focus on preparing students comprehensive education pipeline that spans to contribute meaningfully to the workforce. ASSOCIATE early childhood care and education through 8. The CCGS will work to develop a stronger TRAINING BACHELOR’S DEGREE DEGREE post-secondary achievement. The partners have connection with the local economy by pledged to ensure that the initiatives being integrating both large and small business supported will have the resources they need to interests into the workforce development VOCA- succeed and hold themselves accountable for curriculum. 4-YEAR TIONAL or 2-YEAR the results.” 9. Develop a Child Development Account COLLEGE COLLEGE COLLEGE http://www.bostonopportunityagenda.org/ program and encourage parents to commit About-us.aspx small amounts of money to the account every quarter. This contribution could be matched HIGH Priority by a donation. These programs are proven to GED SCHOOL Urgent increase levels of college matriculation and DIPLOMA diminish the cost of going to college for low- Action Steps income families. HIGH 1. The City will hire a SPS superintendent that is http://csd.wustl.edu/Publications/Documents/ SCHOOL committed to creating an integrated system RPB09-29.pdf of education stresses literacy, creativity, critical thinking, and innovation. Project Location ELEM- 2. The new superintendent will work with Citywide ENTARY & MIDDLE the rest of the school system to created SCHOOL a coordinated curriculum that starts in early childhood, continues with prepared students entering college, workforce training, and extends to community educational EARLY enrichment. CHILDHOOD 3. SPS, parochial, and private schools will think EDUCATION creatively about novel techniques in teaching critical thinking and literacy. 4. SPS, parochial, and private schools

rebuild Springfield PLAN | SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS 27 28 rebuild Springfield PLAN | SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS Physical Domain Description Recommendations

This category is defined by the 1. Develop a process for transforming vacant lots and structures into physical resources that encompass community assets the sum of the community’s built and natural assets. These 2. Focus transportation resources to better serve and connect resources include buildings, Springfield residents bridges, highways and even telecommunications infrastructure 3. Build on existing physical assets to celebrate and improve as well as natural resources like Springfield’s aesthetic character and infrastructure parks and other outdoor recreation areas. 4. Plan for and take advantage of lessons learned from recent disasters by creating and publicizing a comprehensive Disaster Preparedness Plan

5. Design, develop, and operate places and spaces that are efficient and respectful of natural and human resources

rebuild Springfield PLAN | SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS 29 Physical #1 Develop a process for transforming vacant lots and structures into community assets

Breadcrumbs more viable community assets. Some programs • Non-Profit Housing Developers • District 2 Meeting Round 1 require more public funds, while others just • Pioneer Valley Planning Commission • District 1 Meeting Round 2 require neighborhood engagement and • Springfield Neighborhood Councils • District 3 Meeting Round 1 community groups to make change. At its root, • Springfield Neighborhood Housing Services • Citywide Meeting Rounds 1 & 2 this process must be executed at the grassroots • Springfield Partners for Community Action • Interviews with Housing Stakeholders level, as it is the residents of the adjoining • Springfield Preservation Trust (SPT) • Springfield Business Improvement District properties and nearby blocks that feel most • Springfield Redevelopment Authority (SRA) passionate about enacting positive change in • US Department of Housing and Urban General Description their communities. Development (HUD) Decades of urban sprawl and dis-investment have resulted in pockets of blight in areas of Organizations such as Keep Springfield Beautiful Resource Needs: Springfield, and the June 2011 tornado worsened (KSB), the Springfield Preservation Trust (SPT), 1. Funding the matter. Through the Rebuild Springfield and Concerned Citizens for Springfield have 2. Grassroots action planning process, residents voiced their concerns partnered together to curb and fight against 3. Process for monitoring and management about vacant and abandoned properties in the blight and restore historic structures into suitable 4. Neighborhood Councils Collaboration city. Shortening the path to cleaner and more housing. Their efforts should be supported 5. Concentrated redevelopment efforts stable neighborhoods would mean that current and can be strengthened by including new and future residents could have attractive and stakeholders into the rebuilding process. Potential Resource Opportunities healthy communities in which to live. 1. HUD Grants Springfield is not alone. There are numerous 2. FEMA Grants Blighted structures and parcels also contribute cities across the United States that have 3. MEMA Grants to lowering property values and increased experienced urban blight and have several 4. SRA Funding criminal activity. At the same time, residents vacant lots, many at a significantly higher level 5. Private Donations who have been impacted by the tornado and than Springfield. Springfield can learn from these 6. Community Fundraising other disasters need to be given a fair chance cities. 7. The organizations Keep Springfield Beautiful to rebuild, and forgiven for short-term blight (KSB) and Springfield Preservation Trust (SPT) issues. In short, a clear and effective strategy for Partnerships / Stakeholders have partnered to fight blight and transform addressing these issues needs to be a priority. • City of Springfield downtrodden historic structures into suitable • Commonwealth of Massachusetts housing. The work and programs that KSB Encouraging infill development, expanding • Concerned Citizens of Springfield and SPT do is discussed further in Physical green space, building community gardens, • DevelopSpringfield in Partnership with Office Recommendation #3, where citywide and merging lots together, selling land with a of Planning and Economic Development neighborhood beautification practices are disposition to abutters, and providing residents • HAP Housing examined in detail. and developers with meaningful redevelopment • Institute for Community Economics tools are all ways to turn vacant properties into • Keep Springfield Beautiful

30 rebuild Springfield PLAN | SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS Cultural Cultural physical Physical Economic economic Organizational Organizational Educational educational Social Social

The city-wide planning process is organized according to the six domains of a healthy and vibrant community. domains that are positively impacted by the initiative described on this page are indicated above.

Precedents / Best Practices The Lot Next Door Program (New Orleans, LA)

The lot next door program, instituted by the new Orleans redevelopment Agency (nOrA), gives residents abutting the first chance to purchase and redevelop nOrA properties. The program was created through a new Orleans City Council Ordinance following Hurricane source: http://www.richmondgov.com/neighborhoods/ Katrina. A program like this is already in place documents/neighborhoodimprovement.pdf in Springfield, however it only allows for the provision that, “properties included in [the] upon the strength of civic associations in the auction cannot be built upon and may be used neighborhoods, the existence of redevelopment solely for open space and/or accessory parking plans, and market trends.” Once in the nib to an immediately adjacent property under program, the City works with neighborhood common ownership.” expanding the scope groups, non-profits, and residents to: of the program in Springfield to allow for more • buy vacant houses, rehabilitate them, and flexibility and incentivize creative uses, paired sell them for home ownership. with marketing and outreach efforts, might • buy vacant lots, build houses, and sell them encourage residents and neighborhood groups for home ownership. to explore such a unique opportunity. • provide homebuyer education classes and http://www.noraworks.org/residents/ counsel potential buyers in determining lot-next-door affordability and purchase power. • provide down payment assistance. Neighborhoods in Bloom Program (Richmond, • Assist owner occupants with house repairs VA) and renovations. in addition to removing blight and increasing richmond’s neighborhoods in bloom program home ownership in the city, the program seeks to (nib) program was created to allow citizens instill private sector confidence to invest in rental to actively decide how and where community and for sale assets. The program also provides development funds are allocated. The goal of accessible homeownership education documents this program is to restore physical livability and to help first-time homebuyers. improve neighborhood stability. neighborhoods http://www.richmondgov.com/neighborhoods/ are considered with established criteria index.aspx and “revitalization potential [is] evaluated

rebuild Springfield plA n | Springfield MASSACHu S e TTS 31 Fulton County/City of Atlanta Land Bank • Tree planting as part of carbon offsetting, develop ‘stalled’ land. This program Authority (Atlanta, GA) biodiversity or other initiatives. would temporarily fill in the ‘missing • Public art space. teeth’ in neighborhoods until adequate Fulton County/City of Atlanta Land Bank • Non-organic waste recycling schemes. development funds can be secured. Authority (LBA) is a non-profit corporation that • Growing short rotation energy crops. • Partner with Neighborhood Councils and oversees the process of putting the regions • Installing approved landscape design prior to Property Maintenance Organizations abandoned property back into productive use. development. (such as the Property Maintenance Task The LBA was formed in cooperation between the • Child’s play area. Force) to identify priority parcels and County and the City, and was given the power • Wildflower meadows problems to forgive delinquent City and County property • Leveling and turfing over the site with • Inhabit these spaces with Lighter, taxes. This process makes the sites more continued maintenance. Quicker, Cheaper cultural amenities (see: marketable to future buyers, for both non-profit http://www.glasgow.gov.uk/en/Business/ Cultural Recommendation #2) and for-profit development entities. Environment/Clyde_KelvinGreenspace/Stalled+S 2. Develop a strategy for permanently http://www.fccalandbank.org/ paces++++Temporary+Landscapes.htm redeveloping vacant land and derelict structures. Regulations and responsibilities for land banks • Keep community organizations involved vary from city to city, but all have a common goal: in development conversations with to turn underutilized and abandoned properties private developers early in the process to into more viable and community uses. The City convey community needs. of Springfield has several organizations—namely • Research and implement ways to finance the SRA, HAP, SNHS and Habitat for Humanity— the redevelopment of vacant properties, that operate as de facto land banks (i.e. holding such as Tax Increment Financing (TIFs), lots awaiting housing development). However, other incentive opportunities and bonds. increasing coordination and attracting more • Explore other centralized methods funds would help for make these institutions for cataloging and organizing vacant more effective. and tax-foreclosed and/or city-owned properties Stalled Spaces Program, (Glasgow, Scotland) • Think creatively about low-cost programs and activities that publicize available Glasgow, Scotland suffers from some of the source: http://www.glasgowsouthandeastwoodextra.co.uk/ assets (see: Economic Recommendation worst rates of vacant land and property. The City #3) had more vacant land than the rest of Scotland Priority • Facilitate frequent communication, combined. To reactivate these spaces, the city High transparency, and outreach to real launched Stalled Spaces in 2008, a program that estate developers, non-profit groups, offers small loans to neighbors of vacant land Action Steps businesses and residents. with the intention that they create temporary 1. Compile an electronic inventory of vacant • Support current efforts by Keep landscaping interventions that can serve the land and derelict structures and make this Springfield Beautiful and the Springfield greater community. Stalled Spaces gets its information publicly available. Preservation Trust. name because it uses pots of land in which • While a database is being created, development is literally ‘stalled’. Some project temporarily address ‘stalled’ lands. Project Location examples include: • Allocate a small fund to support a Citywide • Creating temporary growing spaces program similar to the Stalled Spaces • Creating city market gardens. program in Glasgow; providing • Interim sustainable urban drainage sites. community groups with money to

32 rebuild Springfield PLAN | SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS rebuild Springfield PLAN | SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS 33 Physical #2 Focus transportation resources to better serve and connect Springfield residents

Breadcrumbs Considering modification of bus routes, including • New Haven-Hartford-Springfield Rail • Stakeholder Meeting with Pioneer Valley a system of looping routes, might also result in Program Transit Authority better service. Simply consulting with residents • Peter Pan Bus Lines • Citywide Meeting Round 1 who depend on transit could better inform how • Pioneer Valley Planning Commission • Citywide Meeting Round 2 the system could be improved. • Pioneer Valley Transit Authority • District 3 Meeting Round 1 • Springfield College • Interview: Classical Condo Association Public transportation generally suffers from • Springfield Technical Community College • Springfield Museums a negative image; however, it is an all- • State Delegation encompassing transportation provision that can • Teatro V!da General Description be a practical alternative for many residents in • UMass Amherst Landscape Architecture and The health of many cities often depends on the community. Some cities have taken great Regional Planning healthy and functional transportation systems. strides in reinventing their transit systems to • United States Government; Office of Springfield residents overwhelmingly support reach out to the general public to improve their Congressman Richard E. Neal improvements to local transportation to shift service and subsequently repair their image. • US Department of Transportation the way the city has been growing. Suggested • Western New England University improvements range from adding or moving bus stops and shelters, building transit centers, Resource Needs commuter rail, and adding bikeways and 1. An organized transportation advocacy group pedestrian pathways. that collaborates with public entities 2. Public-private partnerships Improvements to alternative modes of transit that 3. Federal grants were suggested during the community meetings and project interviews included improving Potential Resource Opportunities places for pedestrians to walk, adding bikeways, 1. Area institutions can make an impact by and investing in rail transit. Although most of investing in the transit infrastructure used these tasks require significant funding, a lot can Flickr User: trevonhaywood2012 by their patrons. Perhaps in the form of be done at the grassroots level, and there are public-private partnerships, institutions funding and grant opportunities that could also Partnerships / Stakeholders: such as the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority, be leveraged. • American International College Baystate Health, and area universities (such • Amtrak as Springfield College and Western New Common concerns from residents included a lack • Baystate Health England University) can provide or augment of efficiency and ease-of-use concerns. Adding • Board of Public Works funding for new bus stops, information information kiosks, maps at bus stops, extending • City of Springfield kiosks, transit centers, bike lanes. hours of service, new bus routes, and creating • Commonwealth of Massachusetts 2. The Federal Highway Administration has partnerships were all suggestions from residents. • Greyhound Bus Lines several Transportation Enhancement

34 rebuild Springfield PLAN | SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS • Constructing 12 new community designed bus shelters • reinventing Kennedy plaza, the major ripTA Cultural Cultural physical Physical Economic economic Organizational Organizational Educational educational Social Social hub • increase park-and-ride capacities The city-wide planning process is organized according to the six domains of a healthy and vibrant community. • developing new transit hubs domains that are positively impacted by the initiative described on this page are indicated above. • initiating rapid bus service • Strengthening intermodal service • expanded programs for commuters (Te) funds available related to surface http://moremetrolink.com/index.html • Capitalizing on Transit Oriented transportation projects. The pVTA would development be eligible for many of these grants. Transit 2020 Plan (Providence, RI) http://providencecoreconnector.com/ These projects include, but are not limited other-transit-2020-projects/ to, pedestrian and bicycle facilities, The City of providence just unveiled its Priority rehabilitation and operation of historic new Transit 2020 plan, which is intended High transportation buildings, structures, or to expand the scope and efficiency of the facilities, and conversion of abandoned city’s transportation system. After a rigorous Action Steps railway corridors to trails. feasibility study by the rhode island public 1. Springfield community groups must 3. union Station rehabilitation as a regional Transit Authority (ripTA) and the city, a plan collaborate to establish a unified intermodal transportation center citizen transportation advocacy group 4. uS department of Transportation grants that promotes and implements better facilitated through the Sustainable transportation opportunities such as: Communities initiative • direct bus service to respond to 5. project for public Spaces can provide community needs consultation about creating safe and inviting • build new bike paths/pedestrian bus shelters, stations, or waiting areas. connectors to amenities • improve sidewalks Precedents / Best Practices • Attract passengers Greater St. Louis Transit Alliance (St. Louis, MO)

The greater St. louis Transit Alliance is a consortium of governments, non-profit groups, businesses, private institutions, and citizens who have taken on the mission of advocating for improved transit throughout the St. louis flickr user: Wampa-One Metropolitan region. formed by the non- profit Citizens for Modern Transit, the Alliance was devised to extend system reach, maximize consists of nearly 50 members, all of whom available funds, incorporate cultural amenities, believe that Missouri has not allocated enough and improve user interaction. Specific measures money for transportation. The diverse group of include: stakeholders achieved victory in november 2011, • using social media to interact with customers when Missouri passed proposition A, which will • developing an interactive map with system allocate generous state funds to transportation updates, tools for mobile devices, and real diversification and improvements. time bus arrival displays flickr user: mindfrieze

rebuild Springfield plA n | Springfield MASSACHu S e TTS 35 • The main objective of this organization out by the RTP and to identify and engage short-, mid-, and long-term projects such as should be to collaborate with public and stakeholders and partnerships who can quickly implementing low cost, high impact private transportation stakeholders and prioritize and work towards implementing investments and deferring larger projects search for creative ways to bring diverse recommendations in the RTP that affect to the long-term. Long-term projects transit opportunities to Springfield Springfield. might require more expenditure, such as In addition to service-oriented 3. Invest in minor Infrastructure, such as kiosks, formal bike lanes, improved sidewalks and transportation issues, this organization can maps, extending hours, new bus routes, and crosswalks, more buses, and passenger rail also advocate to local, state, and federal creating partnerships to improve the user service. lawmakers for increased implementation experience of the transit system were all 6. Create bikeways/walkways throughout and capacity funding for the PVTA. To meet resident suggestions. the city that connect to local and regional high community expectations for service, 4. The City should work with the PVTA to recreation assets. expanded PVTA capacity may be necessary develop sustainable strategies for adding 7. Reach out to area colleges to research in the short- or long-term. signage, cleaning bus stops, and working and begin a free fare or reduced fare bus 2. The City of Springfield will work with with universities to find inexpensive ways to program for current students. the PVPC in a complementary manner add bus maps to more locations, bike arrows 8. Study current bus routes to determine if they to understand the goals, timelines, and on streets, etc. can be made more efficient through the priorities in the Regional Transportation Plan 5. Applying for grants or state and federal introduction of loops in the bus routes. (RTP). The City must work in concert with the funds are potential funding options for future PVTA to understand the current picture of projects. Coordination and cooperation Project Location transportation resources in Springfield as laid with the PVTA can help Springfield prioritize Citywide

PVTA NETWORK CONNECTIVITY CURRENT: PROPOSED: Compartmentalized isolation Neighborhood hubs improve based around Downtown hub citywide connectivity

36 rebuild Springfield PLAN | SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS rebuild Springfield PLAN | SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS 37 Physical #3 Build on existing physical assets to celebrate Springfield’s unique and diverse aesthetic character

Breadcrumbs: neighborhoods all contribute to the need for consider thinking in more depth about a • District 3 Meeting Round 1 more aesthetic and infrastructure improvements. coordinated housing strategy (much like • District 2 Meeting Round 1 Such improvements would polish and enhance the strategy suggested in the District 2 Plan • District 1 Meeting Rounds 1 & 2 current strengths and result in improved public recommendation entitled “Coordinated Housing • Citywide Meeting Round 1 spaces, streetscapes, and overall quality-of- Strategy”). While some neighborhoods have • Mindmixer life. Adding new signage, crosswalks, flower greater need for such a strategy than other • Community Center Meeting gardens, planting trees, and new lighting can neighborhoods, a comprehensive citywide • Housing Group make the physical environment more inviting and perspective might be most beneficial for • Greater Springfield Convention and Visitors enjoyable for people to live and visit. ensuring challenges and needs related to Bureau housing are equitable and successfully met. • Armory Quadrangle Civic Association Some of these improvements are already • Springfield Chamber of Commerce being planned. Elements of the City’s Capital Lastly, the City has recently finished a complete • Classical Condominium Association Improvements Plan must be more accessible modernization of the zoning ordinance. If • Western Massachusetts Economic at the neighborhood level, and the community adopted, it will provide the City with meaningful Development Council needs to play a more active role in setting methods for directing and shaping development • Springfield Museums priorities. Perhaps even letting neighborhood and neighborhood character for many years • South End 8 groups vote on prioritization of these efforts • Springfield Business Improvement District might go a long way toward solidifying • Valley Real Estate the relationship between the City and its neighborhoods and beautifying the city. General Description Springfield is host to many unique and Historic structures in Springfield are community impressive physical assets. Residents and assets well worth preserving. In addition to the visitors agree that history, architecture, an urban structures themselves, parks, schools, and the core, extensive tree canopy, and exceptional urban fabric that tie them all together must be waterways are major strengths of the city. considered when beautifying neighborhoods. The connections and transitions between Despite having great urban character, current neighborhoods and other physical assets, such infrastructure doesn’t always complement as rivers, parks, cultural amenities and colleges physical appeal. Some of these problems are must be enhanced. Creating gateways that due to the destruction caused by the tornado; welcome everyone bring about a sense of place however, Springfield was in need of many of and identity for those who reside in and visit these improvements well before June 1, 2011. Springfield. Loss of tree canopy, decaying sidewalks and streets, inadequate signage, and disconnected Related to historic structures, the City might

38 rebuild Springfield PLAN | SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS can also be found through the federal Highway Administration’s Transportation enhancement Activities. This program Cultural Cultural physical Physical Economic economic Organizational Organizational Educational educational Social Social provides grants that pay for projects such as surface transportation improvements, The city-wide planning process is organized according to the six domains of a healthy and vibrant community. streetscape beautification, and landscaping. domains that are positively impacted by the initiative described on this page are indicated above. Other eligible activities include acquiring scenic or historic easements and sites, improving scenic or historic highways, to come. it is important for the City to quickly building tourist welcome centers, and adopt the proposed new ordinance and to conducting historic preservation. publicize important changes and benefits for both neighborhoods and development Precedents / Best Practices professionals. Streetscape and Sustainable Design Program (Chicago, IL) Partnerships / Stakeholders • Center for ecotechnology Chicago’s Streetscape and Sustainable design • City of Springfield program is a municipal program—funded • City of Springfield department of parks and by tax-dollars—that is directed by the City’s recreation department of Transportation. The project’s goal • HAp Housing is to activate Chicago’s public spaces into areas • Keep Springfield beautiful (KSb) that encourage and benefit social interaction. • MassdOT The project focuses on road diets, storm water • Office of Housing & Homeless Services Keep Springfield beautiful (KSb) and the best management practices, green alleys, rails to • Office of p lanning and e conomic Springfield preservation Trust (SpT). These trails, and developing river walks. development organizations already have an active role • rebuilding Together Springfield in the community, and the work being • Springfield department of public Works accomplished must be integrated and Troy Architecture Program (Troy, NY) • Springfield Housing Authority made stronger for a more comprehensive • Springfield neighborhood Housing Services beautification process. Troy, new York created a system for selling • Springfield preservation Trust (SpT) 2. The epA urban Waters program recently of tax-foreclosed properties that requires the • uMass Amherst design Center issued an rfp for grants that will fund review of a “purchase proposal”. instead of the urban water restoration and community property being sold to the highest bidder at the revitalization. The current rfp due date will auction, they sell based on the intended use. Resource Needs pass by the time this plan is finished, but this This ensures that the property is integrated and 1. private, State, and federal grants program is ongoing, and Springfield can complimentary to neighborhood needs. The city 2. expanded partnerships between community soon capitalize on available grant money. hired Troy Architecture program, a nonprofit organizations, the City, and real estate http://www.epa.gov/urbanwaters/funding/ community design center, which worked with developers to work towards building small, index.html the community to ensure qualified bidders. meaningful aesthetic and infrastructure 3. Massachusetts State grants: department of properties are placed on a website before review improvements. Conservation and recreation and MassWorks enabling easy access to acquire these properties. www.mass.gov/dcr/grants.htm in some ways, this process reflects the way Potential Resource Opportunities http://www.massworks.org/ Springfield currently evaluates proposals 1. Continue forging partnerships with 4. funds for neighborhood beautification (based on a variety of factors, not simply price).

rebuild Springfield plA n | Springfield MASSACHu S e TTS 39 Continuing to use a publicly open and inclusive process, like the inclusion of neighborhood stakeholders, will result in development better suited to neighborhoods. In addition, by publicly stating priorities for projects (such as the clustering neighborhood commercial establishments), the City can better direct public and private investment.

Priority Moderate

Action Steps 1. Engage Keep Springfield Beautiful and the Springfield Preservation Trust as leaders in citywide beautification. 2. Push for adoption of the proposed zoning modernization project. In addition to many other zoning and development benefits, this will provide specific design standards, including standards for neighborhood commercial development and other forward- thinking development standards. 3. Tie use of grant funding to established community priorities. 4. Consult with organizations with expertise or resources to advise on wayfinding and signage strategies for Springfield, such as the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission. grants for tree planting and landscaping 5. Identify local resources, both government (application available on www.mass.gov/dcr/ and private, for advice and expertise in stewardship/forestry/urban/index.htm specific topic areas: tree canopy restoration, 8. Publicize planned improvement projects. efficient and impactful street lighting Gather feedback from neighborhoods about strategies, neighborhood connections, and prioritization of improvements. traffic-calming techniques. 6. Add new signage, crosswalks, flower Project Location gardens, planting trees, and new lighting Targeted locations Citywide in targeted locations to make the physical environment more inviting and enjoyable for people to live. Some of these improvements may already be planned. 7. Create steps for addressing appropriate landscaping and tree planting. Mass Re-Leaf is a potential source for modest matching

40 rebuild Springfield PLAN | SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS rebuild Springfield PLAN | SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS 41 Physical #4 Take advantage of lessons learned from recent disasters by emphasizing Disaster Preparedness in Springfield

Breadcrumbs However, preparedness of City government is ensuring safety during and immediately following • Office of Planning and Economic only half of the disaster preparedness equation. a disaster, such as knowing what residents should Development Just as important is ensuring that residents and plan on bringing to an emergency shelter or the • Springfield Museums businesses are prepared for disasters at their importance of safely operating backup power • District 1 Meeting Round 2 homes and places of business. This type of generators. There are resources available • Citywide Meeting Round 1 preparedness can be broken into two categories: that can help individuals and families properly • Citywide Meeting Round 2 1) Personal preparedness and 2) Corporate prepare for a disaster. • Office of Emergency Preparedness preparedness. Corporate preparedness is often best manifest as General Description Personal preparedness is of primary importance a Business Continuity Plan. Businesses can plan During the community meetings following the for the future of Springfield. Residents should and exercise how they can continue to operate, June 2011 tornado, many residents voiced a be aware of how to “shelter-in-place” and even after a catastrophic event. Rapid recovery need for better preparation for future disasters. evacuate if necessary to the nearest, designated, for local businesses ensures a continuance of Despite an excellent response to the tornado by safe shelter. (Note: The practice of assigning local revenues and helps the local community city departments and first responders, residents neighborhood shelters is flawed, because people recover faster to a strong economy. voiced the need for strong post-disaster may arrive at a shelter only to find that it is closed strategies that enable the city to better respond due to it being in the” footprint” of the disaster. In addition, residents, business and government to disasters and to communicate to residents Evacuees should monitor the local media need to plan and practice to make Springfield the processes they can expect during a disaster and Springfield’s Blackboard call notification more disaster resistant. Planning for more recovery effort. system for evacuation instructions. Contact the open space use, intelligent planting and Springfield office of Emergency Preparedness to trimming of trees along evacuation routes Springfield is lucky to have a very effective be placed on the Instant Notification Link list). and critical structures, careful development and active Office of Emergency Preparedness. Being educated before disaster strikes is vital for and maintenance within the floodplain and

42 rebuild Springfield PLAN | SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS Cultural Cultural physical Physical Economic economic Organizational Organizational Educational educational Social Social

The city-wide planning process is organized according to the six domains of a healthy and vibrant community. domains that are positively impacted by the initiative described on this page are indicated above. purchasing insurance for structures, contents and development Resource Needs flooding are all examples of examples to make • police department 1. The Springfield Office of emergency Springfield and its infrastructure more disaster • radio Stations preparedness needs to continue to exercise resilient. • rebuild Western Massachusetts vigilance in coordinating, educating, and • Salvation Army implementing the Springfield disaster The good news is that efforts to make Springfield • Serrafix preparedness plan. better prepared are already underway. A local • Springfield Office of e mergency 2. Continued commitment to the disaster emergency planning Committee (lepC) already preparedness preparedness plan by city government meets regularly in Springfield. This group is • united Way of the pioneer Valley departments, and willingness for comprised of government representatives • uS department of Homeland Security (dHS) participating organizations to contribute (like fire and police), but also light and heavy • Western Massachusetts Homeland Security when called upon. industry, area hospitals, faith-based groups, Advisory Council 3. Outreach strategies and education of members representing accessibility interests, residents about the important of personal and public health representatives. The group and corporate preparedness. covers disaster preparedness and response best practices, resource needs, other educational education, and even disaster exercise (such as hospital evacuation procedures). They meet at least six times per year.

Partnerships / Stakeholders • American red Cross pioneer Valley Chapter • baystate Health Center • City of Springfield • Commonwealth of Massachusetts • Community foundation of Western Massachusetts • faith-based Organizations • federal emergency Management Agency (feMA) • fire department • Massachusetts emergency Management Agency (MeMA) • MassMutual • Office of p lanning and e conomic

rebuild Springfield plA n | Springfield MASSACHu S e TTS 43 Potential Resource Opportunities disaster preparedness and recovery prior to Massachusetts also has a recent program 1. FEMA/DHS/Red Cross Grants the disaster itself. The plan, based on State to help disaster victims rebuild or restore 2. Outreach campaigns tied to other Rebuild mandate, is updated every four years to make structures with energy efficient practices. Springfield Plan recommendations. Other sure it can be used most effectively. The plan 4. The ODP and to-be-identified partner outreach efforts can be used to publicize lists the responsibilities of local government organizations will work on formulating disaster readiness for families and and authorities, geography and climate patterns an outreach strategy that will encourage businesses. that Seattle experiences, and lists services residents to read the plan and make personal 3. National Disaster Recovery Framework and programs that ought to be considered by preparations for a disaster. This outreach (FEMA Program) residents in the city. plan could also include communications 4. Western Mass READY Project. “Ready” plans and procedures coordinated with is national public service advertising Priority local media so residents are aware of how to campaign created in 2003 to help educate High access information during an emergency. and empower citizens. It is also available 5. Work with Office of Planning and Economic in Spanish (“Listo”). It asks people to do Action Steps Development to formulate a Recovery Plan three things: 1) build an emergency supply 1. The Springfield Office of Emergency specific to the needs of that department. kit, 2) make a family emergency plan and Preparedness should continue to use the 6. Lastly, the Western Massachusetts and 3) be informed about the different types Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) Central Region Homeland Security Advisory of emergencies that could occur and their as the primary disaster preparedness body in Councils is currently creating an After Action appropriate responses. The Western Mass the City. The LEPC should be included as a Report to follow up on disaster efforts post- READY project is on local television, radio, partner in the Rebuild Springfield process. disaster. This document will be available in and even on the sides of Pioneer Valley 2. The Office of Emergency Preparedness March of 2012, and should be taken seriously Transit Authority buses. Springfield holds should reach out to organizations in by the Office of Emergency Preparedness three seats on the council, Emergency Springfield to extend awareness and (which has participated extensively in the Management, Transportation and Health education of disaster preparedness report efforts) and the City and community Care. The Council represents 101 resources and the importance of personal to better understand recovery efforts and Massachusetts cities and towns in Western disaster preparedness. prepare for future disasters. Massachusetts). http://www.ready.gov/ 3. The OEP will continue to coordinate with 7. Create digital infrastructure for residents 5. Seminars and lectures provided by the Office other city agencies and stakeholder entities to access immediately such as Twitter, of Emergency Preparedness to community to implement the Disaster Preparedness Plan Facebook, or smart phone application groups and organizations about all-hazards for the city of Springfield. that can communicate the nature of an preparedness. • The Tornado Rebuild Guide that the emergency and provide instruction to those 6. A reference website which changes City created after the June tornado impacted. seasonally to adapt to current natural should include educational material hazards: about disaster preparedness and other Project Location http://www.springfieldcityhall.com/COS/ pertinent information from the Office Citywide index.php?id=dept_emergency of Emergency Preparedness. This information could be sourced from Precedents / Best Practices existing resources, such as the United The Seattle Disaster Readiness and Responsive Way. Plan (Seattle, WA) • The Disaster Preparedness Plan should include an energy-efficiency The Seattle Disaster Readiness and Responsive rebuilding checklist, perhaps created Plan is a collaborative plan put together by all in conjunction with Serrafix and Rebuild citywide departments in an effort to address Western MA. The Commonwealth of

44 rebuild Springfield PLAN | SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS rebuild Springfield PLAN | SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS 45 Physical #5 Design, develop, and operate places and spaces that are efficient and respectful of natural and human resources

Breadcrumbs and currently approaches all projects with the • Mindmixer goal of LEED Silver certification. The city is • Office of Planning and Economic celebrating its first LEED project, the White Development Street Fire station, which has been announced • District 3 Meeting Round 1 as a recipient of LEED Gold Certification. The • District 2 Meeting Round 1 City must do more to encourage green building • District 1 Meeting Round 1 practices with among residents and businesses. • Citywide Meeting Round 1 • Citywide Meeting Round 2 At the heart of this effort, the City must focus on making new and existing buildings more energy General Description efficient and comfortable while leveraging this Today, cities are investing in infrastructure process as an economic driver. This means and technology to become more efficient in providing citizens with opportunities to invest their use of funds, energy, and human capital. and rebuild in an energy efficient manner. With available resources and creative thinking, These goals serve to improve the quality of life will involve more actively engaging business Springfield has the opportunity to reinvest in its for all Springfield residents and make the local owners in learning about existing funding and urban fabric—from energy efficient buildings to economy more resilient. opportunities for energy efficiency investment. improved public transportation—in a way that This effort will be linked with the newly minted, will pay dividends for generations. Residents of Springfield agree that now is the “Building Stretch Code” that mandates for time to rethink the way the City influences the higher levels of energy efficiency in new The City of Springfield completed an Energy design of the built environment. This guidance construction. Service Company (ESCO) review of all of its starts with incentivizing green practices in home properties in 2008. Utility companies and the and commercial building construction and Partnerships / Stakeholders City worked hand-in-hand and completed over renovation and must continue to permeate all • Barr Foundation $15 million in energy upgrades saving over $1.2 principles of planning the future of Springfield. • Center for EcoTechnology million in annual energy costs in both gas and oil. Serrafix—an energy strategy consulting • Columbia Gas of Massachusetts Upgrades completed reduced oil consumption firm that advises on smart-growth, energy • Commonwealth of Massachusetts from 1.4 million gallons to 450,000 gallons. This efficiency, and transportation—is working in a • HAP Housing greatly reduced the city’s carbon footprint. The foundation-supported effort with cities around • Office of Planning and Economic city must take action to implement the second Massachusetts and, in collaboration with the Development phase of the ESCO project which will reduce an cities, utilities, and local partner organizations, • Partnership for Sustainable Communities additional $1.0 million dollars in energy costs on has developed a series of energy efficiency • Serrafix an annual basis. strategies that could be adopted by Springfield • Springfield Building Code Enforcement and provide realistic steps for transforming Office The City has adopted green building practices Springfield’s built fabric. Part of this work • Western Massachusetts Electric Company

46 rebuild Springfield PLAN | SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS for residential and commercial building energy efficiency improvements. 6. Current and future local companies who Cultural Cultural physical Physical Economic economic Organizational Organizational Educational educational Social Social specialize in renewable energy and energy efficient products. The city-wide planning process is organized according to the six domains of a healthy and vibrant community. 7. efficiency rebate program from rebuild domains that are positively impacted by the initiative described on this page are indicated above. Western Massachusetts: funds are available to enable homeowners, neighbors, and municipalities to do gut renovations, and northeast utilities foundation currently being underutilized, such as high repairs and rebuilds on the condition that levels of support from local utilities, several the projects use energy efficient practices Resource Needs local energy efficiency non-governmental resulting in a minimum of 5% improvement. 1. A leader driving the effort to reduce energy organizations, and department of energy The availability of funds is dependent on waste. resources (dOer) initiatives. storm damage. The program ends on the 2. energy efficiency needs to be a central 4. The Springfield Stretch energy Code 30th of April 2012. principle in reconstruction as well citywide mandates new and existing structures Mass.gov/energy/rebuildwesternma planning. are built beyond State energy efficiency 8. ‘partnership for Sustainable Communities’ 3. Marketing to inform business owners and requirements. When implemented, this grants: This program is a joint effort residents about energy efficiency programs resource will enable the City to enforce by the uS department of Housing and and the advantages of energy efficiency. higher energy efficiency standards. urban development, uS department of 4. facilitation to help businesses and residents 5. Massachusetts has the nation’s highest Transportation, and uS environmental use existing incentives; funding or financing level of utility company contributions to protection Agency. grants are awarded support in addressing currently unmet needs energy efficiency funding (Columbia gas of to projects that strive to reduce energy 5. A partnership between the City, utility Massachusetts and Western Massachusetts consumption in cities and neighborhoods. companies, and local organizations that is electric Company). These resources provide focused on expanding the use of energy efficiency incentives. 6. improved accessibility and outreach to existing energy efficiency programs with information available in Spanish, Vietnamese and other languages.

Potential Resource Opportunities 1. energy efficiency strategies developed by Serrafix. 2. The Center for ecoTechnology ecobuilding bargains store, which sells energy-efficient products and showcases green building practices. The CeT building has classroom and office space and could become a center for businesses and residents to access energy efficiency and clean energy services. 3. Serrafix has started to compile a list of opportunities in Springfield that are

rebuild Springfield plA n | Springfield MASSACHu S e TTS 47 Precedents / Best Practices neighborhood retail establishments to downtown LA Commercial Building Performance skyscrapers. A similar program could be applied Partnership (Los Angeles, CA) across a large spectrum of businesses and residential property owners in Springfield. los Angeles, a participant in the uS department of energy “better buildings Challenge,” Renew Boston (Boston, MA) has created the lA Commercial building performance partnership. in coordination renew boston is a city-led program—created with California utilities, the lACbpp assists in partnership with national grid, dOer, building owners with every aspect of the energy Mass energy, nSTAr, next Step living, upgrade process, including benchmarking and bostonAbCd—to localize, enhance, (scoring baseline energy performance), building and maximize participation in utility energy assessments, incentives, financing, tenant efficiency programs. in partnership with gas and engagement, and measuring and verifying the electric utilities, the City of boston has created Source: http://www.ecobuildingbargains.org/ impact of energy upgrades. financing is made arrangements to serve businesses of all sizes, available in the form of property-assessed clean landlords and homeowners. for businesses, opportunities, recognizing potential barriers energy or “pACe” finance, which uses the the green ribbon Commission engages the and developing steps for action long-term. traditional betterment or special assessment largest energy users; the business organization A 2. establish energy efficiency goals for mechanism and enables building owners to better City provides one-stop service through its Springfield finance their share of project costs on a cashflow- Challenge for Sustainability; and the department • An achievable energy reduction Target. positive basis. Since June 2011, lACbpp has of neighborhood development works with small • develop a system for reviewing energy initiated audits of over 25 million square feet businesses. for homeowners, the City’s website use data. of commercial building space, from small provides an accessible portal to energy efficiency • identify stakeholders (institutions, services and additional support and incentives businesses, and residents) in the are available. The City has a full-time landlord community who are willing to take coordinator to work with landlords. Marketing exemplary action in reducing their includes use of the mayor’s “bully pulpit” and energy use. reliance on trusted business and neighborhood 3. develop an energy efficiency marketing/ organizations to reach businesses and help them outreach strategy through the energy upgrade process. • Create a section on the Oped website that serves as an energy efficiency Priority ‘clearinghouse’, which includes Moderate/High fact sheets, reports, best practices, techniques, case studies, and Action Steps underutilized funding sources. 1. The Office of planning and economic • put together a volunteer “green development (Oped) and the Springfield Commission” of local business leaders to building Code enforcement Office should champion green practices and enhance collaborate with Serrafix, Columbia gas, public leadership. WMeCo and community stakeholders to • Offer specific consulting for business begin implementing the action steps listed owners who are not taking advantage below. This will establish a roadmap for of the resources that would make their Springfield to become more energy efficient companies more efficient and save them by setting goals and objectives, identifying money.

48 rebuild Springfield plA n | Springfield MASSACHu S e TTS • Offer or encourage training lectures, clinics, or forums that help residents and business owners improve their homes and businesses. Training experiences should be hosted in neighborhood centers and should be publicized on the OPED website. • Find funding and financing sources to address gaps faced by businesses and residents seeking to implement energy efficiency measures. • Implement and enforce the Springfield Stretch Energy Code, and amend any other necessary code enforcement and programs into the citywide sustainability roadmap. • City should lead by example • Work with utilities to identify energy- saving opportunities in the City’s building portfolio. • Develop implementation plan for City- owned buildings. • Showcase work as part of PR program. 4. Through OPED, coordinate and collaborate as needed with the Department of Energy Resources 5. Develop a strategic implementation plan with roles, coordination and communication arrangements, and solutions to resource needs. 6. Encourage local commercial building owners and residents to utilize the ‘Energy Star’ monitoring program. This will system will easily demonstrate the success of implementation by auditing and measuring energy efficiency and renewable energy investments. It is important to make sure that the programs and practices are operating properly and cost-effectively from the perspective of residents and businesses, gas and electric utilities, and other participants.

Project Location Citywide Source: http://www.ecobuildingbargains.org/

rebuild Springfield PLAN | SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS 49 50 rebuild Springfield PLAN | SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS Cultural Domain Description Recommendations

This community system 1. Better connect the community to its cultural amenities and encompasses all of Springfield’s assets through coordinated outreach and diverse events and arts cultural assets and resources. programming Included in this category are a broad range of cultural 2. Support and Grow the Arts and Culture Sector through a Series of spaces, artifacts, programs, and “Lighter, Quicker Cheaper” Cultural Events organizations related to the expression of individual and 3. Celebrate the old and new cultural diversity of Springfield communal values and aesthetics.

rebuild Springfield PLAN | SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS 51 Cultural #1 Better connect the community to its cultural amenities and assets through coordinated outreach and diverse events and arts programming Breadcrumbs cultural and historic information and a singular • Citywide Meeting Round 1 marketing vehicle. Whether all of the existing • Interview with Springfield Museums web sites and organizational newsletters are • Interview with Art for the Soul Gallery linked to one site, or a one-stop online website • Interview with Pan African Historical Museum is created to consolidate the information and • Teatro Vida recommendations document schedules of various organizations, creating • Interview with City Stage a coordinated, actively managed online • Interview with Springfield Symphony publication of arts and culture will make it easier • Interview with Springfield Library for residents to become aware of the offerings • Pulse Art Space in Springfield and will eliminate the need for • The Hill Art Center duplicative sources of information, thereby • Spirit of Springfield saving institutional resources and streamlining • Springfield Business Improvement District access to the arts for residents and visitors alike. • Citywide Meeting Round 2 Paired with better outreach, new, innovative, General Description and community-focused events would bridge Springfield needs to better connect existing the perception gap between the arts and and future cultural assets in Springfield with residents. For example, neighborhood tours residents and visitors. Even with a rich history of historic homes and sites that highlight and strong current cultural and arts assets, too the history and culture of Springfield, as well Establishing an Arts and Culture Alliance, many residents and potential visitors are not as art walks, history walks and food festivals where local museums and theaters (and other experiencing these assets, in part because of can help residents and visitors enjoy the city institutions) partner together to engage a lack of awareness. Arts and culture plays a and its unique story. Existing tours led by the residents, especially youth and ethnic groups, significant role in community development, Preservation Trust, Springfield Museums, and might help bridge the gap between residents regional attitudes, and local community pride. the Armory Quadrangle Civic Association might and the arts. Social and Economic goals can also be achieved be better publicized, particularly to hotel guests by linking and leveraging the City’s cultural and conventioneers. Residents can play a role in Enhancing this recommendation, we suggest assets. creating new and unique cultural offerings with the creation of a centralized online arts and support from and in partnership with local arts culture-gathering place, where museums, local Creating a better connection to the arts falls organizations. cultural organizations, and artists would share on residents and the arts community. It takes information with residents. It would also act as both groups to make a local arts scene thrive. a central calendar for community events and

52 rebuild Springfield PLAN | SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS about Springfield’s rich history, culture, and amenities. 4. increased publicity and acknowledgment of Cultural Cultural physical Physical Economic economic Organizational Organizational Educational educational Social Social museum and school partnerships. 5. Additional events and festivals in downtown The city-wide planning process is organized according to the six domains of a healthy and vibrant community. domains that are positively impacted by the initiative described on this page are indicated above. and other neighborhoods through community support, partnering with cultural organizations and communication with City To lead this comprehensive effort, a Cultural • Multicultural Community Services of the officials. Coordinating Committee comprised of arts pioneer Valley 6. funding or volunteers to create the leaders could meet regularly with the goal of • naismith Memorial basketball Hall of fame messaging vehicle targeting locals and increasing the profile of the arts in Springfield. • naismith Memorial basketball Hall of fame visitors for information on cultural events, This group could include the Spirit of Springfield, • nehemiah Springfield places, news, and partnerships. This could the Springfield business improvement district, • neighborhood Councils be a news bulletin, a local arts and culture City Stage/Symphony Hall, the Springfield • puerto rican Cultural Center publication, or online source for local arts Symphony Orchestra, Springfield Museums, and • roland T. Hancock Center for Cultural and culture. others. The CCC would take their work a step enrichment 7. Support and recognition from City further and agree to partner together to engage • Spirit of Springfield government. residents, especially youth and ethnic groups, in • Springfield Armor basketball Team 8. inventory of cultural and arts programs and current programs and create community-specific • Springfield boys and girls Club, inc. venues. exhibitions, concerts, and performances. • Springfield falcons Hockey Team • Springfield partners for Community Action Potential Resource Opportunities Partnerships / Stakeholders • Springfield performing Arts development 1. The greater Springfield Convention and • American international College Arts program Corporation Visitors bureau’s knowledge and connections • bing Arts Center • Springfield preservation Trust leveraged to focus on Springfield as a • Community Music School of Springfield • Springfield public forum cultural hub. • Convention Center bureau • Springfield pulse 2. The Make it Happen website: The Make it • CreativeSpringfield • Springfield School Volunteers Happen campaign is a positive first step • Springfield business improvement district • Springfield Symphony Orchestra for the City of Springfield. in the works for • dunbar Cultural Center • drama Club around two years now, the MiH effort is • forest park Zoo • YMCA of greater Springfield • greater Springfield Convention and Visitors • uMass Amherst bureau • WgbH educational foundation • greater Springfield Council of Churches • HOpe (Hispanic Office of planning and Resource Needs evaluation, inc.) 1. Time and effort commitments from • indian Orchard Mills organizations willing to participate in the • latino Chamber of Commerce implementation of the recommendation. • latino leadership Council 2. Capitalize on local creativity as being a key • local gallerists engine of defining neighborhood identity. • Mattoon Street Historic Association 3. City tours to celebrate and educate people

rebuild Springfield plA n | Springfield MASSACHu S e TTS 53 focused on collecting and actively sharing festivals, and outdoor adventures throughout play a vital role in Worcester’s planning and stories and perspectives about Springfield Worcester County, throughout the year. There development efforts. that publicize the many positive goings-on are two WOO Cards - a new card for the general in the City. Users of the website can submits public and an ongoing program exclusive for The Cultural Coalition’s mission is to “draw on media, photos, videos and stories directly to Worcester area college students. The WOO Worcester’s rich and diverse cultural assets to the website. MIH could have easy and very card is accepted at more than fifty area arts and foster economic revitalization and create a strong impactful tie-ins to arts and culture through culture destinations, restaurants, hotels, retailers, cultural identity for the City of Worcester.” The marketing efforts in Springfield. http://www. transportation providers and other hospitality Goals are to: makeithappencity.com oriented creative businesses. If you – register • Establish culture as a highly visible element 3. Local residents, neighborhood councils and the card you also can receive discount offers and of the region’s identity. civic organizations should partner with the • Foster live/work/retail space, studios and City and larger cultural stakeholders, such new arts facilities in available properties as the Springfield Museums and Springfield throughout Worcester. Cultural Council, to plan events and festivals. • Build a strong, diverse base of support 4. With increased volunteerism and for cultural economic development partnerships, the Springfield Cultural among community, political, cultural, and Coordinating Committee can play a more educational and leaders. active role in the local arts community. • Build a strong, vibrant Cultural Coalition that Applying for grants and funds, and contributes to the success of its member connecting with sponsors can allow the organizations. Committee to make the arts and cultural http://www.worcestermass.org/ community in Springfield more vibrant. arts-culture-entertainment/woo-card 5. Knowledge of local museums, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, and other The Chicago Cultural Alliance large cultural organizations of community email notifications of additional exclusive WOO affairs and sponsorship opportunities. Card specials. The WOO Card can be used to The Chicago Cultural Alliance was founded in 6. National Endowment for the Arts earn WOO points which makes people eligible to 2006 as a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization and 7. Massachusetts Council on the Arts win prizes each month. WOO Cards never expire. consortium that links Chicago’s ethnic museums, 8. Private foundations The cost is twenty dollars cultural centers, and historical societies in 9. Ensure that donations are tax deductible to The Worcester Cultural Coalition is the unified an effort to build social change http://www. encourage corporate sponsorship voice of Worcester’s cultural community whose chicagoculturalalliance.org/ members are the leaders of the City’s sixty-plus Precedents / Best Practices arts and cultural institutions and organizations. Culture Works (Dayton, OH) WOO Card (Worcester, MA) The Cultural Coalition was formed in 1999 in Culture Works in Dayton, Ohio acts as the city The Worcester Cultural Coalition’s WOO Card is partnership with the City of Worcester, Worcester and regional organization for arts related news, a marketing tool designed to open the door to Cultural Commission, Worcester Regional events, and community support services. They Worcester County’s vibrant creative community. Chamber of Commerce, Colleges of Worcester offer a jumpstART program to engage young Cardholders receive discounts and special offers Consortium, and Worcester County Convention professionals, offer capacity building workshops, for concerts, theater, museums, concerts, street & Visitors Bureau, to ensure that arts and culture and publish a quarterly magazine that highlights

54 rebuild Springfield PLAN | SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS local arts organizations, art news and a calendar Initiated by a former student of a local university, art and culture as an economic engine. of events. http://www.cultureworks.org/ this program features work by local artists, food 5. All Springfield arts organizations, lead by the from local restaurants, and music of local theater CCC, should engage community members, companies and musicians. This event is attended schools, and other local groups in embracing The Creative Capital/WaterFire (Providence, RI) by thousands of people from around the region Springfield’s cultural assets. and activates the entire downtown area. Through • The Springfield CCC should work to Downtown Providence had a reputation of being this experience, visitors and locals alike are given strengthen relationships between a dangerous place. People would even avoid an opportunity to see the wonderful amenities cultural organizations to catalyze driving through that part of town at all costs. downtown Providence has to offer. engagement with schools and This perception led to extreme disinvestment http://www.providenceri.com/ArtCultureTourism neighborhoods. from the city and many building vacancies. The 6. Residents or organizations with ideas for new City has since rebranded itself as “The Creative Priority: events and festivals should collaborate and Capital” and has used its close connection to High partner with larger organization for funding art schools and its thriving local arts scene to and the City of Springfield for location and create an environment that encourages artistic Action Steps permit procedures. expression. Trash cans, bus stops, bike racks, 1. Leading Cultural Organizations should 7. The Greater Springfield Convention and light posts, and other small infrastructure are contribute to the creation of the Springfield Visitors Bureau should work with local tourist designed and built by local artists and arts Cultural Coordinating Committee. organizations groups to enhance marketing groups, and housing has been zoned to promote 2. Neighborhood Councils should appoint an and funding efforts. live/work spaces and studios. Arts and Culture volunteer liaison to work 8. Actively pursue how the Museum with the CCC and ensure that neighborhood Quadrangle and other cultural pillars can The culmination of this effort is the “Waterfire” desires are heard and acted upon. spread influence and awareness of culture festival; a weekly event during the summer in 3. The Greater Springfield Council, in into the community through way finding, which small fires are erected on the Providence collaboration with other arts organizations community engagement, philanthropy, and River that runs through the middle of the city. and media groups such as MassLive or the events. Springfield Republican, need to create 9. Local arts organizations should recruit a one-stop-shop for cultural and arts specialized directors, art students, information professional artists, and volunteers to work • The Springfield Business with and expand the capacity of existing Improvement District can play a role in missions. communications outreach around the arts by contacting all arts and cultural Project Location entities in the city as it develops its new Citywide arts calendar to help populate it with content and make it as comprehensive as possible. 4. The Springfield Cultural Coordinating Committee should establish partnerships between local businesses, educational Source: http://as220.org/~arleyrose/ladyfingers/ladiesinlove/ institutions, and art organizations to invest in wp-content/uploads/2011/03/waterfire1.jpg

rebuild Springfield PLAN | SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS 55 Cultural #2 Support and Grow the Arts and Culture Sector through a Series of “Lighter, Quicker Cheaper” Cultural Events

Breadcrumbs consumer purchases.” Northampton is often Examples of such opportunities will be outlined • Springfield Business Improvement District cited as an example of what can be achieved by below. Newsletter championing policy that values the arts as a vital • Make it Happen City web site element of a community development strategy. • Public Space Focus Group Meetings and Partnerships / Stakeholders interviews Currently, most local cultural organizations are • American International College • Citywide Meeting Round 2 • Art for the Soul Gallery either small and struggling or well established • Artists General Description and working hard to sustain themselves. • Business Leaders One of the most effective methods for attracting Proactive steps must be taken to foster more • Cambridge College new residents, businesses, and employers cultural exposure to Springfield’s visitors and • City Stage/Symphony Hall to a city is by developing, supporting, and residents. MassINC, a statewide research group, showcasing a highly capable and robust has identified Springfield as a ‘Gateway City’ - arts and cultural sector. In truth, Springfield the cultural and economic hub of its region. In a has an enormously rich collection of cultural Gateway Cities report, MassINC recognizes the assets, on par with other regional centers like strong correlation between a city’s creativity and Hartford and Worcester. However, the impact its economic dynamism. of these institutions beyond their front doors, their ability to attract new audiences and to City leaders need to recognize the economic encourage suburban patrons to venture into City draw of a thriving local creative community. The neighborhoods, and their ability to leverage each Chamber and other entities need to respect other’s assets (facilities, mailing lists, volunteers and enhance the synergy among complimentary etc.) is limited. commercial and business operations and cultural organizations by recruiting and supporting local Part of the problem is the City’s limited businesses that serve art patrons and artists. The recognition of the fact that arts and culture can Springfield CCC needs to be funded at level turn a city around. According the to National that allows it to service existing cultural entities, Endowment for the Arts (NEA),“Arts and support new ones, and attract even more. culture-related industries, collectively known as “creative industries,” provide direct economic First and foremost, however, opportunities need benefits to states and communities by creating to be identified for City arts organizations to jobs, attracting new investments, generating showcase their offerings to wide audiences in tax revenues and stimulating tourism and publicly accessible venues proximate to transit. Source: http://parkingday.org/

56 rebuild Springfield PLAN | SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS Precedents / Best Practices Lighter, Quicker, Cheaper Cultural Cultural physical Physical Economic economic Organizational Organizational Educational educational Social Social “lighter, Quicker, Cheaper” (lQC) describes a The city-wide planning process is organized according to the six domains of a healthy and vibrant community. local development strategy that has produced domains that are positively impacted by the initiative described on this page are indicated above. some of the world’s most successful public spaces — a strategy that is low risk and low cost, capitalizing on the creative energy of the • developSpringfield • The YMCA of greater Springfield community to efficiently generate new uses and • downtown Arts Organizations • uMass Amherst revenue for places in transition. it’s a phrase • Springfield business improvement district • Western new england univeristy borrowed from eric reynolds at urban Space • dunbar Culture Center • WgbH educational foundation Management. • greater Springfield Council of Churches • YWCA of Western Massachusetts • HOpe (Hispanic Office of planning and lQC can take many forms, requiring varying evaluation, inc.) Resource Needs degrees of time, money, and effort, and the • latino Chamber of Commerce 1. dedicated members of the arts and cultural spectrum of interventions should be seen as an • latino leadership Council community and expanded volunteer efforts iterative means to build lasting change. Often • local gallerists 2. federal grants: Americans for the Arts, it starts start with Amenities and public Art • lQC Subcommittee Community development block grant, projects, followed by event and intervention • Multicultural Community Services of the national endowment for the Arts, etc. projects, which lead to light development pioneer Valley 3. lQC revolving fund: seed with corporate strategies for long-term change. by championing • naismith Memorial basketball Hall of fame sponsorship; use to collect revenue from use over design and capital-intensive • neighborhood Councils lQC events; and finance other lQC events construction, lQC interventions strike a balance • pan African Historical Museum throughout the city between providing comfortable spaces for • partners for Community, inc. 4. identification of existing sources for people to enjoy while generating the revenue • puerto rican Cultural Center infrastructure resources (stages, lighting, necessary for maintenance and management. • pulse Art Space sound equipment, seating, tents, etc.) • rebuild Springfield 5. Advertising and marketing of the events Outcomes of lighter, Quicker Cheaper projects: • Spirit of Springfield through web media (revamped Springfield • Transformation of underused spaces into • Springfield Armor basketball Team business improvement district cultural exciting laboratories that citizens can start • Springfield boys and girls Club, inc. calendar) using immediately and provide evidence of • Springfield College 6. On site volunteers to help out during events real change. • Springfield falcons Hockey Team • An “action planning process” that builds a • Springfield library Potential Resource Opportunities shared understanding of a place that goes • Springfield partners for Community Action 1. Corporate Sponsors far beyond the short-term changes that are • Springfield public forum 2. in-kind labor and equipment donated by the made. • Springfield School Volunteers participating organizations • local partnerships that have greater • Springfield Symphony 3. City Council members could serve as involvement by a community and results in • Springfield Technical Community College cheerleaders for lQC events in their districts more authentic places. • Teatro V!da, 4. Sales from concessions and admissions • encourage an iterative approach and an • The Hill Art Center (where applicable—most events are held opportunity to experiment, assess, and • The Springfield Museums outdoors and are free to the public) evolve a community’s vision before launching • The X Main Street Corporation into major construction and a long-term process.

rebuild Springfield plA n | Springfield MASSACHu S e TTS 57 gabriel’s Wharf was just another parking lot renew newcastle “hacked the retail real estate until uSM embarked on a development strategy industry” by alleviating the liability concerns that centered on using existing buildings (in of landlords. Westbury’s organization got this case, concrete garages), employing a set around what Westbury called “badly designed design company to create colorful facades on incentives” with “clever but legal contracts and the garages and then working with local artisans risk management processes.” He got to know and craftsmen to transform them into studios the intricacies of the law in his city and found where they could display and sell their work. creative ways to alter the incentive structure to Most of what you can buy at this market is made encourage people to invest their own time and by the person who sells it to you. for many years, talents to re-invigorate their city’s downtown. He newcastle was just another rusting steel town. calls the organization “a permanent structure for After decades of disinvestment, the downtown temporary things.” was riddled with vacancies. Storefronts stood empty, there was no life on the street and people To get renew newcastle off the ground, had few reasons to go there. There were many Westbury financed everything with his personal legal and financial structures that provided little credit card. by avoiding costly alterations to a incentives for landlords to rent an empty retail building’s structure, Westbury’s scheme was able • employ a place-by-place strategy that, space, making it hard for local entrepreneurs to to cheaply and effectively incubate and kick start over time, can transform an entire city. With get started. many local artists and businesses. community buy-in, the lQC approach can be implemented across multiple scales Renew Newcastle (Newcastle, UK) to transform under-performing spaces throughout an entire city. One newcastle resident, Marcus Westbury, sought to change all of that. He began a non- eric reynolds coined the phrase “lighter, profit called “renew newcastle,” which is Quicker, Cheaper” (lQC) over 40 years ago in responsible for catalyzing the transformation of his work revitalizing urban spaces. A london his city’s downtown.” Westbury would be the first and new York based organization, urban Space to tell you he has no formal planning experience. Management’s projects show how multi-use A self-described troublemaker, producer, geek, public destinations can emerge out of a series of and writer, he learned by doing and what he did small-scale, inexpensive improvements that occur was light, quick and cheap. He was a festival incrementally and encourage entrepreneurial director and a TV producer, and uses terms like activity and bring out the best of a community’s “staging,” and “working behind the scenes” creativity. to describe how spaces “behaved,” and what it Source: http://parkingday.org/ would take to change that condition, in order to Gabriel’s Wharf (London) make it easier for creative people, who he calls Parking Day “initiativists,” to take a risk in a project. gabriel’s Wharf is an urban Space Management pArK(ing) day is an annual, worldwide event that intervention. by partnering with a local set His interventions did not alter infrastructure. invites citizens everywhere to transform metered design company to create colorful facades for instead, changing the building’s use, not its parking spots into temporary parks for the public the concrete garages already present on the site, design, came first. renew newcastle, the good. this lQC face-lift created a thriving destination non-profit Westbury started, worked behind for shopping, dining and gathering in a former the scenes to create a new legal framework parking lot. that simplified and reduced risk. in many ways,

58 rebuild Springfield plA n | Springfield MASSACHu S e TTS visits. 4. The final program of events, activities, performance and food vendors is developed Bryant Park (New York, NY) 5. Post evaluation of the event, revision of the layout Lastly, the redesign of Bryant Park, one of PPS’s 6. Introduction of a program of daily ongoing first projects, has resulted in one of the most- events (wi-fi, vending trucks, exercise classes used urban parks in the world. It is the flexible etc.) amenities that allow the space to evolve and 7. Focus on activities for families (indoor and draw visitors again and again. outdoor) LQC Events and Interventions 8. Have events on the community scale: neighborhood councils and community Streets and sidewalks compose approximately LQC ACTIVITIES IN THE 80% of a city’s public space. Temporary street SPRINGFIELD COMMUNITY closures enable communities to envision new possibilities for these often overlooked assets. Reclaimed materials can be used in reclaimed spaces: Shipping pallets create a potluck dinner table under a raised freeway in Brooklyn, N.Y. Creative partnerships can make a big impact. Source: http://www.wayfaring.info For instance, working with a local landscape store, a temporary park can be created in the Paris Plage middle of the street at no cost.

Paris Plage displays movable and temporary Priority amenities of outstanding quality and ingenious High design, ranging from floating pools to movable hammocks. All of these amenities take 5 days Action Steps to install and 1 day to uninstall. Paris Plage is 1. Cultural organizations participating in the intensely programmed around an annual theme, Miles Public Space Focus groups continue to 0 1 2 which dictates diverse events ranging from large Note: The locations demarcated on meet to develop the program for a February this map are intended to express the concerts to small dance classes. Collectively extent of LQC activities throughout 18th Winter Fest in partnership with the the city. Events will be chosen by these programs draw over 4 million visitors to Springfield Business Improvement District. the community. the site annually. Shipping containers, shade Identify sources for additional equipment to groups can bring to the table their ideas structures, and other flexible components are support this and other events. for how LQC events can take place in their used to create temporary shelters for commerce 2. A smaller subcommittee of the arts and neighborhoods and culture. cultural community focus group needs 9. The LQC subcommittee outlines a 6-month to commit to meet on a monthly basis or one-year schedule of meetings and events Cannery Row (San Francisco, CA) to continue to develop Lighter, Quicker to ensure ongoing success. Cheaper art programs for the city’s public San Francisco’s Cannery Row combines flexible, spaces. Project Location adaptive reuse with in-depth management 3. The draft layout of activities and programs Public spaces across the City and programming to become a great public developed in partnership with PPS needs destination. Temporary public art creates a to be reviewed, revised, and shared with changing identity for a space that compels return potential funders and event producers.

rebuild Springfield PLAN | SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS 59 Cultural #3 Celebrate the old and new cultural diversity of Springfield

Breadcrumbs life into the cultural landscape of the region. fused and widely experienced by residents and • Latino community Beginning with a strong foundation of cultural visitors alike. • District 1 Meeting Round 2 events and services and incorporating awareness • Citywide Meeting Round 1 through targeted outreach programs will Part of implementing this recommendation • Interview with Springfield Museums allow Springfield’s cultural institutions and might include a wider and more thorough public • Business Forum organizations to reach deeper into the daily lives art effort. For example, a City mural program, • Teatro Vida of residents, young, old and from all walks of life. which could possibly be funded by CDBG • Citywide Meeting Round 2 monies, could not only change perception of the community, but could celebrate the many General Description cultures that make up the fabric of Springfield The cultural traditions of the city’s varied while publicizing Springfield’s history of ethnicities, including African American, Latino/ innovation and entrepreneurship in others. Hispanic, Vietnamese, Irish, Greek, and Italian, combined with their rich cultural and innovative history and connections to Springfield, can both be leveraged to celebrate both the old and new cultural diversity that Springfield has to offer.

Better acknowledging the city’s historic cultural assets while celebrating Springfield’s newer diversity can play a critical role in injecting

By making a more conscious effort to publicize existing events and celebrate the city’s unique history and creating new cultural offerings that respond to Springfield’s new ethnic landscape, residents of the city will become not only more culturally active and aware, but better connected to one another as understanding and engaged Partnerships / Stakeholders neighbors. At its core, this recommendation • Baystate Health is focused not only on connecting cultural • Creative Springfield stakeholders from different walks of life, but • Dream Studio, Inc. helping them to realize that arts and culture • Dunbar Culture Center in Springfield is not a zero-sum game, that • Forest Park Zoo Springfield’s history and new culture can be • Hoop City Jazz Festival

60 rebuild Springfield PLAN | SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS Cultural Cultural physical Physical Economic economic Organizational Organizational Educational educational Social Social

The city-wide planning process is organized according to the six domains of a healthy and vibrant community. domains that are positively impacted by the initiative described on this page are indicated above.

Resource Needs 1. Strong implementation leader or organization to develop new relationships and lines of communications across ethnic boundaries A percentage of the arts rOi from new events could be used help fund this work. 2. Creation of an effective outreach program for cultural events and festivals. 3. Monitoring of coordinated efforts to increase multicultural participation and education in the arts. 4. enable use of public spaces. Source: http://www.teatrovida.com/photo-gallery.html 5. free or low cost retail storefronts and space • HOpe (Hispanic Office of planning and Community Affairs in cooperation with property owners. evaluation, inc.) • Springfield Cultural Coordinating Committee • italian Cultural Center • Springfield Museums Potential Resource Opportunities • JelupA productions, inc. • Springfield public forum 1. City Councilors • John boyle O’reilly Club • Springfield Technical Community College 2. neighborhood Councils • latino Chamber of Commerce diversity Council 3. existing and new cultural leaders • latino leadership Council • Stone Soul festival 4. Schools and Colleges • naismith Memorial basketball Hall of fame • Vietnamese-American Civic Association 5. business owners • neighborhood Councils • World Affairs Council of Western 6. Springfield Council for Cultural and • puerto rican Cultural Center Massachusetts, inc. Community Affairs • Spirit of Springfield • YMCA of greater Springfield • Springfield Council for Cultural and • YWCA of Western Massachusetts

rebuild Springfield plA n | Springfield MASSACHu S e TTS 61 Precedents / Best Practices Two Islands Festival (Holyoke, MA)

This was an event that used to be held in the past by Holyoke dedicated to bringing together Irish and Puerto Rican food, music, dance, and crafts.

Multi-Cultural Tourism (Worcester, MA)

Nearby Worcester plays host to a number of varied arts and cultural events, including First Night Worcester, Worcester County St. Patrick’s Day Parade, a Latino Film Festival, an Irish Music Festival, the African American and Juneteenth Festival, the Latin American Festival, the Asian Festival, an Albanian Festival, a Greek Festival, and a Gay Pride Festival.

El Museo del Barrio (New York, NY)

El Museo’s annual Cultural Celebrations are colorful expressions of their commitment to celebrating Latino culture. Throughout the year, these unique events offer fun and meaningful Latino cultural experiences for people of all ages.

Jacobs Center for Neighborhood Innovation (San Diego, CA)

Every month, beginning in April and running through September, a different culture is celebrated in The Village with traditions, music, food, and art. In October, all the cultures come and outdoor venues of the new Joe & Vi Jacobs Moderate together in a culminating extravaganza called Center. Visit www.ArtsandCultureFest.com to Action Steps The Arts & Culture Fest. This exciting event learn more. 1. Highlight and promote existing cultural includes cross-cultural education and sharing, programs, festivals, and/or events in cultural workshops, fine art displays and art LEAF (Asheville, NC) Springfield through multiple channels, workshops, entertainment, and an International including newer digital channels like Market alongside a children’s activity zone and The program’s objective is to build community Facebook and the web, and make special community resource booths. Activities are spread and enrich lives through the Arts with festivals, efforts to advertise through all Springfield from the Market Creek Plaza Amphitheater to community events, and arts education programs. publications, such as the Advocate, Business Festival Park with its eight authentic cultural West, and the many other Springfield houses and across Chollas Creek to the indoor Priority publications.

62 rebuild Springfield PLAN | SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS 2. Connect and coordinate cultural groups. 3. Establish/Recognize bilingual services for promotion and marketing of LQC events. 4. Make a special effort to involve and encourage the support and involvement of diverse Springfield residents and stakeholder to creatively brainstorm new cultural events and promotions that respond to the myriad cultures and ethnicities of the city. 5. Find funders and other partners to help spread effectiveness of Lighter, Quicker Cheaper events. 6. Think creatively, beyond festivals, via unique business / educational LQC partnerships.

Project Location Citywide

rebuild Springfield PLAN | SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS 63 64 rebuild Springfield PLAN | SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS Social Domain Description Recommendations

This category encompasses the 1. Improve the Reality and Perception of Public Safety in Springfield Springfield’s social resources, where social spaces and 2. Attract a vibrant and youthful population to be stewards of programs developed largely by Springfield governmental and not-for-profit entities support the variety of the 3. Improve landowner, landlord oversight health and human assets needed to maintain a healthy community 4. Provide health and wellness services on a community scale infrastructure. Included in this domain are programs involving 5. Provide equal access to a variety of housing options a wide range of social services, housing, justice, and healthcare.

rebuild Springfield PLAN | SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS 65 Social #1 Improve the reality and perception of public safety in Springfield

Breadcrumbs evolved beyond the original tenets of community Modern-day Community Policing must • District 3 Meeting Round 1 policing to respond to new law enforcement coordinate and synchronize strategies with the • District 2 Meeting Round 1 challenges, ever evolving community expertise and the resources of other community • District 1 Meeting Round 2 expectations, and declining resources. and government agencies to be effective and • Citywide Meeting Round 1 resolve neighborhood problems. Fundamental • Citywide Meeting Round 2 The Springfield Police Department has met this causes and conditions that create community • Interview with Armory Quadrangle Civic challenge as evidenced by the development problems are many and complex; therefore, Association and implementation of the Brightwood C³ sustainable results are only achieved through • Interview with Convention and Visitors community policing model. C³ stands for effective communication, collaboration at all Bureau “Counter Criminal Continuum (C³) Policing, also levels and a unwavering resolve to effect change. • Interview with American International College referred to as the (COIN) policing model. C³ is a collaborative effort between the Springfield C³ policing is focused on denying, disrupting, General Description Police Department, and the Massachusetts State and degrading the operational capabilities There is a direct and intrinsic link between the Police to use the weight and resources of the of gangs and criminal activity associated health of the City’s cultural, economic and social entire criminal justice system to address elevated to or linked with gangs and violent crime. development and public safety. This relationship incidents of crime and disorder. A significant Undermining the capability of gangs to operate is often adversely influenced not only by the component of this strategy includes community freely and openly within the community is a large reality of crime, but by the perception of crime. organization, partnership and ownership in part of the strategy. The goal of C³ policing is problem identification, program plan strategy to provide effective governance through local Since 1990, the Springfield Police Department and measurement of success. government agencies to the community and a has relied on the tenets of “Community Policing” safe and secure environment through the rule of as an effective public safety model. Community Law enforcement officials involved in C³ indicate law. Policing is a philosophy that promotes that while there are both similarities and organizational strategies. Community Policing differences between the community-oriented As a result of the initiative’s initial success, encourages the systematic use of partnerships policing, C³ policing is designed to complement the Springfield Police Department and and problem-solving techniques to proactively the methodologies of community-oriented Massachusetts State Police will replicate this address the immediate conditions that give and intelligence-led policing (ILP). C³ is most proven strategy in neighborhoods across the City rise to public safety issues such as crime, social effective in addressing gang and criminal activity that demonstrate the most need and are most disorder, and fear of crime. in specific geographical areas of high crime affected by the presence of violent crime and activity. The C³ strategy is viewed as the “sweet disorder. Over the past decade, national studies in law spot” where community policing, intelligence-led enforcement engagement techniques have policing, and COIN intersect.

66 rebuild Springfield PLAN | SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS • u.S. Attorney’s Office • uS department of Justice

Cultural Cultural physical Physical Economic economic Organizational Organizational Educational educational Social Social Resource Needs 1. A “Safe Community Consortium”, comprised The city-wide planning process is organized according to the six domains of a healthy and vibrant community. domains that are positively impacted by the initiative described on this page are indicated above. of law enforcement, community leaders, property owners, developers and other identified stakeholders. This should also On-going Effort As demonstrated locally and across the include the creation of a steering committee country, by linking modern policing practices with independent representatives. The Springfield police department has to economic, social and cultural development, 2. increased resources for crime data organized and administered beat Management communities have been able to take a holistic collection, analysis, and distribution. neighborhood Meetings since the inception of approach to neighborhood revitalization, • data Mapping Community policing. As resources in support building homes and neighborhood hubs where • Community-based data distribution of Community policing dwindled, Sector problematic properties had once been. Success 3. resources for enhanced, directed police Community policing offices were closed across can only be achieved if police/community distribution. the city. Officers assigned to those offices relations include co-ownership of the issues and 4. greater interaction between police and were reintroduced into the uniform ranks as the a meaningful collaboration to address crime and neighborhoods on broader quality of life number of funded officer positions decreased disorder. issues. from one fiscal year to the next. eventually, 5. increased resources and training for police – Community policing as originally instituted Partnerships/Stakeholders Community relations. as a specialty response gradually became a • City Council department-wide philosophy. • Community Safety initiative Potential Resource Opportunities • department of Health and Human Services 1. united States department of Justice The Springfield police department has retained • developSpringfield Community Oriented policing Strategies one of the principle tenants of Community • faith-based Organizations (COpS) policing, beat Management neighborhood • Hampden County district Attorney 2. national network for Safe Communities meetings, despite a sharp decline in funding. • Hampden County Sheriff (nnSC) Sector beat Management Team meetings will • Homeowners continue in every city neighborhood throughout • Massachusetts executive Office of public Precedents/Best Practices the City. Through this important partnership, the Safety and Security Over-the-Rhine Chamber of Commerce: Springfield police department maintains a critical • Mayor Community Safety Sector Meetings link to committed, savvy neighborhood groups, • Media Organizations who constructively communicate their needs and • neighborhood Councils 1. Over-the-rhine Chamber of Commerce: concerns to the police. The need to build upon • Springfield Chamber of Commerce Community Safety Sector Meetings these long-standing relationships is critical. The • Springfield police Commissioner • Over-the-rhine is divided into Safety C-3 policing strategy supports this need. • Springfield police department Sectors that have been organized to • Springfield public Schools reach out and engage residents and • Springfield Youth Commission business in the safety and cleanliness of (reestablished) their neighborhood. With monthly sector

rebuild Springfield plA n | Springfield MASSACHu S e TTS 67 meetings that are convened by the OTR enforcement directly why they had attracted law enforcement Chamber and attended by Cincinnati • Community working together attention and what it would take to make it stop. Police, residents and businesses, all • Community Court Watch members of the community can stay • Civic Involvement In the Operation’s first trial, their actions reduced informed and involved. • City of Cincinnati Clean and Safe Grant the target neighborhood’s street drug trade by 2. Several diversified initiatives of the Over- Implementation close to 80 percent. Probationers were closely the-Rhine Chamber Clean and Safe Program • Supports Great American Clean Up monitored day and night, and, as a new tactic, encourage a Safe and Clean community: • Support Community Problem-Oriented probation officers visited the gang-member’s • OTR Community Safe and Clean Sector Policing (CPOP) parents. Meanwhile, YVSF and probation officers Meetings (Outreach): • Support Citizens on Patrol (COP) persistently communicated to gang members • Washington Park/Art Academy, • Enhances and coordinates clean-up that it was their violence that had drawn the Brewery District & Findlay efforts attention. Within a few months, territory was Market, Main, Mulberry & • Raise the level of citizen and community quiet. McMicken, Pendleton Sectors involvement in crime prevention • Safe and Clean Grants in coordination • Increase level of citizen and community When a gang appeared to be on the brink with Keep Cincinnati Beautiful, Anderson involvement in intervention activities of trouble or violence occurred, YVSF Foundation, Private Grants and more. • Enhance the level of community security. and probation officers visited key gang • Safe and Clean Marketing Initiatives representatives and warned them that law • Weed and Seed Initiatives Operation Ceasefire (Boston, MA; 1995) enforcement focus was firmly on them. In every • No Trespass Sign Program instance, the trouble stopped. • Hot Spots Program Operation Ceasefire was aimed at preventing • Drug and Gun Elimination Program and controlling serious youth violence With more troublesome gangs, the BPD 3. Over-the-Rhine Community Safety Sector by implementing a focused-deterrence arrested key members on any charge they could Meetings (Outreach) strategy. The Ceasefire Working Group was a conjure, and this crackdown would followed • Monthly Safety Sector Meetings for each collaborative effort between the Boston Police up with various direct and indirect forms of safety sector (four) Department (BPD), federal and state prosecutors, communication to ensure that other street • Mini Seminars such as Court Watch academic research partners, social service groups understood exactly what had happened. Program, Litter Prevention, Terrorist providers, street outreach workers attached to Once a particular gang feud was calmed, gang Awareness, Blight Index, Community the Boston Community Centers program, and members were told that enforcement would be Police Partnering, and projects within members of the Ten Point Coalition, a group of reduced but would return if violence resurged. Sectors activist black clergy. Eventually, Operation Ceasefire was being • An active partnership with the Cincinnati implemented throughout Boston. Police Department (law enforcement) The program was centered on a direct outreach • Partnership with business, residents, with gangs; telling members that violence A U.S. Department of Justice study of the property owners would no longer be tolerated and backing that program found that youth violence in Boston • Partnership with Keep Cincinnati message with every available legal hindrance fell by two-thirds citywide in the 2 years after Beautiful/City Services to gang members in response to shootings. To the strategy was first implemented. Crime data • A channel of communications among reinforce the message, Youth Violence Strike indicate that Boston maintained this low level stakeholders Force (YVSF) officers, probation officers, and for 5 years until the strategy was dismantled with • Builds trust between community and law street outreach workers told gang members the appointment of a new police chief. Crime

68 rebuild Springfield PLAN | SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS rates climbed once again and the program was the PPD to create a “Streetworkers” program. been the venue for residents to personally reinstituted. These “Streetworkers”, who included former voice their concerns to law enforcement, gang members, engaged youth, mediated gang meet the policemen and officials in charge Olneyville (Providence, RI; 2000s) disputes, taught nonviolence, and reconnected of their neighborhood, and petition for youth to their families and schools. new strategies and targeted development Olneyville was suffering from the issues that have projects to curb concentrated criminal plagued many Northeastern cities. In the mid- This program resulted in 51 new homes and a activity. SNC will assist in evaluating the 19th Century, Olneyville was a manufacturing 70% reduction in crime in the target area. effectiveness of the Beat Management powerhouse: the Woonasquatucket river Neighborhood Meetings to foster effective, was lined with factories, and neighboring Priority efficient and meaningful collaboration Providence was home to some of the country’s Urgent between the police department and the richest entrepreneurs. Since World War II, community. the manufacturing industry in the city steadily Action Steps 7. The SNC will work with community declined, and the Olneyville was struck with 1. The Springfield Police Department (SPD) stakeholders to expand evidence based divestment, unemployment, and blight. Modern, will participate in the creation of a “Safe programming rooted in the philosophy of inner-city problems surfaced in the mid-1980s. Neighborhood Consortium” (SNC), which community-policing. SNC will coordinate Olneyville’s housing stock was “overcrowded”; will have contributing members from community support for those neighborhoods there was a language barrier brought on by neighborhood councils, community groups, selected for the C3 policing initiative. demographic changes; there was concentrated business and property owners, residents, and These efforts must have robust links and violent crime and illicit activity. More specifically, developers. All members will be volunteers. communication with the SPD, which will offer three properties stood out as being detrimental 2. The SNC will reach out to law enforcement assistance in training and strategy. to the neighborhood as epicenters of drug use, officials in Boston and Providence to discuss 8. The SNC will collaborate with non-profits prostitution, and violence. the successful strategies in their cities. and service providers who specialize in drug 3. The SPD will evaluate the viability of addiction to develop a coordinated effort to Through the Rhode Island Local Initiatives instituting similar programs in Springfield combat drug use. Coordination will include Support Corporation’s coordination, community with cooperation from local community participation from the Springfield Police groups, housing corporations, and the police groups and developers. Department in the development of strategy department were able to attack these issues 4. The SNC will work to obtain grant funding for that concentrates on reducing demand for collaboratively. data collection and analysis. drugs as well as reducing supply. 5. Approved data will be distributed The Providence Police Department and the with a media and marketing campaign Participation by the Springfield Police Olneyville Housing Corporation (OHC) worked demonstrating the city’s safety. Department is contingent upon the ability to together to pinpoint the areas where urban 6. The SNC will help coordinate ongoing meet core service delivery needs. This includes, revitalization would have the greatest benefit strategies of the Beat and Sector meetings but is not limited to, increased call volume, surge to public safety. In this case, the OHC acquired and Neighborhood Watch. The SNC will host events, and availability of financial resources and the three “menace” properties, as well as other outreach events in community to educate staffing. vacant land in “troubled” areas and replaced concerned citizens as to the existence these detracting parcels with quality, affordable and worthiness of the Beat Management Project Location housing. Simultaneously, the Institute for Study Neighborhood Meetings. Historically, Beat Citywide & Practice for nonviolence teamed up with Management Neighborhood meetings have

rebuild Springfield PLAN | SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS 69 Social #2 Attract a vibrant and youthful population to be stewards of Springfield

Breadcrumbs: investors who want to tap into the city’s energy. Encouraging young people to move to • District 1 Meeting Round 1 The City must also provide reciprocal economic Springfield is a matter of enhancing and • District 2 Meeting Round 1 opportunities, encouraging younger residents publicizing characteristics that the city already • District 3 Meeting Round 1 to move to Springfield or to stay in town after has: affordability, historic and attractive building • Citywide Meeting Rounds 1 & 2 graduating college. stock (especially in the downtown area), • YPS (Young Professionals Society of Greater walkability, abundant cultural amenities, and Springfield) other magnets for younger residents. • Business Forum

General Description Springfield needs to work at drawing in new and retaining current young residents and families. These younger professionals infuse the city with vitality and energy. They also possess a sense of ownership in Springfield’s future and work to make it a better place to live; they are the City’s future homeowners and community leaders. Each young and enthusiastic homeowner who chooses to move to or stay in Springfield is making an investment in the city.

While contributing a revitalizing energy to the city, youthful citizens can also add economic dynamism. As champions of the “Knowledge Economy”, young people are using their creativity in social entrepreneurship, e-commerce, and collaborative partnerships. Increasing this population—and bringing into the fold existing younger residents—in Springfield would increase the number of new businesses, cultivate innovation, provide existing businesses with talented workers, and attract interest from

70 rebuild Springfield PLAN | SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS Resource Needs 1. expand awareness and networking onto Cultural Cultural physical Physical Economic economic Organizational Organizational Educational educational Social Social Springfield’s college campuses 2. A dynamic and eye-catching branding effort The city-wide planning process is organized according to the six domains of a healthy and vibrant community. domains that are positively impacted by the initiative described on this page are indicated above. for the city that will appeal to creative, younger audiences. 3. Youth partnerships with Cultural Cities across the country have tried to harness Corp. organizations (hold fundraisers and group the power and vitality of young people through • Springfield Symphony Orchestra meetings on college campuses, etc.) marketing and branding efforts funneled through • Springfield Young professional Society 4. A pipeline between colleges and local social media networks. These efforts are often • Springfield Youth Commission business; give recent graduates a reason to tied to incentives that make moving to or staying (reestablished) stay in town in the city financially beneficial. With similar • Stone Soul, inc. 5. Springfield Youth Commission needs programs, Springfield could be more successful • united Way of pioneer Valley to be reestablished to act as a conduit at attracting and retaining a vibrant young • Visitor and Convention bureau between City government and the younger community that would act as stewards of the city. • Young leaders populations of Springfield 6. Housing incentives for young professionals Partnerships / Stakeholders 7. improved transportation network • Art galleries • Community Music School of Springfield • developSpringfield • drama Studio • ethnic restaurants • JelupA productions • Marketing partnership • Mass Mentoring partnership • Multicultural Community Services of the pioneer Valley, inc. • naismith Memorial basketball Hall of fame • partners for a Healthier Community, inc. • partners for Community, inc. • performance project, inc., • public forums • puerto rican Cultural Center • roland T. Hancock Center for Cultural enrichment • Springfield Chamber of Commerce • Springfield Colleges group • Springfield performing Arts development

rebuild Springfield plA n | Springfield MASSACHu S e TTS 71 Professional Development, Communications, Technology, Recruitment, Public Issues, Diversity, Entertainment, and more, there are countless ways to use your strengths and interests to help YPAL achieve its mission and to help make Louisville a better place for the leaders of tomorrow.

AS220 (Providence, RI)

Art Space 220 (AS220) is the organization emblematic of Providence’s push to become “Creative Capital” of the northeast. The organization, which is both grant-funded and generates its own revenue, provides local artists with studios, gallery space, performance venues, and holds several community outreach events that are intended to retain the creative members of the city and center their activities on the city’s downtown. With significant support Potential Resource Opportunities experience theater events and more – social and from the city, AS220 has been able to enrich a 1. Historic Tax Credit: housing built from fundraising events, networking opportunities and thriving art scene and provide a focal point for rehabilitated historic buildings is very leadership development. Each year, the Partners art-related activities in Providence. The city’s attractive to creative you professionals. host one of Cleveland’s biggest and best parties, “Creative Capital” initiative has been led by a 2. Housing Incentives for Young Professionals the Jump Back Ball. In addition, Partners make it robust marketing campaign as well as a series 3. NEA Grants possible for school children to take field trips to of zoning amendments that have enabled artists 4. HUD/EPA/DoT Grants: to build Sustainable PlayhouseSquare by raising transportation dollars to move into the downtown as well as adjoining Communities, which have characteristics that for the Bus Subsidy Fund. neighborhoods. AS220 serves as a physical are attractive to younger people manifestation of this effort. 5. Private Foundation Grants The Young Professionals Association of http://as220.org/front/ Louisville (Louisville, KY) Precedents / Best Practices Priority PlayhouseSquare (Cleveland, OH) The Young Professionals Association of Louisville High (YPAL) has continued to connect, develop, Nine young men and women with a desire and engage Louisville’s growing population of Action Steps to support PlayhouseSquare and its historic young professionals. From networking events 1. The “Social Domain” working group will theaters formed one of the longest-standing to happy hours to meet and greet sessions with establish a set of short- and mid-term young professionals organizations in Northeast major Louisville decision-makers, YPAL is an goals for the implementation for this Ohio, PlayhouseSquare Partners in 1991. The ideal place for young professionals to develop recommendation. only young professionals group of its kind in themselves professionally, socially, and civically. 2. Leaders of the implementation of this the performing arts industry, Partners members With committees in Community Outreach,

72 rebuild Springfield PLAN | SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS recommendation should look to the example of Providence, RI to see which policies have been especially effective in attracting and maintaining a young and vibrant population. 3. Springfield should allow for mixed-use and live-work zoning to diversify housing portfolio • Publicize the current MA State Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit in the city, which provides 20% of the historic rehabilitation cost. • http://www.sec.state.ma.us/mhc/mhctax/ taxidx.htm • This incentive will encourage developers to take the beautiful historic building stock of Springfield and revitalize it into lofts, live-work spaces, and other developments that attract young, creative-minded people. • The Commonwealth of Massachusetts offers several First-Time Homebuyer Assistance programs that help with down payments, interest, and loan procurement. http://www.massbuyeragents.com/buyer_ broker/1st_time_massachusetts_home_ buyers.htm 4. Hold a competition with local designers to develop a branding effort for the city • Create a new logo • Redesign the city’s website 5. Revive the Springfield Youth Commission and expand its focus to act as an outreach system for fielding the needs of the youth in Springfield and lobby for those needs within the City government.

Project Location Citywide

rebuild Springfield PLAN | SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS 73 Social #3 Improve land owner and landlord oversight

General Description Council has attempted several times to enact to their properties for the benefit of renters Springfield’s core neighborhoods include a program of this type in the past, to no avail. and neighborhoods, but lack the necessary an aged housing stock, and a great deal of There were not sufficient resources to make resources to make improvements. As part of this this stock is subject to deferred maintenance it possible. A partnership between the City recommendation, the City should identify and and is used for rental housing. The decline Government and local volunteers could help seek out available financing and other creative in real estate values in the past few years has mitigate the expenses of such a program. resources, perhaps by starting with conversations exacerbated problems with these properties with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. as the costs of rehabilitation exceed property Many of the current problems in the city, such as values. Similarly, rents are unlikely to blight, abandoned housing, overgrowth, debris, Partnerships / Stakeholders cover ongoing property management and illegal junkyards or illegal use of properties, are • HAP Housing maintenance costs. A combination of incentives amply covered by city ordinances or state-wide • City of Springfield Building Commissioner (including funding) and enforcement are needed codes. However, after inspection, shortfalls in city • Community Groups to spur improved conditions in these properties. resources can cause case backlogs. This backlog • Hampden County Housing Court has not been caused by the tornado, but it was • Major multi-family housing owners In addition, tenants need to be aware of the fact certainly made worse by the tornado and the • Massachusetts Department of Housing and that there are safeguards in place to make sure resulting need to bring hundreds of new cases Community Development that their residence is up to basic standards and the need to spread resources even thinner • Massachusetts Real Estate and Apartment of habitability. The City must think creatively to interface with the State, FEMA, an other Owners Association and collaboratively about interpreting and agencies. • Office of Procurement distributing the established tenant’s rights in • Rental Housing Association of Greater layman’s terms and in other languages, such as Not only can property neglect be detrimental Springfield Spanish and Vietnamese. In addition, a shorter to the lives of tenants, but it also can severely • Springfield Housing Authority document more tailored to Springfield might be impact the value of surrounding homes and • Springfield Neighborhood Housing Services, more helpful. property and the perception of residents and Inc. visitors and even become a drain on public • Springfield Office of Housing In conjunction with educational outreach, a resources. Led by or in conjunction with the • Springfield Partners for Community Action comprehensive structure must be established community, property oversight efforts can to maintain accountability among landlords empower residents to improve the value of their Resource Needs and landowners. Landlords might be required own home and neighborhood. 1. More resources to enforce the blight to register with a database that is held by the ordinance, sanitary code, and zoning City, and landlords who are not in compliance From the other perspective, some landlords may ordinance either through new income or the with standards will face repercussions. The City be very willing to make upgrades and changes reassessment of City allocations.

74 rebuild Springfield PLAN | SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS 4. A neighborhood-scale property-owner- reporting program that requires complaints to be filtered at the neighborhood level. Cultural Cultural physical Physical Economic economic Organizational Organizational Educational educational Social Social This step will concentrate City enforcement efforts on problems of the highest The city-wide planning process is organized according to the six domains of a healthy and vibrant community. domains that are positively impacted by the initiative described on this page are indicated above. neighborhood priority. 5. landlords need to have access to a grant program that will assist in the rehabilitation 2. Translation and dissemination of the who wishes to translate this work into their of their properties. At the moment it is Attorney general’s guide to landlord/ native tongue. financially infeasible and often impossible Tenant rights in a format that is clearer and 3. A mandatory landlord registration program for landlords to make the necessary understandable. This task can be taken on that requires all landlords to provide improvements to bring their properties up to through the collaboration of HAp Housing, emergency contact, property manager code. local law students, local graphic design information, insurance, and any other students, and a Hispanic/latino community information necessary to enforce tenant’s Potential Resource Opportunities group, as well as any other community group rights. 1. Hud grants 2. local law and design schools 3. Multi-cultural neighborhood groups 4. The City currently has a blight ordinance, sanitary code, and zoning ordinance, as well as a new foreclosure ordinance, which is being challenged in court.

Precedents / Best Practices Landlord Registry (Troy, NY)

Troy City Council of new York passed the landlord registry law that requires absentee landlords - anyone that does not live in the building they own - to submit a landlord registration form. This form contains all data pertinent to both the owner and the property, including the owner’s full contact information. The landlord registry is the first phase of a multi- phase project to combat negligent absentee landlords and neighborhood blight.

Source: http://troyny.gov/landlordregistration.html

rebuild Springfield plA n | Springfield MASSACHu S e TTS 75 Code Enforcement Program (County of Santa 4. HAP Housing will collaborate with local law Barbara, CA) students, local graphic design students, and a Hispanic/Latino community group to The County of Santa Barbara, CA has a develop a means of conveying tenant’s rights “reactive, complaint-driven program” that simply in English as well as in Spanish. empowers the citizens of the city to report • The result of this project will then be code violations. Residents are responsible for distributed through community centers providing their name and address along with a throughout the city. complaint. Should a violation be an immanent threat to health or habitat, immediate action is Project Location taken, otherwise, a code enforcement officer Citywide investigates the complaint and then decides the course of action. This program increases responsiveness to neighborhood needs and improves efficiency in City resource allocation. http://www.sbcountyplanning.org/enforcement/ index.cfm

Tenant’s Rights Flash Cards (New York) Source: http://candychang.com/tenants-rights-flash-cards/

New Orleans-based design firm Civic Center Research and solicit grants for property [civiccenter.cc] worked in collaboration with the improvement. New York-based non-profit organization Tenants 2. The City Council will draft legislation that & Neighbors to develop a series of “Tenant’s establishes mandatory Landlord Registration. Rights Flash Cards” for the State of New York. • Landlords will be required to submit and These flash cards provide tenants with an keep up to date all information needed understandable series of graphics and language to enforce tenant’s rights that make the State’s Bill of Tenant’s Rights • The ordinance will include regulations more accessible. Unfortunately, these flash cards and penalties for absentee landlords. are only available for purchase online for $10. A 3. Simultaneously, neighborhood groups will be similar program in Springfield should consider enlisted with the task of reporting landowner making this information free. negligence. This process will be facilitated by HAP Inc., which will appoint volunteer Priority Neighborhood Captains. High • Neighborhood participants will form a volunteer Property Owner Compliance Action Steps Board, led by the Neighborhood 1. Communicate with landlords and building Captain, to field complaints from their owners to better understand their needs area and communicate priorities to the and challenges for property improvement. Springfield Office of Housing.

76 rebuild Springfield PLAN | SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS rebuild Springfield PLAN | SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS 77 Social #4 Increase Access to Health and Wellness Services

Breadcrumbs: wellness is not simply the absence of disease. • Citywide Meeting Round 1 It is the presence of all types of wellbeing. The • District 2 Meeting Round 1 wellness of Springfield’s residents is rooted in • HDR Report social, economic, and cultural determinants • Mindmixer of health. There is not a comprehensive • Interview: Baystate Health public health and wellness strategy to address • Interview: Food Bank of Western Mass root causes, one that ensure all communities • Interview: Education Group participate in and benefit from decisions that • Interview: Mass Career Development affect their families, their neighborhoods, Institute and their city. The City must take matters into its own hands and focus on a positive, General Description proactive approach to creating healthy, vibrant, Health and Wellness: neighborhoods and communities of opportunity. Source: http://tulane.edu/som/tuchc/ Springfield is in a very fortunate situation when it comes to healthcare. Massachusetts It is through creating opportunities for Springfield-based non-profit that is focused provides universal healthcare to all residents, developing health (versus correcting health on uniting stakeholders from various health and Springfield is home to Baystate Health, the disparities) that the City can effectively address organizations to build a “measurably healthier region’s largest healthcare provider, employing the social determinates of health and build Springfield.” The organization has already 10,000 people in the area, as well as other capacity for significant community prevention carried out two successful initiatives, one to quality healthcare providers including Mercy and community wellness services — general improve oral health and another, Live Well Medical Center and Caring Health Center. These medicine, nutrition, and sexual education . Springfield – Eat Smart. Stay Fit aims to increase organizations are committed to offering all In this regard, the City must turn its focus to awareness about the benefits of healthy eating citizens of the city opportunities to receive access developing community based programs and and exercise. PHC’s mission and coalition-based to medical treatment. From the perspective of collective actions devised at a grassroots level approaches can provide the “backbone support” the medical community, Springfield does not and directed by local stakeholders to improve for most of the health and wellness needs in suffer from the lack of access to healthcare; access to healthcare, increase health education Springfield. Expanding the capacity and reach the health care community is making strides in and increase wellness services. Fortunately, the of this organization would have considerable providing every citizen access to treatment for City can support already existing efforts to solve benefits for the city. medical ailments. these issues, as there is a local organization that has taken on this mission - Partners for a To activate the PHC mission on a citywide, Springfield needs to strive to be “well”. Unlike Healthier Community (PHC). community-based scale, multi-faceted actions the medical connotation of the word “health”, Partners for a Healthier Community is a and a broad repertoire of methods are needed

78 rebuild Springfield PLAN | SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS to severe hunger. The inequity of food access throughout the city is zip code/neighborhood specific in its disparities: some neighborhoods Cultural Cultural physical Physical Economic economic Organizational Organizational Educational educational Social Social have a cornucopia of healthy eating options

The city-wide planning process is organized according to the six domains of a healthy and vibrant community. while other areas are desolate except for some domains that are positively impacted by the initiative described on this page are indicated above. fast-food providers.

This trend is taking a toll on the youngest to generate practical solutions to major public citywide health and wellness. Consequently, members of the community: the rates of health challenges. Consequently, multiple lWS “community wellness spaces” and childhood obesity and Type-2 diabetes are some networked and interconnected live Well programs they offer are devised at a grassroots of the worst in the country. nearly sixty-percent Springfield (lWS) “community wellness spaces” level and directed by local stakeholders. When of Springfield’s K-12 population is overweight located in or around community centers are taken together, the whole network has the or obese, and the city’s diabetes mortality rate needed. capacity to provide health messages, health is nearly fifty-percent higher than the MA state choices, and work together to deliver health average. Community wellness spaces are resident-led and wellness actions at a community-wide scale and resident–designed actions, which occur at and need less hard-infrastructure and capital The Mason Square food Justice group has neighborhood level and in existing community investment than traditional “brick and mortar” worked tirelessly to get a grocery store in its centers and gathering places (faith-based and programs. The City, local foundations, and neighborhood, and the group’s model for civic associations). A deliberate or intentional philanthropic investments would cover the cost bringing healthy food to its residents seems network of 20-to-30 lWS “community wellness for the “backbone support ” for developing and sustainable. spaces”, at least one per neighborhood, would supporting a network of 20 – 30 separate lWS connect residents and other stakeholders to a “community wellness spaces”. federal, State, Measures in education, activity, and access host of health and wellness options across the and foundation grants would provide sufficient must be taken to improve these troubling city so that residents would have multiple choices funds for direct services and help to make an statistics. This effort must be carried out on a (fitness, nutrition, food access, health access impact at this scale. citywide scale to help the children of Springfield. disease self-management, an so on), making it individual-level and behavior change efforts are easy to access resources for keeping people well Food Access: not enough: there is junk food masquerading rather than fixing problems once they get sick. A large component of public heath is the as lunch; a lack of physical activity in school This program could also catalyze and support provision of healthy food to all residents. This and in the community due to safety concerns; various other public health initiatives that are is an important obstacle in attracting young and a lack of youth development funding being carried out in the city at present. residents to Springfield. This issue has particular for after-school time, weekend, and summer significance to inner city low-income people programs. Kids are left to sit in front of the TV pHC would work through the lWS network to and communities of color, where residents feel or computer. Massachusetts just mandated that engage residents and other stakeholders at a as if nutritious food is impossible to find. These schools remove caffeinated drinks and sweets local or neighborhood or school or faith-based perceptions are valid: rates of food insecurity and from schools. This is a positive step in the site to provide health-related data and help hunger in Springfield are well above the national right direction. Children who know how to eat them conduct “needs assessments” and “map average. nineteen-percent of Springfield healthfully and have the ability to do so will be assets”, to offer a more complete picture as to households are “food insecure”, and nine- able to make an impact on the culture of food in what approaches could be taken to improve percent of households experience moderate the city as a whole.

rebuild Springfield plA n | Springfield MASSACHu S e TTS 79 Schools • Springfield Department of Health and Human Services • Springfield Food Policy Council • Springfield Health Disparities Project • Springfield Partners for Community Action • Springfield Public Schools • Springfield Public Schools • Tufts University • US Department of Health and Human Services

Resource Needs 1. The City and its residents need to recognize that making Springfield healthier starts at wellness rather than treatment and support this mission. 2. Space to operate PHC “community wellness centers” 3. Grant Funding 4. More doctors who practice general medicine to provide primary preventative care to residents. This approach will keep residents of Springfield healthier and keep them from spending money on medical care that could have been avoided. 5. Cooperation with Tufts Medical School to staff community centers and incorporate medical teaching in the community wellness centers. This will provide community health centers with much-needed staff as well as a crop of eager young doctors who want to help the community. Partnerships/Stakeholders • Mason Square Food Justice Group 6. Community action behind the call for more • Partners for a Healthier Community (PHC) • Mason Square Health Task Force grocery stores, as demonstrated by the effort • Baystate Health • Massachusetts Department of Public Health carried out by the Mason Square Health Task • Caring Health Center • Mercy Medical Center Force. • Community Centers • Mercy Medical Center • Community Groups • Neighborhood Councils • Food Bank of Western Massachusetts • North East Organic Farming Association • Growing Power • Public Health Council, Springfield Public

80 rebuild Springfield PLAN | SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS Potential Resource Opportunities 1. Grants 2. Mason Square Health Task Force 3. Partners for a Healthier Community 4. Baystate Health: • Scholarships • Tufts Medical School (West Campus) • Baystate-Springfield Education Partnership (BSEP) • Career Exploration Programs: High School and Baystate Lunch Buddies in elementary school 5. Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution Foundation: offers free support to school systems that wish to reform their food service. This organization provides a series of toolkits that create step-by-step directions for changing school food programs and extend healthy eating beyond the schoolhouse. http://www.jamieoliver.com/us/foundation/ jamies-food-revolution/school-food 6. Springfield has a group called Gardening the Community, which is a “youth-led food justice organization engaged in urban agriculture, sustainable living, and organizing for healthy and equitable communities.” http://gardeningthecommunity.blogspot. accept Medicaid, Medicare and most Private the city who remained behind or returned early. com/ Insurance, but also accept all patients regardless They practiced in tents, in shelters, in police 7. The Center for Ecoliteracy provides a vast of insurance status, and care can be had with a precincts and in mobile vans – wherever they array of resources in both policy and action nominal fee, which is based on patient income were needed. initiatives to improve schools lunches level and household size. http://www.ecoliteracy.org/downloads/ The new focus was on team-based primary care rethinking-school-lunch-guide The catastrophic flooding associated with located conveniently to patients in “medical Hurricane Katrina had decimated the healthcare homes”. Previously, many patients had received Precedents/Best Practices infrastructure of the New Orleans area. From primary care through hospitals and emergency Tulane Community Health Centers (New this devastation, a new model for care delivery departments, often located far from their homes. Orleans, LA) was born where the old had been destroyed. In Under the new model, health conditions are this extreme environment, a group of Tulane managed continually in a neighborhood health Serve populations within New Orleans that physicians came together to deliver care in New facility, preventing acute health episodes and have limited access to primary care. The centers Orleans to first responders and the citizens of costly hospitalizations.

rebuild Springfield PLAN | SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS 81 One of the 6 sites created during the immediate The Coalition of Camden Healthcare Providers for Community Action (SPCA), and Partners crisis that followed Katrina was at Covenant (Camden, NJ) for a Healthier Community (PHC) established House. It began simply as a willing doctor, a Camden, NJ is one of the most dangerous the Springfield Food Policy Council (SFPC) card table, a box of supplies, and an ice chest to cities in America as well as one of the poorest; with support from the Office of Mayor Sarno. keep the tetanus vaccines cold. Patients served however, The Coalition of Camden Healthcare Unfortunately, the SFPC has not achieved as represent a broad demographic of low-income Providers is on the forefront in the development much as an impact as its developing partners wage earners, chronically ill, disabled and of a productive relationship between the would have hoped, due to the organization’s homeless. community and healthcare providers. The inability to translate novel policy into widespread Coalition analyzed the hospital billing data for action. The Mobile Medical Unit was purchased in March the entire city over a five-year period and then 2008 to address the health needs of communities used this data to identify healthcare “hotspots”. Growing Power (Milwaukee, WI) where there was not yet a brick and mortar clinic. The Coalition discovered that 1% of all patients Tulane Community Health Center New Orleans accounted for 30% of all hospital billings in Urban agriculture provides an interesting East was founded in 2008 in order to provide the city. This information led to the belief that solution to the healthy food problem. access to healthcare to one of the most medically the current form of healthcare in Camden was Momentum in recent years has gathered behind underserved areas of the city. deficient when it came to treating the chronically this movement, and pioneers in the field are ill. To combat systemic issues, the Coalition constantly making advancements in growing The founders of the health center continue their focused care on this group of patients through techniques and community activation. A legend vision of delivering healthcare that focuses on personalized one-on-one interactions with of urban agriculture, Will Allen, developed a patients’ needs outside of the confines that nurses who create strategies to reduce costs and program that specializes in establishing year- come with typical paradigms of medical care improve quality of life. In the last three years, round community gardens in the harshest offering comprehensive primary care, including there has been a 40-50% overall reduction in environments. These gardens serve as sites sick and well visits, women’s health and chronic visits and billing for these patients. Though this for community engagement, education, and disease management in a neighborhood-based strategy may not be lucrative for hospitals, it economic empowerment. Instituting a Growing medical home. All patient care is coordinated reduces stress on emergency services, provides Power program in Springfield would greatly through an Electronic Health Record. a much-needed reduction in healthcare costs improve the health of the city and its residents. for patients, and allows insurance companies to www.growingpower.org Goals of the Tulane Program: lower their prices. This method could provide a • Deliver highly accessible health services disruptive change to the healthcare industry; Priority using the team-based approach of a Medical Baystate Health, being as forward thinking as it High Home. is, could play an integral part in the changing role • Use Health Information Technology to of hospitals. Action Steps improve the access, quality and acceptability http://www.camdenhealth.org/ 1. Build upon successful work of the of care, PHC, who have developed a model • Develop innovative and replicable models Springfield Food Policy Council (Springfield, for providing wellness services to the of care applicable to the health needs of MA) community. PCH includes lots of partners. underserved populations in all areas. The program is currently only in a few • Collaborate with educational institutions Presented with the problem of lack of food neighborhoods in the city. http://www. and non-profit partners to provide health access in 2007, The Food Bank of Western partnersforahealthiercommunity.org/ professional training opportunities. Massachusetts (FBWM), Springfield Partners • PHC should work with community

82 rebuild Springfield PLAN | SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS centers (Educational Recommendation communications plan for the Rebuild #1) to establish “community wellness Springfield Plan, a specific focus should centers”, or if space cannot be allocated, be directed towards the importance of then PHC should look for space near community health and wellness. community centers, schools, or libraries 4. The City is leading Mass in Motion’s to provide a nexus of services. “Community Transformation Plan”. The • The PHC should partner with the Springfield Department of Health & Human Gardening the Community Springfield Services oversees the Springfield Wellness (GTC), the Springfield Food Policy Leadership Council. Their agenda includes: Council (SFPC), the Mason Square Safe Routes to School, School Nutrition, Food Justice Group, and The Jamie Healthy Corner Stores, and Increased Oliver Foundation to direct an effort at Spaces for Physical Activity. Both of these providing healthy food to all Springfield efforts need to be incorporated in the residents through a proliferation of more Rebuild Springfield implementation process grocery stores and a specific focus on with augmented funding and citywide Springfield schools. participation • The PHC and GTC should reach out to Growing Power, Inc. to develop a Growing Power affiliated program Project Location in Springfield in partnership with Citywide Gardening the Community. Growing Power’s toolbox could help expand the capacities of Gardening the Community. This program could transform vacant lots into community gardens and provide citizens with capacity building experiences as well as healthy food. • The PHC could work with Baystate Health and Mercy Hospital to understand where “Health Hotspots” are in Springfield. This measure would allow PHC and hospitals to focus health and wellness efforts to the areas and patients with the greatest need, taking stress off the entire healthcare system. 2. Connect local leaders and citizens to efforts the outlined in District Plans centered on walkability, hiking, & biking in specific neighborhoods. 3. As part of the overall public relations and

rebuild Springfield PLAN | SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS 83 Social #5 Provide equitable access to a variety of housing options

Breadcrumbs residencies having five or more units. (See • District 2 Meeting Round 1 graphic on p. 90) There are several types of • Citywide Meeting Round 1 housing that revitalize communities and provide • District 3 Meeting Round 1 residences for a diverse and vibrant population • District 1 Meeting Round 2 such as lofts, townhouses, and live-work spaces. • BNIM Interview with Housing Group Creative incentives must be explored to call • Interview with Valley Real Estate for the construction of senior housing, loft • Interview with New Hope Pentecostal Church apartments, mixed-use infill, historic adaptive • Interview with Religious Leaders Group reuse, townhouses, multi-generational housing, • South End Community Center Meeting disabled access housing, and live-work spaces. • Springfield Business Improvement District Best practices will be presented as examples for how these types of developments can be General Description Flickr User: roger4336 activated. Throughout the Rebuild Springfield community residential structures that are in desperate need meeting process, a priority among residents Improving accessibility to homeownership is of repair. Progress has been made in restoring was to support the healthy residential stock in already a city priority. The process of attaining houses after the tornado, but there are still some neighborhoods and to re-establish the a home might be improved to attract more and many homes that are in a state of disrepair, once-vital housing stock that lifted Springfield’s younger residents; however, the real issue is the stemming from before storm. The City can status to the “City of Homes”. The City’s efforts capacity of residents to purchase and stay in their supply residents and developers with incentives to attract and maintain a vibrant population home. A Homeownership Training Program at to initiate and ease restoration projects as well hinges on the city’s ability to house a diverse the community scale would provide residents as new infill development of a variety of different community. This goal requires an equally diverse the information they need to work through the types. By tying this assistance to a demand for housing stock. Property vacancies, affordability, steps required for investing in a home. Programs affordability, Springfield can supply refreshed homeownership, and variety of residential developed by Springfield Neighborhood housing to all who need it. housing types are essential to making this vision Housing Services (SNHS) could serve this a reality for all Springfield residents, regardless of purpose and be more effective with increased Another problem facing Springfield at the age, race or disability outreach and incentives. MassMutual, for moment is lack of diversity in the city’s housing example, requires employees to obtain a SNHS portfolio. Currently, the overwhelming majority First and foremost, the rehabilitation and certificate if they are applying for homebuyer of residential structures in the city are either rejuvenation of tornado-damaged and vacant incentives. These types of programs would single-family homes or subsidized multi-family property must be addressed in the post-tornado increase the rates in which residents keep their housing. Nearly half of all residential structures city. Citywide, Springfield has a wealth of quality homes, cultivating stronger neighborhoods. are single-family homes and a quarter of all

84 rebuild Springfield PLAN | SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS program). 2. Market rate home-ownership housing incentives to cover the gap between the Cultural Cultural physical Physical Economic economic Organizational Organizational Educational educational Social Social costs of construction and market prices 3. incentives and grants for home upgrades The city-wide planning process is organized according to the six domains of a healthy and vibrant community. domains that are positively impacted by the initiative described on this page are indicated above. 4. The rebuilding guide for Homeowners, available on the city’s website and here: http://www.springfield-ma.gov/COS/ • rental Housing Association of greater fileadmin/tornado/rebuilding_guide.pdf Springfield • Springfield department of elder Affairs Precedents / Best Practices • Springfield Historic Commission Backyard Cottage Program (Seattle, WA) • Springfield Homeowners Association • Springfield Housing Associates inc. Seattle’s backyard Cottage (bYC) program • Springfield neighborhood Housing Services, was instituted to increase the stock of inc. multigenerational housing units in the city. • Springfield Office of Housing The ordinance allows for the construction or • Springfield preservation Trust, inc. conversion of an existing shed or garage into a backyard cottage, or a detached accessory Resource Needs dwelling unit (dAdu). The units are built for 1. Homeownership Training program aging parents, college graduates, or simply 2. expand housing options, whether for buying rented out to strangers. Whatever the case is or renting, for all incomes and lifestyles. the result of small housing design standards can Often, the population that Springfield most have an impact on income and urban density. needs to attract – younger residents – are http://www.seattle.gov/dpd/p lanning/ not able to purchase a home or simply don’t Alternative_Housing_Choices/detachedAdus/ consider it a need. default.asp 3. Creative incentives for developers to expand housing portfolio Homeowner Assistance Program (County of San 4. Housing enterprise Zones identified in Bernardino, CA) Source: http://necoyote.com/historic.html neighborhoods that have low levels of home The Housing Authority of the County of San Partnerships / Stakeholders ownership to encourage people to invest bernardino has established a Homeowner • Council on Aging in areas that were hit hardest by economic assistance program that helps interested • faith based Organization circumstances or foreclosure. participants buy homes. City Housing Authority • Habitat for Humanity staff work with citizens to find an appropriate • HAp Housing Potential Resource Opportunities mortgage lender and assist the resident in the • Office of Community development 1. Springfield neighborhood Housing Services home buying process. participants can qualify by • Office of p lanning and e conomic has an educational program to assist meeting particular requirements provided by the development homebuyers with the process of buying and Housing Authority. Home purchasers must then • rebuilding Together Springfield, inc. keeping a home (Homeownership Training

rebuild Springfield plA n | Springfield MASSACHu S e TTS 85 complete a minimum of 8 hours of homebuyer’s Make it Right NOLA (New Orleans, LA) qualify for a home, an individual must be able education from a HUD-approved counseling to: contribute to the cost of their home (either program. The aftermath of Hurricane Katrina led to the through savings or financing), afford to maintain http://www.hacsb.com/residents/ creation of Make it Right NOLA. The program the house, pay property taxes, and hold home homeownership-assistance-program has helped with the redevelopment of the Lower insurance. All costs are capped to being no Ninth Ward after floods decimated it. Make more than one third of the individual’s income. It Right NOLA helps qualified homeowners Simultaneously, the program offers homeowner apply for a new self-sustainable home. To education for residents who do not financially qualify. This education effort is intended to build homeownership capacities. BREAKDOWN OF HOUSING BY http://www.makeitrightnola.org/ UNITS PER STRUCTURE Rhode Island Historic Homeowner Tax Credit

The Rhode Island Historic Homeowner Tax 5+ UNITS 22.3% Credit has been in effect for two decades to 25.2% 31.4% 31% glowing results. Since the inception of the program, 1,409 projects have been approved to restore historic housing, totaling in $24.8 million in private investments. The project recently ran out of funding because of the 2-4 UNITS economic downturn, resulting in its suspension, 25.1% but it proved to be wildly successful when the 30.1% resources were available. 51.8% 43.2% http://www.rihphc.state.ri.us/credits/homeowner. php

In 2002, Rhode Island also strove to reactivate and repurpose the vast number of historic mills 1 UNIT and other large buildings in the state. This led 48.8% to the creation of the Historic Preservation 38.4% Investment Tax Credit, which helped developers 25.4% 25% recuperate 30% of the cost of the rehabilitation effort. Several types of parties were eligible to qualify for this tax credit, such as property owners, developers, and non-profits. This project SPRINGFIELD PROVIDENCE, RI* LOWELL, MA NEW HAVEN, CT* was so successful in spurring development that Source: US Census Data its allocated state funds were dispersed well before the intended completion of the program. *Identified as “Resurgent Cities” in the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston’s 2009 report, Reinvigorating Springfield’s Economy: Lessons from Resurgent Cities http://www.rihphc.state.ri.us/credits/commstate. php, http://www.rihphc.state.ri.us/credits/

86 rebuild Springfield PLAN | SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS Housing Enterprise Zones Program (Iowa) types. Make a database for these incentives so that citizens and developers have equal A Housing Enterprise Zones program access. Tie developer assistance to a was established in Iowa to encourage the demand for a range of affordability. construction of single- and multi-family housing • Infill development in areas where financial incentives were • Historic rehabilitation needed to make projects feasible. To qualify, • Vacant restoration construction needed to be completed within two • Energy efficiency years of project initiation, and structures must • Multi-generational fulfill HUD and State housing codes. Up to 10% • Senior of the cost of construction can be recuperated, 4. The Tornado Rebuild Guide that the City and all State sales, service, and use taxes paid created after the June tornado should be during construction will be refunded if a project better distributed and even updated if is eligible. necessary to address concerns raised by http://www.iowaeconomicdevelopment.com/ residents following the response to the June community/housing/ez.aspx tornado.

Priority Project Location High Citywide

Action Steps 1. Support Springfield Neighborhood Housing Services’ Homeownership Training Program • Set up programs on the community level. • Publicize these programs to encourage attendance. • Monitor participation 2. Establish “Housing Enterprise Zones” throughout Springfield to encourage repairs, construction, and homeownership in areas that are blighted and have low levels of homeownership. • A specific set of metrics should be adhered to for an area to qualify as a Housing Enterprise Zone, and the demarcation of these zones should be done methodically with the use of data analysis. 3. Provide creative incentives to generate developer interest in neglected housing

rebuild Springfield PLAN | SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS 87 88 rebuild Springfield PLAN | SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS Economic Domain Description Recommendations

This category addresses 1. Develop and harness Springfield’s role as the economic heart of the the economic environment. Pioneer Valley Represented here are economic spaces, programs and activities 2. Streamline the investment process and provide creative related to business and commerce incentives and policies to encourage economic development and assets and opportunities. Included entrepreneurship are activities ranging from regional and local economic development 3. Expand career/workforce development and educational partnerships programs to innovations and to provide all residents with an opportunity to meaningfully initiatives developed by private contribute to Springfield’s economy and meet the needs of interests - from goods to financial employers capital, from formal trade to exchange and donations.

rebuild Springfield PLAN | SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS 89 Economic #1 Develop and harness Springfield’s role as the economic heart of the Pioneer Valley

Breadcrumbs is best achieved when the city and region work Springfield and the region must recognize the • Western Massachusetts Economic together to foster economic investment. importance of mutually beneficial economic Development Council initiatives – what helps Springfield, helps the • Citywide Meeting Round 1 As the global economic landscape changes, region and vice versa. The City of Springfield • Mindmixer diverse, dynamic, and entrepreneurial cities is by far the largest city in the focus area of the • District 1 Meeting Round 2 with mutually supportive regional relationships Economic Development Council of Western • Citywide Meeting Round 2 have experienced more economic success. To Massachusetts (Western Mass EDC) and home to • Interviews with economic development stay competitive, Springfield and its region multiple state and regional development offices stakeholders must strive for a relationship predicated on and chambers of commerce. Understanding cooperation, balance, and communication. that there are important roles for both local and Objective regional organizations will help work toward Restore Springfield’s role as the economic achieving common goals. heart of the Pioneer Valley by: strengthening the city’s downtown area to be the region’s To start, the City of Springfield must work to downtown; completing a series of high priority solidify its role as the “Downtown” of Western development projects; improving coordination Massachusetts. Bolstering a strong physical and and collaborative development efforts between economic presence in Springfield’s downtown Springfield and regional leaders; and improving with regular safe and attractive social and Springfield’s participation as a leader in critical cultural events can move the City toward regional initiatives. regaining its stature as the symbolic and physical focal point of the region. Simultaneously, General Description DevelopSpringfield and regional entities such Historically, Springfield has been the center of as the Western Mass EDC and the Pioneer the Pioneer Valley and Western Massachusetts Valley Planning Commission must work to foster both economically and symbolically. More a relationship that is mutually beneficial for recently, Springfield’s position as the both parties through cooperative initiatives, center of the region has been weakened, as marketing, advocacy and communication of economic players have been more attracted to Springfield’s success stories. communities outside of Springfield and the city’s economic and fiscal conditions have been under Partnerships / Stakeholders pressure. In addition, collaboration between • Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater City and regional leaders is noticeably weak and Springfield multiple stakeholders have expressed concern • Colleges/Universities about the relationship between the city and its • Common Capital surrounding region. Economic success for all • DevelopSpringfield

90 rebuild Springfield PLAN | SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS Mayor’s office and the nashville downtown partnership (among others).

Cultural Cultural physical Physical Economic economic Organizational Organizational Educational educational Social Social Fort Wayne, IN The city-wide planning process is organized according to the six domains of a healthy and vibrant community. domains that are positively impacted by the initiative described on this page are indicated above. fort Wayne is the second largest city in indiana whose economy was significantly limited when, in the early 80’s, international • Office of p lanning and e conomic organization for that region. Harvester Co.’s plant closed. At its peak, development international Harvester Co. employed more • pioneer Valley planning Commission Growth Alliance for Greater Evansville than 10,000 people. by the end of 1986, the • pioneer Valley Transit Authority (Evansville, IN) city encouraged large companies to invest in • regional director of Massachusetts Office of the city and commissioned a study on how to business development evansville is a resurgent peer city to Springfield, diversify its economy. A local/regional economic • Spirit of Springfield and in 2007, a public-private partnership was development alliance was created to focus on • Springfield business improvement district founded, along with an expressed downtown specific economic development sectors. • Springfield redevelopment Authority arm, to encourage development and youth • introduction of corporate-style performance • Western Mass edC retention, as well as recognize industry priorities and accountability standards: Six-Sigma to support sustainable business growth. The accountability measurement standard Resource Needs partnership is committed to supporting both • Workforce development program based on 1. Commercial loans regional economic development and the City bridging the digital divide and fostering a 2. new Markets Tax Credits of evansville’s redevelopment plan. (resurgent culture of learning. 3. positive publicity about Springfield Cities packet) Winston-Salem Alliance (Winston-Salem, NC) Potential Resource Opportunities Nashville, TN 1. Common Capital (Western Massachusetts based on 2010 Census data, residential growth in enterprise fund) nashville is the leading city of Tennessee and the downtown has increased nearly 37 percent. 2. new Market Tax Credits known as the Music City but it also has an Approximately 20 residential developments have 3. Historic Tax Credits impressive portfolio of corporate headquarters been built since 2000 to respond to this increase. 4. Historic buildings and a medical industries cluster. The greater Winston-Salem Alliance: 5. fiber network nashville Chamber of Commerce is the widely • first proposed in 1999 by a chief executive of 6. Tax increment financing recognized leader in regional economic Wachovia; development and explicitly communicates • Created to respond to slow employment Precedents / Best Practices publicly and in marketing documents about the growth, decline in average wages, slow New England Cities importance of nashville for the entire region. growth of minority businesses, and loss of 18- during nashville’s flood recovery efforts, the 34 year-old population. Hartford, providence, Worcester, portland, Me, regional Chamber led the business response • Millennium fund initiative established by the and burlington, VT are new england cities similar and identified the impacted businesses. Acting Alliance – raised $45 million dollars primarily to Springfield that have seen benefits from on their recognition of the importance of a from corporations, a loan from the City- consistent marketing efforts and positioning as vibrant lead city, they played a central role in County utility Commission, and donations the center of their respective metropolitan areas. the formulation of the economic development from foundations and individuals – to for example, the Metro Hartford Alliance is the projects prioritized in the long-term recovery stimulate economic development in growth public-private regional economic development plan for nashville, working closely with the by investing in the downtown. projects to be

rebuild Springfield plA n | Springfield MASSACHu S e TTS 91 funded by these resources: expansion of the east-west corridor that connects the UMass and Baystate Health and the Piedmont Triad Research Park, purchasing downtown area to Springfield Technical region’s most significant life sciences and developing of downtown land and real Community College and MassMutual. organization. The City and the Western estate. Continued progress (in particular the Massachusetts EDC should make the planned supermarket) and increased success of this organization a high Priority communication of completed projects is priority for Springfield by creating Urgent needed. a process to realize private spin-off development projects within the City of Action Steps 31 Elm Street (Court Square) Springfield. 1. Achieve short-term development progress • The City is working with a local by completing a series of high priority developer to redevelop this prominent, Springfield State Data Center development projects. Focus on continuous historic building in Court Square as a • This facility located near the State Street status updates and political urgency to finish mixed use building with first floor retail Corridor and downtown is currently these projects. Work with regional and and upper floor office and residential under construction and scheduled to state leaders and private sector partners with environmental and design activities be completed in 2012. This will be a to fund and implement these projects. underway. world-class data storage facility, a LEED- Completion of these projects is essential to certified green building, and employ build momentum, enhance credibility, and Medical District 75 skilled workers. This facility is part communicate success stories. • The Medical District located north of the region’s efforts to enhance a of downtown, along the Main Street digital technology/IT industry cluster by Union Station Regional Intermodal corridor is one of the City’s success leveraging the Green High Performance Transportation Center and Transit-Oriented stories and a current study being Computing Center in Holyoke and an Development (TOD) Planning around station completed by UMass is highlighting Interconnection Facility in Greenfield. It • SRA is leading this regionally significant the economic impact of businesses in is a key opportunity for a success story. project that is critical to fully leverage anticipated bus and rail improvements, Civic Center Parking Garage namely the New Haven-Hartford- • This rundown parking garage across Springfield commuter rail service. from the Convention Center is in critical • The Hartford region and Pioneer need of replacement and/or reimagining Valley Planning Commission (PVPC) its use. The Springfield Parking Authority, are currently conducting a Knowledge MassDevelopment, and Massachusetts Corridor Market Analysis study that Convention Center Authority are working includes a TOD market assessment and together on this project. It has potential station area planning for each rail station, to be leverage greater downtown including Springfield – the City must redevelopment. participate fully in this initiative to inform and benefit from this study and best Industrial Park with Titeflex, Smith and Wesson, leverage the development opportunities FW Webb, etc. of passenger rail enhancements. this area with ideas to expand activity • The Interstate-291 corridor remains (e.g., new mixed use development with the City’s most promising area for State Street Corridor residential, retail, hotel) and better manufacturing and distribution • DevelopSpringfield and the City connect to the rest of the city. businesses and a few prominent are leading a series of revitalization • The Pioneer Valley Life Sciences businesses have recently expanded efforts to strengthen this critical Institute (PVLSI) is a partnership between or located in the area. There are still

92 rebuild Springfield PLAN | SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS some key, large sites available and the lowest median household income in a high priority for the City should be the state but provided zero information filling these spaces with new/expanding about current initiatives or interviews with businesses. the City’s leadership. The completion of these and other big-ticket projects might Watershops / 1 Allen Street be “Quick Wins” to check off as first • This area provides a unique opportunity steps down the path to implementing the near Lake Massasoit and Springfield Rebuild Springfield Plan, demonstrating College to build on the current private momentum to local residents and regional sector-led informal business incubator stakeholders. Completion of some of these activity to explore mid-longer term crucial developments will give both residents redevelopment opportunities that might and non-residents reason to believe in the include residential, office and retail uses. promise that Springfield holds as a city. DevelopSpringfield and the SRA should South End Main Street (e.g., market rate collaborate with the Western Mass EDC and housing, possible non-profit owner with first other economic development entities on this floor retail in vacant space/fill in ”missing teeth” initiative, leveraging combined resources for on Main Street) marketing, distribution lists, web sites, and so • Implementing a number of long-studied forth. improvements, consistent with the recent Urban Land Institute study – this 3. Make Downtown a focus of Economic would include a mix of market rate Development efforts housing, possible non-profit ownership • With its core infrastructure and of vacant buildings with first floor retail institutions, Springfield should be in vacant space to fill in ”missing teeth” need to push to finish these in-the- reclaimed and promoted as the region’s on Main Street (which has already seen works projects. Whether from a policy downtown. This should include a focus various streetscape improvements). standpoint—by pushing projects to on: This includes development of key the front of the line—or some other • Safety – increased and visible policing parcels such as housing at 195 State strategies, demonstrating solid progress and emphasis on safety is critical to the Street, a new enhanced community on the development front will have a success of downtown and must be a center, and products of the State Street powerful impact. Progress and funding priority Redevelopment Program. needs should be communicated in • Cultural activities that utilize public a transparent fashion to strategically spaces such as Court Square and attract Alden Street as a gateway to Springfield deliver messages to the public and people from a wide regional catchment College development community in Springfield area • Consistent with a recent UMass urban and beyond. • Encouraging a mix of uses including planning project, the City should work residential development (especially near to complete a number of improvements 2. Tell Springfield’s success stories. Too often, Union Station) and live/work space for on Alden Street to make it a welcoming municipalities do not excel at marketing artists entry to/from Springfield College with themselves. This is especially important for • Reducing the office vacancy rate – the opportunity for spillover retail from the cities like Springfield that have experienced City offers quality office space downtown college along this corridor. years of negative press and perceptions. with strong broadband/fiber optic assets, • To achieve this action step, For example a recent Boston Globe article and a new strategy should focus on DevelopSpringfield and the City on Springfield indicated that the city has attracting a range of small to medium

rebuild Springfield PLAN | SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS 93 sized office users for IT, finance, and riverfront. A key underutilized asset for the 5. Improve Springfield’s participation and professional services City is the riverfront and the Hall of Fame. leadership in key regional initiatives. Build on • Filling the city’s vacant buildings with for- Existing rail and I-91 corridors do present regional success stories and strengths. profit businesses is an important goal, challenging obstacles to improving the • As the largest city in the region, while recognizing that non-profits may integration of the riverfront with downtown. Springfield should take greater be willing and able to “fill in the missing Ideas to better leverage this asset so that leadership in initiatives related to key teeth” on Main Street as the South End existing Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall issues like transportation, energy, fiber of Fame-related restaurants, hotel, and other optic, and workforce that are inherently businesses are less of an isolated island of regional issues. It must be a two-way activity include: street; to be the region’s economic • Improved pedestrian access and visible heart, Springfield must participate, sight lines to the riverfront via State advocate and take leadership on matters Street and South End corridors of regional importance. • Conducting a pilot program to run • Growth in the region means the PVTA’s existing traditional trolley-style opportunity for more residents and buses in a circulator/loop with Main visitors to Springfield. Street and the riverfront area (including • Consistent with recommendations Hall of Fame, hotels, restaurants) from the Innovation-Based Economic • Exploring increased boating-related Development Strategy for Holyoke and activities on the Connecticut River near the Pioneer Valley, Springfield should downtown, including canoe/kayak rental play a central role in the municipal and events Economic Development Partners to improve collaboration with Western Mass EDC. • Springfield and Western Mass EDC should consider drawing up parameters for an improved and more productive collaborative relationship with measurable results that defines roles and protocols for economic development. • Western Mass EDC should commit greater emphasis on the region’s largest city, and Springfield should work with Western Mass EDC on marketing its assets and sites, including stronger linkages to the state’s leaders for is truly an extension of the downtown. marketing and business development • Over time, increase the involvement of as laid out in the Commonwealth’s colleges and universities in economic economic development policy plan. development efforts, with emphasis on a more substantial presence from UMass in Project Location downtown Springfield. Citywide with emphasis on Downtown (Metro Center/South End) 4. Improve access to and activity at the

94 rebuild Springfield PLAN | SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS rebuild Springfield PLAN | SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS 95 Economic #2 Streamline the investment process and provide creative incentives and policies to encourage economic development and entrepreneurship Breadcrumbs innovation from Smith & Wesson to Milton- According to the Brookings Institute’s Urban • Business Forum Bradley to the invention of basketball at Markets Initiative—which explored the • Interviews with Economic Development Springfield College and the creativity of Dr. opportunities and strategies for investing in Leaders Seuss. Springfield’s economic distress in recent urban markets—better access to economic • Housing Group decades, however, has led to lower levels of development data can be a catalyst for • Interviews with economic development private investment, negative perceptions, and a investment. Relevant data might include the stakeholders • Business Forum challenging business development environment. availability of low-cost property, the existence • Mindmixer And, Springfield has a wealth of built assets that of Springfield’s extensive fiber network, and the • Citywide Meeting Round 1 remain idle: vacant storefronts, industrial sites, presence of qualified labor. This perspective • Citywide Meeting Round 2 infill parcels, and former commercial buildings. helps demonstrate that inner-city urban markets are often untapped for their citizens’ buying Objective To address these challenges, Springfield needs power and plentiful existing resources. Streamline, incentivize, and communicate to embrace a series of bold, creative and business and residential development efforts transparent policies to encourage business Economic development information and in Springfield. Springfield should leverage its start-up, retention, expansion, and attraction. services have to be accessible on both large competitive strengths, while candidly recognizing In parallel, the City needs to place emphasis and small scales, pertinent for large businesses its weaknesses and developing strategies to on increasing opportunities for all residents and outside investors, as well as small, local address them. This initiative is focused on the and policies that incentivize residential growth entrepreneurs. By empowering all residents with specific strategies to support business start- taking advantage of its low-cost housing information about starting a business: available up, retention, expansion and attraction while and a voluminous housing stock. Many of locations, tax incentives, market potential, increasing opportunities for a full-range of the region’s designated small business and and market demand; local entrepreneurs can Springfield residents to successfully participate in entrepreneurial support organizations are be more successful in serving the community the economy. clustered at the STCC Technology Park in and providing opportunity for owners and Springfield, including Scibelli, SCORE, and the employees. This process must also be linked General Description UMass Small Business Development Center with community-based business training and According to the Commonwealth’s 2011 (SBCD). These are resources that can and consultation outreach, providing local business- Economic Development Policy and Strategic should be used by Springfield businesses and people with resources to grow their businesses. Plan: “The foundation of the Massachusetts entrepreneurs. The recent appointment of new economy is the innovative and entrepreneurial Chief Development Officer Kevin Kennedy Information alone cannot turn into action; the capability of its residents to transform existing presents a golden opportunity to enhance the City must also focus on creating a symbiotic technologies and industries and create new economic environment system concurrently with relationship with local businesses by offering ones.” Springfield has a history of this kind of the focused completion of high priority projects. creative incentives, decreasing regulatory

96 rebuild Springfield PLAN | SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS effective property tax burden per square foot in Springfield is higher than the regional average for most business types, based on data collected by the Affiliated Chambers of Cultural Cultural physical Physical Economic economic Organizational Organizational Educational educational Social Social Commerce of greater Springfield. They estimate

The city-wide planning process is organized according to the six domains of a healthy and vibrant community. that Springfield’s effective property tax for domains that are positively impacted by the initiative described on this page are indicated above. manufacturing is $1.37 per square foot compared to a regional average of $1.05, and $3.43 per square foot for office complexes versus $1.91 business within Springfield, such as permits, for the regional average. The disparity between fees, taxes, licenses, regulatory burdens, etc. to property tax burden varies, however, depending move projects forward in a timely manner. for on the community and the type of business example, the City uses tax increment financing being taxed and Springfield is lower than some (Tif) for certain development projects to mitigate communities. better understanding this effective high commercial property tax rates but this is tax burden will be critical when moving from applied on case-by-case basis subject to City identification of Springfield’s shortfalls to taking Council approval and is not typically available to action to address any obstacles. A stronger smaller businesses. in terms of site availability marketing effort, led by developSpringfield and preparation, time to market is increasingly and supported by the Western Mass edC, and one of the most important factors for business a stronger online presence publicizing positive location decisions, so establishing a portfolio stories about Springfield is also crucial to turn the of multiple, varied sites for office, commercial tide of negative perception and catalyze private and industrial uses that are “pre-permitted” and investment. ready for the market is critical. Partnerships / Stakeholders As mentioned in the Cultural recommendations, • Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of greater arts and culture can play a role in economic Springfield revitalization. from the Mayor of pittsfield, • Common Capital a sister gateway City to Springfield: “Our • developSpringfield experience here in pittsfield demonstrates that • institutions of Higher education • Massachusetts Small business development the creative sector truly can play a key role in Source: http://www.innovateholyoke.com/wp-content/ Center uploads/2011/11/final-innov-econ-dev-Holyoke-and-pV- revitalizing gateway Cities, not only making • Massdevelopment report1.pdf them fun places to live, work, and play, but • regional employment board roadblocks, and improving available sites contributing to the prosperity and quality of life • regional Office of Massachusetts Office of for eventual occupation. part of this action of the entire region,” said James M. ruberto, business development necessitates gaining a clear picture of current Mayor of pittsfield. • Scibelli enterprise Center challenges and roadblocks in the Springfield • Springfield business improvement district investment process as they stand today. part of implementing this recommendation • Springfield Office of planning and economic will include identifying obstacles to Springfield development regarding the development process, the City competing with other municipalities in the • Springfield redevelopment Authority can address concerns about the cost of doing region, state and beyond. for example, the • Springfield Technical Community College • Western Massachusetts edC

rebuild Springfield plA n | Springfield MASSACHu S e TTS 97 Resource Needs businesses with training courses, professional Innovation – Mass Economic Development 1. Collaboration with existing local and regional advice, and access to grants that would help Policy and Strategic Plan (Massachusetts) organizations with improving storefronts. This program 2. Sustained commitment to policy is similar to Springfield’s Neighborhood The main focus of the Mass Economic enhancements Storefront Improvement Program, as well as Development Policy and Strategic Plan is to

3. Dedicated staff and time for fostering DevelopSpringfield’s Storefront Improvement support the Commonwealth’s already robust relationships and compiling and publicizing Program; however, Springfield’s program information to allow regional and local innovation and entrepreneurial sectors. stakeholders to make better informed and does not offer the consultant support that the Over $1 billion has been committed to the more strategic decisions. Westfield program provides. Life Sciences Initiative, despite the fact that 4. Incentives to attract residents/homeowners in 2010 the Kaufmann Foundation already and businesses would likely mean foregoing ranked Massachusetts as the number one some near-term tax revenue to achieve state for innovation. This program “has led to growth unprecedented collaboration among industry,

Potential Resource Opportunities 1. Idle historic building stock 2. Springfield Redevelopment Authority 3. Federal and State Grants 4. Commonwealth Energy Efficiency Grants

Precedents / Best Practices KC Source Link (Kansas City, MO)

Resources useful for small businesses and entrepreneurs to grow and succeed. The Kansas City’s Business Resource Website (http://www. kcsourcelink.com/) is a good example of the type of resource that could benefit businesses in Springfield.

Westfield Business Improvement District (Westfield, MA)

The City Council of Westfield, MA created the Westfield Business Improvement District in June of 2006 after the conclusion of a two- year feasibility study carried out by the City’s Chamber of Commerce. One of the program’s most successful efforts has been the Best Retail Practices Program. This program provides local small retailers, restaurants, and storefront

98 rebuild Springfield PLAN | SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS academia and government in the research, and entrepreneurial support. This included Action Steps development and manufacture of new drugs, targeted strategies for helping small businesses 1. Raise the profile of DevelopSpringfield as medical devices and diagnostic tools.” get loans (like a revolving loan program the strong, local, public-private leader for Simultaneously, the Commonwealth’s dynamic that would provide gap financing for small economic development. “clean energy and energy efficiency policies have businesses), better support for the Nashville • As organized, DevelopSpringfield will created new and expanded markets for local Business Incubation Center, and expanded work closely with the SRA to focus on innovations and dramatically accelerated their collaboration between higher-learning implementing high priority projects, but should also help the City provide strong adoption.” Massachusetts is also committed to institutions and the business community. communications and online presence developing new small businesses by focusing about its initiatives, Springfield’s assets, on strengthening business incubator programs Tour de Fronts (Cincinnati, OH) and a variety of success stories. throughout the state. By pushing an agenda of • DevelopSpringfield can act as a liaison collaboration and innovation, Massachusetts The Over-the-Rhine Chamber of Commerce with regional leaders and organizations has developed an economy that is dynamic, in Cincinnati was looking for creative ways to such as Western Mass EDC and the conscientious, sustainable, and prosperous. catalyze the reanimation of Over-the-Rhine Affiliated Chambers of Commerce These principles can be both utilized by streets during the day, create small businesses, of Springfield on external marketing, and translated into Springfield’s economic and strengthen the inflow of residents and promotion and ensuring strong private development efforts. commerce to the neighborhood. The result sector support and participation in http://www.mass.gov/hed/docs/eohed/ was an annual event named the Tour d Fronts. Springfield’s key initiatives. economicdevpolicystrategy.pdf This single afternoon event in 2009 showcased 2. Measure barriers and roadblocks for investment and development and develop available retail space on Main Street. The near-term and long-term strategies to Innovate Holyoke (Holyoke, MA) two-hour long walking tour was led by local mitigate these barriers and create a celebrities and traveled through more than stronger environment for business retention, The Innovation-based Economic Development a dozen vacant spaces. Readily available Strategy for Holyoke and the Pioneer information packets highlighted rental prices and expansion and attraction. • Identify barriers to investment and Valley centered its approach on supporting square-footage for each space, and landlords development in Springfield. entrepreneurship, cultivating an environment offered packages attractive to entrepreneurs of • Gather feedback from development that is site ready/policy ready for an infusion of all kinds. In combination with the open-house professionals and other stakeholders to new investment, and providing optimal customer tours, existing small business owners were shed light on possibilities for addressing relations for economic development delivery. able to interact with participants interested barriers. The specific strategies for this plan can be in renting spaces or starting businesses. In • Centralize information about brownfield reviewed at length and are extremely applicable combination with small capital improvement remediation and site readiness as to Springfield and the entire Pioneer Valley. grants for new business owners, the event well as underutilized economic assets, http://www.innovateholyoke.com/wp-content/ successfully connected hopeful entrepreneurs such as manufacturing, industry, uploads/2011/11/Final-Innov-Econ-Dev-Holyoke- and neighborhood businesspeople. communications, education, etc. and-PV-Report1.pdf • Identify and prioritize at least 4 industrial sites, 4 office sites, and 4 mixed use Priority sites to be “market ready”, listed and Nashville, TN Urgent promoted by a range of organizations (MassEcon, Western Mass EDC, Part of Nashville’s Long-Term Recovery Plan MassDevelopment, etc.) to regional and included recommendations for small business national developers and site selectors.

rebuild Springfield PLAN | SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS 99 • Explore the possibility of more standard small business owners to understand infrastructure needs, and taxes and financial and predictable TIF program. For their needs, network, and introduce incentives. Springfield’s relevant businesses example, the City of Holyoke is in the them to new and existing resources. and development officials should participate in process of trying to extend standard • Increase coordination and outreach the region’s existing industry cluster initiatives TIFs from 5 years to 15-20 years for to connect local Latino / Hispanic (precision manufacturing) and new industry entrepreneurs to these small business development projects in the downtown cluster initiative for digital technology/IT resources to achieve business growth area (further information can be found companies as any regional industry cluster in the Holyoke/Pioneer Valley Economic while providing needed employment and economic opportunity to should include vibrant businesses in the region’s Development Strategy). In Springfield, largest city. A preliminary set of target industries a similar strategy could be explored for underrepresented residents. Those outreach efforts should include bilingual should include: development projects in the downtown communications and resources. area and in industrial areas along I-291. • Based on the success and positive 1. Finance and Insurance – Springfield has long 3. Small Business Support feedback from the recent Next Street had a cluster of businesses in the financial • Evaluate current and implement new small business capacity program funded and insurance industries, represented small funding programs to assist with by Baystate Health, in partnership today by a center for regional banking, facade improvement, small capital with the Western Mass EDC and The MassMutual, and the more recent Liberty expenditures, and other small-but- Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Mutual success story with 350 employees meaningful strategies. These efforts Greater Springfield, conduct additional at the STCC Technology Park. Potential will both encourage new business and programs for identified Springfield small strategies for this target industry include: a) support existing businesses. businesses with the potential to scale working with state leaders to pursue other • Create a centralized information center up their capacity to become suppliers or call center and support centers given the to offer technical assistance to help vendors to the City’s larger businesses success of Liberty Mutual; b) working with small businesses through the process (e.g., MassMutual, colleges). the REB to focus on developing a pipeline of starting and owning a business in • This program was very well received and of skilled, trained workers from Springfield Springfield. Work with the small business similar programs could help a greater to be prepared for available jobs; and c) development services (Scibelli, SCORE, number of Springfield businesses exploring innovative opportunities to link & SBDC) at the STCC Technology Park become vendors for the larger the City’s various assets such as bilingual to inventory, organize and communicate businesses and educational institutions residents, to business growth, for example; these services available to Springfield’s in Springfield and the region. New financial call centers staffed by area residents businesses. funding commitments would be required with proficient English/Spanish language • Proactively seek opportunities to work skills supplemented by appropriate financial to run additional iterations of this with Common Capital: Explore financial training. resources for existing small and mid- program. 2. Medical and Life Sciences – Springfield is a sized businesses and non-profits. regional center for health care services and Common Capital is focused on working Focus economic development initiatives hospitals including Baystate Health, Mercy with regional businesses to identify on a set of target industries that represent Hospital, and a medical district along Main funding needs for business retention Springfield’s existing and emerging industry Street near I-91. The medical district also and expansion. A number of different growth opportunities. For each target industry, includes the high priority Pioneer Valley Life financing programs are available through Springfield should inventory relevant factors Sciences Institute, a partnership between Common Capital and they are experts and assets for business location and expansion Baystate and UMass that represents the at understanding the relevant funding and develop strategies to ensure that obstacles region’s most prominent institution focused opportunities for each business situation. are addressed. Factors and policies should on life sciences research and development. • Conduct a series of roundtables with include sites for development, workforce and 3. Manufacturing and Distribution – Springfield

100 rebuild Springfield PLAN | SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS has a strong history of manufacturing and is business recruitment to demonstrate renewable energy rebuilding in residential, still a regional leader in precision/advance commitment to talent delivery; c) programs municipal, and commercial sectors. manufacturing. Distribution facilities, such to target alumni business leaders for 9. Improve user friendliness and knowledgeable as the FW Webb expansion near I-291, expansion opportunities in Springfield; and staff within relevant City departments. represent a related industry opportunity d) working with UMass and other colleges for that can leverage Springfield’s remaining a commitment to a substantial presence in Project Location large industrial sites that possess strong Springfield’s downtown. Citywide transportation access with proximity to I-90, 5. Digital Technology/IT and Professional I-91, and I-291, and freight rail assets such Services – Industry employment data shows as the CSX east-west mainline (with double- that Springfield is significantly under- stacked clearance to Westborough), and the represented in these industries compared West Springfield intermodal truck-rail facility. to state and US averages, and yet presence Led by the REB, precision manufacturing of these industries is indicative of higher- is one of the state’s most successful and wage employees, innovative businesses, engaged industry clusters. Their emphasis and a range of research and development. has been on retaining/expanding current Regional assets like the new High- businesses and addressing workforce needs Performance Computing Center in Holyoke, for the skilled labor required to serve these improved fiber optic network, and computer companies. Relatively high commercial science program at UMass combined property taxes (even when considering lower with Springfield’s new Data Center and property values) is a frequently cited obstacle successful IT firms like Court Square Group for expanding this industry in Springfield. demonstrate potential for this industry in Updating and refining the Chamber’s tax Springfield. In partnership with the Western comparison analysis can provide a grounded Mass EDC, the City should develop new estimate of this effect. strategies to promote existing downtown 4. Colleges and Universities – Many of the office space that already has strong fiber/ largest employers in Springfield are colleges broadband, available Class A and B space, and universities including Springfield and good transportation connections Technical Community College, Springfield (highway and passenger rail) that caters to College, Western New England University, emerging sectors like digital technology, and American International College. Unlike graphic design and other professional the 5 Colleges, many of the students are services. originally from the region and have interest 6. Reach out to other Gateway Cities in the in staying if job opportunities are present. region to better understand possible While these colleges are engaged in the techniques for leveraging arts and culture as Springfield community in a number of ways, economic drivers. even more collaboration and participation 7. Conduct a market gap analysis of retail / in economic development could make service demand in Springfield compared a substantial impact: a) working with to the supply of existing businesses. Small, the Regional Employment Board, other targeted studies that shed light on economic workforce agencies and private employers sector needs can be very influential when to expand internships and awareness of publicized and placed into the hands of job opportunities in Springfield; b) active investment decision-makers. engagement of executive leadership in 8. Rebuild Western Mass funds are available for

rebuild Springfield PLAN | SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS 101 Economic #3 Expand career/workforce development and educational partnerships to provide all residents with an opportunity to meaningfully contribute to Springfield’s economy and meet the needs of employers Florida’s Creative Class work, highlights the continue through high school. The improvement importance of attracting talented, skilled workers of K-12 education is a priority in Springfield Breadcrumbs as a major asset for successful and competitive for several reasons (discussed in detail in a • Massachusetts Career Development Institute urban areas. In addition, preK-12 education corresponding education strategy), and it plays a • District 3 Meeting Round 1 and the increasingly available data on education vital role in successful workforce development. • Western Massachusetts Economic performance directly influence both business Development Council and residential location decisions. As Edward Programs to improve basic job readiness • Interviews with economic development Glaeser points out in Triumph of the Cities, must happen at a scale that is accessible to all stakeholders quality public education (or the lack thereof) is residents. Libraries, community centers, and • District 2 Meeting Round 1 one of the most important public services that schools are best positioned and equipped to • Citywide Meeting Round 2 cities influence for economic development. fulfill this capacity. Job training services will build upon technology and language literacy services, Objective To accomplish meaningful improvement in Enhanced workforce development, and talent Springfield requires an holistic approach to delivery (linking workforce skills and job workforce development that covers: a) preK-12 readiness to employer needs) must be one education; b) basic job readiness and literacy of Springfield’s top priorities for economic for a wider range of residents; c) job training development and the recovery plan. This that meets the needs and skill requirements of strategy should result in a visible and strongly current and new businesses; and d) retaining and supported system to focus on workforce attracting highly skilled and educated workers to development, from preK-12 education to adult help attract and retain innovative businesses. literacy to creating a pipeline of skilled workers linked to Springfield’s target industries. Workforce development needs to start at the moment a child begins his or her education. General Description Math, science, and language proficiencies are Economic development and growth are critical in today’s working environment and intrinsically linked to an area’s educational ensuring that the education system provides attainment and the quality of its workforce. its students with these capabilities must be a Rankings of site selection factors for business priority. Language and technological literacy location decisions almost always cite workforce are of paramount importance when entering the as the most important factor and leading workforce for all jobs, and learning these skills economic development research, like Richard should start in early childhood education and

102 rebuild Springfield PLAN | SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS emphasizes that many of the skilled jobs of today and tomorrow require tailored training and technologically advanced skills but not a Cultural Cultural physical Physical Economic economic Organizational Organizational Educational educational Social Social bachelor’s degree.

The city-wide planning process is organized according to the six domains of a healthy and vibrant community. domains that are positively impacted by the initiative described on this page are indicated above. An important theme throughout the rebuild Springfield plan is the reactivation of “innovation” in Springfield. linking the vibrant with added depth to provide more specific skills. college graduate. college/university environment to industry This directive will engage residents that have and business can affordably foster innovative had difficulty participating in the economy in the it is extremely important that local employers thinking. by working in partnership, both past, such as minorities, the under-educated, and and education stakeholders communicate educational and business actors could work recent immigrants. regarding their needs. The workforce must be in a mutually beneficent manner. for students prepared to contribute to target industries (see and educators, this could mean augmented As a city, Springfield needs to work at attracting economic recommendation 2) within Springfield funding and infusion of entrepreneurial and retaining younger residents (see Social that are already established with sustained enthusiasm that would create a more enriching recommendation 2). A goal should be to workforce needs in the region. education and learning environment that prepares students develop a clear pipeline of educated/skilled job readiness programs must focus on cultivating for participating in the local economy. for workers to the existing and emerging business skills for industries like finance/insurance, health businesses, a relationship with educational sectors in Springfield. This process can be care, and manufacturing. by initiating this institutions can play a part in developing new carried out through collaborative internship communication, direct hiring will become more products, solving organizational deficiencies, and programs, school recruiting, and apprenticeships pervasive, leading to more students remaining in producing a crop of skilled local workers. and should directly build on the recent Springfield after graduation. Springfield Technical Community College/ Partnerships / Stakeholders Holyoke Community College partnership with This notion is consistent with the december • Affiliated Chambers of Commerce for the regional employment board (reb) to 2011 Massachusetts economic development greater Springfield improve the connection between employers, policy and Strategic plan where the first • developSpringfield workforce training and employees. because strategic initiative is to “Advance education and • future Works Springfield’s colleges possess many students Workforce development for Middle-Skill Jobs • future Works originally from the region, improving this Through Coordination of education, economic • Holyoke Community College connection will help students recognize the development, and Workforce development • Massachusetts Career development institute concrete benefits of staying in Springfield after programs.” detailed strategies are focused • Office of p lanning and e conomic school. in addition to assuring students that on: a) designing and developing a cohesive, development jobs are available, other strengths should also coordinated workforce development system with • regional employment board be emphasized, particularly to students who do clear leadership; b) improving responsiveness of • Springfield colleges and universities not have personal ties to the region. Springfield’s workforce programs to meet the demands of the • Springfield public Schools affordable cost of living, proximity to larger marketplace (employers); and c) prioritizing goals • Springfield Technical Community College metropolitan areas, easy access to outdoor of the State Science Technology, engineering • Vocational High Schools (putnam & Science recreation, and cultural amenities are a few of & Math (STeM) plan that align with middle-skill and Tech) the city’s attributes that may appeal to a recent jobs. This clearly laid-out state-level strategy • Western Mass edC

rebuild Springfield plA n | Springfield MASSACHu S e TTS 103 Resource Needs 7. US Department of Education Office of youth through job training, informal education, 1. Collaboration between educational and Vocational and Adult Education programs, and changing systems that are structured against business communities resources, and grant opportunities these less fortunate youths. A majority of ROCA’s 2. Increased hours at libraries and school work is performed through interventions directed facilities Precedents / Best Practices at the most “difficult, challenging young people 3. After school training programs Future Works (Springfield, MA) - the young people who are unwilling or unable 4. Businesses making a sustained commitment to attend traditional programming, work, or to be part of the Springfield community, Future Works is a local program that connects school.” and prioritizing/supporting public education job-seekers with employers in Hampden http://rocainc.org improvements County. This centralized job database allows for users to search for jobs online that are posted Workforce Florida Potential Resource Opportunities by employers on the organization’s website. 1. STCC/HCC partnership with Regional Located in the STCC Technology Park, Future The Florida Workforce Innovation Act called Employment Board Works maintains a healthy physical presence that for the creation of the “Workforce Florida” 2. Wellspring Initiative is complemented by its website and Twitter. program in 2000. Workforce Florida, along 3. Future Works http://getajob.cc with its workforce system partners, the Florida 4. School organized internships in collaboration Department of Economic Opportunity and with local businesses ROCA (Massachusetts) the State’s 24 Regional Workforce Boards is a 5. Apprenticeship programs business-led workforce policy board that has 6. New England Business Associates ROCA is a Statewide program with offices in become a catalyst for creating and nurturing (Springfield, MA) Springfield that focuses on empowering at-risk a capable and qualified workforce. The programs’s key policy initiatives are focused on “restructuring Florida’s ‘labor’ system to increase flexibility and provide for greater local control of workforce programs and services, making the system nimble enough to respond to both local and statewide demands, economic shifts and strategic priorities.” Examples include: business incentive programs for training and “world class service to Florida’s target industry clusters”. http://www.workforceflorida.com/

Priority: Urgent

Action Steps Workforce Development: Education System 1. Address Early Childhood education deficiencies and prepare children to be linguistically and technologically literate 2. Vo/Tech programs at high schools in

104 rebuild Springfield PLAN | SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS Springfield are some of the better programs residents. Springfield residents to have a supply chain in the education system and critical to (pipeline) of talent for a full-range of jobs at expanding internships and training for Workforce Development: Post-Education existing and new businesses. One idea to middle-skill jobs. Learn from these schools, 1. Future Works in Springfield as the explore is attracting bilingual call centers and such as the Roger L. Putnam Vocational designated one-stop shop for workforce training Springfield’s bilingual residents with Training High School, what works and why. placement and support in Springfield the appropriate technical skills for these jobs. 3. Develop internship/co-op programs for (located at STCC Technology Park). It is 4. Develop creative incentives to attract college and high school students linked to widely subscribed to, but would likely benefit businesses and skilled workers: a) Similar to successful local companies from additional funding/resources, and clear Florida’s Quick Response Training Program , 4. Create a prize for student innovation to spark coordination with efforts by the REB and work with Western Mass EDC, the Regional creative discussion, product innovation, STCC. Employment Board of Hampden Country and entrepreneurial thought in the high 2. Offer community-based workforce training and other state leaders to offer competitive, school and university systems. By getting classes through community centers, libraries, tailored training programs to provide skilled young people excited about these types of and school (Educational Recommendation 1) workers for new/expanded businesses ventures, the economy for Springfield can 3. Determine the most pressing adult literacy in target industries that meet certain be centered on a partnership for problem needs to improve the job readiness of requirements; and b) offer incentives to live solving and generating mutual prosperity. Springfield’s under-educated and immigrant in Springfield – this could apply for teachers, The synergy of education and business adult populations emergency service providers (fire, police) and presents an opportunity to nourish this perhaps other skilled professions. innovation for the benefit of Springfield and Talent Delivery: Connect workers with businesses 5. Senior leadership from Springfield’s colleges its residents. 1. Improve the connection between employers, should have quarterly (or similar) meetings 5. Consistent with the Education workforce training and employees –this with the city’s economic development recommendations, develop a partnership effort should build on the current STCC/HCC leaders to identify key economic of public, private and non-profit leaders partnership with close coordination with the opportunities for the city and the role/ to elevate the importance of pre-K to 12 REB contributions that colleges can play education for all aspects of Springfield’s 2. Technical colleges and local businesses must 6. Working with the REB, analyze gaps between present and future success. Springfield’s work together to understand needs and form supply and demand of qualified workers colleges must be active participants, a mutually beneficial relationship. STCC and 7. Identify potential linkages of local/regional significantly raising their contributions to the HCC must follow-through on their current workforce to business opportunities (e.g., solutions beyond having student teachers in initiative and partnership to develop closer training bilingual residents for financial call public schools. relationships with the business community centers) 6. Similar to programs in Georgia and to better tailor curriculum and training 8. Co-op programs, internships, awareness for Michigan, develop a program to provide free programs to business needs. This will likely graduating seniors or significantly reduced tuition for Springfield require regular reviews of curriculum with public high school graduates to attend the business community to understand what Project Location Springfield’s colleges. This could be a high- training needs are not being met and ensure Citywide profile and effective way to demonstrate a commitment to flexibility that meets the Springfield’s commitment to transforming needs of new, emerging businesses. education with direct benefits to its current 3. Explicitly link target industries and job residents with potential to attract new opportunities to workforce training for

rebuild Springfield PLAN | SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS 105 106 rebuild Springfield PLAN | SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS Organizational Domain Description Recommendations

This category encompasses all of 1. Strengthen DevelopSpringfield as the Organization to Partner with Springfield’s organizational needs the City to take a Leadership Role in Guiding Springfield’s Future and resources. Included in this category are organizational spaces 2. Establish a body that coalesces community organizations to achieve and programs that address the efficiency and efficacy through collaboration and cooperation various components of community governance, including the school committee, city elected officials, various clubs, and myriad other civic organizations. This category also identifies how decisions made on behalf of the community-at- large are developed, deliberated and implemented.

rebuild Springfield PLAN | SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS 107 Organizational #1 Strengthen DevelopSpringfield as the Organization to Partner with the City to take a Leadership Role in Guiding Springfield’s Future.

Breadcrumbs diversity and experience, DevelopSpringfield organization will play a key role in developing • Citywide Meeting Round 2 is the best candidate to work with the and promoting partnerships, which is equally City of Springfield to create the Rebuild important to the successful revitalization of the General Description Springfield leadership team that will drive the city. The key to successful revitalization for implementation of the plan. This leadership cities, in large part, resides in leadership DevelopSpringfield and the Springfield and collaboration. Such leadership is not Redevelopment Authority will take the lead one-dimensional but instead multi-faceted. in implementing this recommendation. Leadership at a higher level needs to be DevelopSpringfield needs to expand its scope to sustained, involving public and private treat each Nexus Domain with equal importance partnerships. It is also important that another in building the future of Springfield. facet of leadership take place at the community/ neighborhood level. We further discuss Partnerships / Stakeholders neighborhood-level forms of leadership in • City businesses and organizations across the Organizational Recommendation 2. Nexus Domains • DevelopSpringfield The Rebuild Springfield plan is a systemic • Municipal departments and agencies approach to revitalization for Springfield that goes well beyond traditional urban plans that Resource Needs focus on development projects, streetscapes 1. Sustaining funding over at least the next and physical urban design. This plan addresses three years a Nexus of recommendations, each addressing 2. Substantial staff capacity a part of the whole including the Physical, 3. Stronger community capacity Cultural, Social, Educational, Economic and 4. Media deployment Organizational Domains of a healthy and thriving 5. A communications strategy city. Given these recommendations are as much 6. Strong collaboration with Neighborhood programmatic as they are tangible projects, Councils leadership should be comprised of a diverse 7. Advisory Committee members group that is representative of the Nexus. Potential Resource Opportunities DevelopSpringfield, with the support 1. Grants of its diverse Board and the Springfield 2. Private Sector Redevelopment Authority, has provided 3. Commonwealth of Massachusetts leadership in the Rebuild Springfield planning process. Because of its commitment, resources,

108 rebuild Springfield PLAN | SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS Cultural Cultural physical Physical Economic economic Organizational Organizational Educational educational Social Social

The city-wide planning process is organized according to the six domains of a healthy and vibrant community. domains that are positively impacted by the initiative described on this page are indicated above.

Precedents / Best Practices leaders and groups to improve organization Winston-Salem and Grand Rapids and to work together toward one common Project Location vision for the city. developSpringfield • Two similar sized city’s that are doing just this 8. This must be a public/private partnership • public/private partnership to guarantee neither public nor private • review how they are organizing their groups dominance. through City-to-City relationship with Springfield and learn from people who made Spring eld site visits. Redevelopment • built around the nexus model so that all Authority recommendations are accounted for.

Priority Rebuild Springfield Plan urgent

Action Steps Domain Implementation Leaders 1. implementation of the rebuild Springfield plan. 2. Hire e xecutive d irector for developSpringfield and clearly define staff job descriptions for support of the nexus CULTURAL SOCIAL PHYSICAL ECONOMIC domain committee efforts to implement Public & Private Public & Private Public & Private Public & Private recommendations. Leader Leader Leader Leader 3. establish leadership for all nexus domains and be programmatically, representationally, organizationally diverse. 4. Create 6-month calendar of implementation ORGANIZATIONAL OVERALL EDUCATIONAL steps for this organization. Public & Private Public & Private Public & Private 5. Create communications path and plan for Leader Leader Leader connecting with the community. 6. update rebuild Springfield website with link to developSpringfield for ongoing robust DISTRICT 1 DISTRICT 2 DISTRICT 3 communication. Public & Private Public & Private Public & Private 7. develop collaboration between community Leader Leader Leader

rebuild Springfield plA n | Springfield MASSACHu S e TTS 109 Organizational #2 Establish a body that coalesces community organizations to achieve efficiency and efficacy through collaboration and cooperation

Breadcrumbs: recommendation will focus on more intentional Citizens have been in the lead in the creation of • Citywide Meeting Round 1 efforts for facilitating cooperation between all the Rebuild Springfield Plan, and citizens across • Community Policing such organizations in Springfield. the Springfield have an important role to play in • Food Bank of Western Mass its implementation and the future of the City. • District Meeting Round 1 Disasters reveal the importance of community • Latino meeting and illustrate how neighbors become their Partnerships / Stakeholders • Religious Leaders Group own “first responders” – from rescuing their • Community Organizations neighbors to rescuing their neighborhoods. • Faith based groups General Description Recognizing this helps us understand the • Neighborhood Councils Many cities throughout the nation have importance of multi-faceted opportunities • RSAC with support from DevelopSpringfield created formalized citizen organizations that for participating in the revitalization of a city, • Youth organizations support a more intentional participation in neighborhood by neighborhood. It never works planning and development. In some places to assume that the solutions to problems and Resource Needs this is known as Citizen Participation Project development of new opportunities lie with one 1. DevelopSpringfield should support this or Program (CPP). A CPP is a tool to establish institution, be that government (national, state or organization until they are sufficiently a continuing dialogue between communities, local) or citizens understand this and are aware of organized. neighborhoods and city government. In simple a place where they can make a contribution. terms, this organization, project or program is Potential Resource Opportunities the grassroots manifestation of implementation This recommendation stems from a need for 1. Third Sector New England does nonprofit leadership whose purpose is to communicate increased collaboration as well as bolstered capacity building. and encourage engagement with citizens across capacity – the capacity to foster active 2. Grants all constituencies. citizenship. This means having the structure, the skill, and the community will to create real Precedents / Best Practices A strong, organized, knowledgeable organization change inside of and outside City government. The Neighborhood Partnership Network (New is crucial for catalyzing neighborhood and In addition to concrete changes stemming from Orleans, LA) collaboration, increasing the community’s less competitive and territorial neighborhood access to Springfield government affairs, councils and better-focused organizations, a The Neighborhood Partnership Network (NPN) is and most of all empowering residents of central structure for community engagement a non-profit organization created in post-Katrina Springfield in a meaningful and constructive will encourage university and non-profits to New Orleans that facilitates neighborhood way. Neighborhood organizations, including collaborate with one another, and encourage collaboration, increases access to government faith-based organizations, are vital to a strong better political accountability and transparency. and information, and strengthens the voices of community. The partnership created through this individuals and communities in a constructive

110 rebuild Springfield PLAN | SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS Action Steps 1. developSpringfield convene the rebuild Cultural Cultural physical Physical Economic economic Organizational Organizational Educational educational Social Social Springfield Advisory Committee (rSAC) and have them expand membership to include The city-wide planning process is organized according to the six domains of a healthy and vibrant community. domains that are positively impacted by the initiative described on this page are indicated above. representation from every neighborhood in the city and from other key constituencies (e.g. organized labor, etc.). and organized fashion. ultimately, npn’s n orfolk’s new n eighbors b uilding 2. Members familiarize themselves with details goal is to improve quality of life for residents neighborhoods program is a community of the rebuild Springfield plan and focus on by engaging them in revitalization and civic ownership initiative aimed at creating how they can support implementation. processes. www.npn.org communities of choice. it is based on Healthy 3. Consistently focus on building community neighborhoods and Asset-based Community capacity at the neighborhood level in order Though it started small, npn today has grown development (AbCd) community building for citizens to fully participate in the ongoing to 5 staff members, a ten-member board of principles and strives to create environments development of their neighborhood and the directors, and over 200 member organizations. where all community members collaborate city overall. Those member organizations include through strong connections, assume 4. Work towards creation of a 501c3 not-for- neighborhood councils, corporate members, and ownership, focus on positive attributes of their profit organization to formalize a grass roots other community groups of interest. neighborhoods, look out for each other as good citizen based organization. neighbors, and invest through improvements to 5. pursue training for organizational board especially important to Springfield, npn their homes and neighborhood blocks. development and funding. grew out of the realization of a need for a citywide framework for assisting communities in Healthy New Orleans Neighborhoods & Project Location maximizing the use of limited resources while Hartford Info Citywide providing connections to other neighborhoods with similar obstacles. On a longer-term timeline, Springfield is in Expanded need of better access to the kind of information RSAC Citizen Participation Program (New Orleans, LA) that will empower residents and community organizations to make informed decisions and Currently in its infancy in new Orleans, a Citizen give accurate feedback to city government. participation program allows residents to have a Two models for such info-commons are Healthy stronger voice in municipal priority- and decision- new Orleans neighborhoods (HnOn) and COALESCE making. The City of birmingham, Alabama also Hartfordinfo. both resources are primarily COMMUNITY has a Cpp, instituted as far back as 1975 for the web-based information providers. HnOn is ORG’S purpose of encouraging better communication perhaps more user-friendly and more polished, between city government and residents. while Hartfordinfo includes more map-based information in a wider array of categories. Neighbors Building Neighborhoods (Norfolk, VA) Priority High

rebuild Springfield plA n | Springfield MASSACHu S e TTS 111 112 rebuild Springfield PLAN | SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS Overall Description Recommendations

This domain addresses overarching 1. Make a conscious effort to improve the image and perception of citywide recommendations that Springfield impact all other recommendations is some way. 2. Implement the Rebuild Springfield Plan. Monitor and champion measurable progress

rebuild Springfield PLAN | SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS 113 Overall #1 Make a conscious effort to improve the image and perception of Springfield

Breadcrumbs 1. Help the public think more positively about resident participation in the rebuild Springfield • Citywide Meeting round 1 Springfield, process has highlighted the issue of perception • district 1 Meeting round 2 2. improve the daily life of all citizens, and as a challenge in making the city better. The • Springfield Museums 3. engage citizens in both internal and external process has engaged a wide variety of citizens • pbS documentary about Springfield communication efforts. who care very much about the city and its image. • new Hope pentecostal Church Communication tools created for fostering • food bank of Western Mass engagement such as the rebuild Springfield • Citywide Meeting round 2 website (www.rebuildspringfield.com), the rebuild Springfield facebook page, and project General Descriptions database for sending email blasts continue to be Of the myriad needs and issues the City of available and should be maintained and utilized Springfield faces today, perhaps the most to the fullest degree for ongoing communication elusive and hard-to-address is the image and of progress and positive news about the city. perception of Springfield in the eyes of residents, visitors, and regional neighbors. The path to perception can’t be changed simply through actively implementing this recommendation conversation; deeper, more widespread and changing this perception is through resident engagement in community affairs will comprehensive, incremental, and impactful make residents more mindful of community tactics and solutions. challenges and simultaneously make them aware of Springfield’s triumphs and victories. like many cities of its size, Springfield suffers engagement can have many forms: participating from poor publicity in the local and regional in neighborhood organizations, coaching little press. However, it is local residents who can league sports teams, frequenting more local help to shape and mold Springfield’s image by cultural events, or literally getting involved in their reactions to daily life in the city. Citizen- the rebuild Springfield effort at the Citywide or generated content through interactive media district levels. engagement can also come in like Twitter, blogs, facebook, and other web- the form of enlisting in a campaign to improve based publications provides a candid view Springfield’s image. of life in Springfield, and this information can be very influential in dictating the direction of it is also vital for the business community to be established media campaigns. Therefore, this engaged in improving Springfield’s image, as recommendation sets three primary goals: the “selling” of Springfield is central to the

114 rebuild Springfield plA n | Springfield MASSACHu S e TTS The opinions and recommendations of these influential organizations play a large part in molding Springfield, and a more concerted effort Cultural Cultural physical Physical Economic economic Organizational Organizational Educational educational Social Social to leverage the assistance of these stakeholders will be elemental in spreading a positive image The city-wide planning process is organized according to the six domains of a healthy and vibrant community. domains that are positively impacted by the initiative described on this page are indicated above. of the city.

finally, the City must take on a proactive turnaround of the city. by engaging partners the greater Springfield Convention and relationship with the media. Too often, the such as banks, colleges, major employers, Visitors bureau and the realtor Association of news that is being published about Springfield the Springfield Chamber of Commerce, the pioneer Valley, a comprehensive reformation reflects the city in a negative light, with stories of Springfield business improvement district, of the perception of Springfield is feasible. crime, dishonesty, and shortcomings occupying the headlines. efforts must be made to ensure success stories are getting their fair share of coverage as well. Obviously, success stories must exist in order to be told, and that factor hinges on implementing the recommendations from the rebuild Springfield plan.

Of course, a successful reformation of Springfield’s image is dependent on real progress on a variety of fronts—many of which are represented in the rebuild Springfield plan. for instance, embracing and transforming downtown and other neighborhoods into more inviting (and even eventful) places for workers and students who commute into the city can break through negative perception barriers. This is why actively implementing the rebuild Springfield plan is so vitally important.

Partnerships / Stakeholders • Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of greater Springfield • banks • City of Springfield • Community groups • CreativeSpringfield • developSpringfield • local arts and culture organizations

rebuild Springfield plA n | Springfield MASSACHu S e TTS 115 • local news outlets • Major economic institutions • Make it Happen Springfield • neighborhood Councils and Organizations • pioneer Valley realtor Association • rebuild Springfield implementation leaders • residents • Springfield business improvement district • Springfield Convention and Visitors bureau • Springfield high schools, colleges, and universities • Western Massachusetts e conomic development Council

Resource Needs 1. leadership in promoting a positive image of Springfield 2. p roactive relationship between developSpringfield, the City of Springfield, and the local media 3. Volunteerism 4. buy-in of the rebuild Springfield plan by the residents, public and private institutions, business owners, the City government, and other stakeholders

Potential Resource Opportunities 1. Make it Happen Springfield “is gathering and sharing the stories of the many individuals who are contributing toward the 2. local media outlets Cities that are using “success stories” to market recovery effort and promoting ideas on how 3. CreativeSpringfield, an online directory themselves: others can help out as well. Together these of artists in the greater Springfield area, stories form a new narrative about the city, has a goal of unifying the Springfield arts “The live music capital of the world” (Austin, TX) comprised of hundreds of voices, describing community, fostering collaboration, and The whole city’s focus is around the performing the positives and potential of Springfield, creating relationships with businesses and arts and entertainment. MA.” in the works for around two years institutions. Arts can play a special role in now, the MiH effort is focused on actively changing perception and attitudes. “The Creative Capital” (Providence, RI) changing perspectives about Springfield by 4. implementation of the rebuild Springfield providence champions local artists, new living publicizing many positive goings-on in the plan spaces, universities, and cultural organizations. City. www.makeithappencity.com Precedents / Best Practices 504ward (New Orleans, LA)

116 rebuild Springfield plA n | Springfield MASSACHu S e TTS media outlets. 3. develop Springfield and a marketing group (such as Make it Happen Springfield) must work with the local media to insure the success stories of the rebuild Springfield plan are told and an objective view on progress is portrayed. 4. The partnership will encourage residents to participate in expressing their views of Springfield. They might consider providing a public arena on which to display these comments. This could end up being a scaling-up of the effort already taking place on makeithappencity.com, where short local testimonial videos are displayed. 5. developSpringfield should create a network of support for the rebuild Springfield plan among the large economic stakeholders in the city. A unified marketing effort should be developed so these groups to have a consistent message when selling the city to large-scale economic actors. 6. developSpringfield should make sure that the conventional media outlets in Springfield have complete access to the progress information explained in Citywide recommendation #2.

Project Location 504ward, the collaborative movement of alike. if the recommendations in this plan Citywide organizations in new Orleans dedicated are successful, the subsequent turnaround in to retaining young talent in new Orleans. Springfield will make a measurable impact in www.504ward.com the overall perception of the city. 2. Support the efforts of an organization or Priority group dedicated to marketing and outreach urgent in the City. Make it Happen Springfield could be a partner in this effort. develop a Action Steps collaborative partnership between develop 1. implement the rebuild Springfield plan. Springfield and this marketing group to push The energy behind the plan should garner a the agenda of the rebuild Springfield plan positive reaction from the media and citizens on social media networks and conventional

rebuild Springfield plA n | Springfield MASSACHu S e TTS 117 Overall #2 Implement the Rebuild Springfield Plan. Monitor and champion measurable progress

Breadcrumbs communication is a driving principal of the plan; • Springfield business improvement district it is crucial for keeping residents engaged and • Community foundation of Western Mass for informing local and regional stakeholders of concrete progress that is being made. This can General Description be achieved through the use of various digital This is perhaps the most important media. lastly, this effort should encourage recommendation in the rebuild Springfield transparency in monitoring the city, state, and plan. The residents of Springfield first proposed federal funds related to both disaster rebuilding nearly every recommendation contained in this (like the Tornado relief fund) and overall rebuild plan at both the Citywide and district levels. Springfield efforts. for successful implementation, this plan needs to be adopted by all stakeholders in the City While we understand that Springfield’s CitiStat of Springfield: municipal bodies, private firms, program has been eliminated for the next non-profits, and local residents from all walks fiscal year because of budgetary constraints, of life. Though this recommendation seems there may be other simple methods for simple at face value, it is crucial that the plan be tracking and communicating progress of the implemented in a manner that allows residents rebuild Springfield effort in the short- and and stakeholders to track its progress, measure medium-term. An important action item for successes, identify areas for improvement, developSpringfield and the SrA to a specific the developSpringfield team will be to work demand accountability, and find inroads to person or position within City. According with implementation leaders across the nexus participate in its execution. to a report by the federal reserve bank of domains to develop milestones for tracking and boston, reinvigorating Springfield’s economy: measurement. Of crucial importance in implementing this lessons from resurgent Cities, “industry mix, recommendation is steady, meaningful demographic composition, and geographic The action steps for this recommendation are leadership through a partnership of location are not key factors distinguishing the intended to develop a sustainable method for developSpringfield and the Springfield resurgent cities from Springfield…The most communication and accountability; essential redevelopment Authority dedicated to important lessons from the resurgent cities characteristics of reliable leadership, and strategically acting on the rebuild Springfield concern leadership and collaboration.” healthy collaboration. part of implementing plan. Additionally, successful implementation this recommendation will necessarily involve of the plan will only be possible with support efficient and objective monitoring of the rebuild bolstering the capacity of developSpringfield from City leadership. ideally, the City would Springfield effort is a vitally important piece with communications and outreach. This could assign coordination of plan activities with of the implementation process. Transparent happen in-house, through developSpringfield

118 rebuild Springfield plA n | Springfield MASSACHu S e TTS The CCrA plan and Organization has attracted a consortium of local, regional and Cultural Cultural physical Physical Economic economic Organizational Organizational Educational educational Social Social national funders who recognize the power of an organized and focused community. not The city-wide planning process is organized according to the six domains of a healthy and vibrant community. domains that are positively impacted by the initiative described on this page are indicated above. v only is CCrA helping to keep the eye on implementation of the recommendations, but has helped the funders be more strategic about training, or out-of-house, through collaboration their investment. with the Springfield Young professional Society (YpS) or area colleges. CCrA was formed as a result of the year- long planning process and continues to be Partnerships / Stakeholders a lead convener, communicator and project • City of Springfield implementation leader in this strategically • City-to-City group located neighborhood. www.myccra.org • developSpringfield • domain leaders Community Social Data Strategy (Toronto) • pioneer Valley planning Commission • Springfield high schools, colleges, and This program is intended to provide citizens universities and community groups with low-cost access to • Springfield public library research data that covers the physical, social, • Springfield Technical Community College and economic health of the city. Toronto http://www.gasb.org/cs/ContentServer? recognizes the importance of research data and Resource Needs c=gASbContent_C&pagename=gASb its ability to help discover social and economic 1. buy-in and participation from the City of %2fgASbContent_C%2fprojectpage&c trends. The program started in July 2008. The Springfield and domain leaders id=1176156646053 City of Toronto worked with the Canadian 2. Web design and support for the rebuild 3. Web hosting and design students from area Council on Social development to provide Springfield website high schools, colleges, and universities. access to Statistics Canada data at a cost of 3. graphic design for creation of “report cards” 4. Hartfordinfo.org (a program of the Hartford $200 per year. participants have access to 4. grant funding for electronic progress and public library) neighborhood-level data, as well as that from the data monitoring 5. Springfield public library other 14 municipalities involved in the initiative and support for analysis of the data and the Potential Resource Opportunities Precedents / Best Practices dissemination of results. 1. google Applications to meet the needs of The Central City Renaissance Alliance (New government Orleans, LA) The goal of the Community Social data Strategy http://www.google.com/apps/intl/en/ (CSdS) is to raise awareness within the municipal government/trust.html The Central City renaissance Alliance (CCrA) and non-profit sectors about the potential uses 2. government Accounting Standards board, plan, a community driven neighborhood plan, of research data to better understand the social Service efforts and Accomplishments resulted in a systemic set of recommendations and economic trends within their communities. reporting that empowered this community to launch their Specific objectives are to: post Katrina recovery immediately.

rebuild Springfield plA n | Springfield MASSACHu S e TTS 119 • purchase, facilitate, and streamline access to measured gets done.” The program is grounded 1. developSpringfield first must task each Statistics Canada data in a 4-step cycle: plan, budget, manage, and domain’s “implementation leader” with • Train organizations to analyze and process report. each revolution of the cycle offers an developing an “Action Step Checklist” that this data opportunity to insure that results are being will establish short and long-term goals • Communicate and disseminate the results as achieved in an efficient and timely manner. for their domain. The timeframe for each widely as possible Accumulated experience and data allow for domain will vary; however, for the initiation http://www.toronto.ca/demographics/csds.htm improved methods to fulfill goals. in portland, of the rebuild Springfield plan, 6-month and the official Managing for results program started 12-month goals should be established in in 2002, with the intention of making the city’s each domain. CANADIAN COUNCIL ON government more efficient. 2. each domain will be responsible for SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT reporting their progress on each performance is gauged through workload, of the recommendations regularly efficiency, and effectiveness, metrics that are (developSpringfield will supply a report gleaned from measuring the inputs (staff, cards template and domain committees will budget, equipment, etc.), outputs (amount of fill them out appropriately). services, number of classes taught, products, etc.), and results (quality of service, citizen satisfaction, etc.) of the program.

Priority urgent

Action Steps This recommendation has a two-tiered strategy to ensure efficacy in the short-term and provide the opportunity for data-driven research and accountability measures in the long-term. To begin, developSpringfield must implement Community the rebuilding Springfield plan and enact this Social Data recommendation to monitor the plan’s progress. The first tier of this recommendation will be Strategy spearheaded by developSpringfield to set up an inexpensive and feasible process for tracking http://www.toronto.ca/demographics/csds.htm implementation of the rebuild Springfield plan. it will insure a higher level of transparency in the Managing for Results (Portland, OR implementation of the plan and would increase time and resource efficiency. The main principal behind the “Managing for results” program is the idea that “What gets

120 rebuild Springfield plA n | Springfield MASSACHu S e TTS 3. Report card must be available on the data. website. 3. This data would be accessible to community 4. Progress will be championed when complete groups, residents, business owners, and to garner more support from the community; potential investors through in online format conversely, underperformance will call for that is well designed and easily accessible. the reevaluation of approach, resources, and 4. This tool will play an integral part in personnel. measuring the progress of the Rebuild 5. Domain report cards must continually be Springfield effort as well as other City updated with results as well as new goals to benchmarking necessities. make sure individual recommendations stay 5. This tool should be used by the City, on course. DevelopSpringfield, domain leaders, 6. Identifying and reaching out to capable and community groups to identify individuals and groups to assist with problems, develop solutions, and measure graphics, communications, and other digital implementation results and progress. media is an efficient way to both involve more residents in the process and to bolster Project Location the capacity of DevelopSpringfield. For Citywide example, DevelopSpringfield might reach out to the Springfield Young Professionals Society to create the report cards or work with a local college class to participate in other ways.

The second tier of this recommendation is longer-term and more capital intensive. DevelopSpringfield will be charged with developing an electronic system for monitoring the Rebuild Springfield Plan in more depth. This system will also contribute to the benchmarking and measurement of other citywide efforts. This stage would be funded by a grant (like the IBM Smarter Cities program).

1. DevelopSpringfield would seek a grant to develop a method for data-driven analysis to understand the effects of the Rebuild Springfield Plan and track indicators for other city initiatives. 2. The City will participate in collecting and providing raw social, physical, and economic

rebuild Springfield PLAN | SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS 121 122 rebuild Springfield PLAN | SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS Philanthropic Opportunities

rebuild Springfield PLAN | SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS 123 Philanthropic Opportunities

The Rebuild Springfield consultant team Immediate Fundraising Opportunities included the expertise of a philanthropic fund development expert, Juliet Page. Several of Develop Springfield’s current projects Her professional observation is that are consummately fundable. The process of DevelopSpringfield has positive ambitions for the hiring an executive director, including expenses city and for the region that Springfield serves and associated with retaining a search firm, could supports. The organization has clearly emerged be appealing to local foundations. The position to provide leadership for issues far beyond should be marketed as one that will be hugely economic development. influential over a $120 million rebuilding project with unprecedented opportunities for urban DevelopSpringfield’s mission, and efforts it will revitalization in a storied older industrial city. facilitate in support of the plan’s implementation, are fundable if presented to the foundation Additionally, the retention of a FEMA advocate community through appropriate means. to ensure that Springfield gets its fair share DevelopSpringfield should be the first entity to of disaster dollars may be of interest to a note that an economically thriving Springfield is local foundation that has invested in cultural good for everyone—from the region’s wealthiest institutions or housing in the area. to the neediest who are often the primary constituents of foundation grant making. As DevelopSpringfield oversees and otherwise participates in the Rebuild Springfield plan Philanthropic dollars are few compared to implementation, Develop Springfield will We have identified a few immediate and near- public funds. For this reason, foundation officers gather extensive data. This will provide a terrific term opportunities around which the citizens of look for “leverage” opportunities for their opportunity to promote civic pride by “asset Springfield, through DevelopSpringfield might grants. This is particularly true in a recovery mapping” all that Springfield has to offer in launch conversations with local and national setting—be it recovery from a catastrophe terms of resources. Like Milton Glaser’s iconic foundations and have outlined what such a or from a weak economy— when federal “I Love New York” logo, which was in fact launch might look like. Also included are some funding can be comparatively large. In order commissioned by New York State’s Commerce thoughts on launching work with foundations to secure foundation support, it is critical that Department in the interest of attracting and a short list of easy practices that Develop DevelopSpringfield and Springfield citizens tourism despite staggering crime rates, a visual Springfield, might adopt or reinforce in the promote and accentuate the programming and representation of the region’s assets could be process of developing new relationships within activities that influence government policy or transformative in the public sphere. the philanthropic sector. direct public dollars.

124 rebuild Springfield PLAN | SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS slated to absorb other military units over the course of the coming decade. It has a purported annual economic impact of one quarter-billion dollars. DevelopSpringfield could raise money to explore ways in which economic, cultural and social stakeholders in the region might better incorporate military service personnel into their planning. Indeed, there may be funding streams from the military itself.

Smart Growth: Adaptation and Equity

Norman Francis, the director of the Louisiana Recovery Authority and President of Xavier University, the preeminent historically black college in New Orleans, sagely noted that a Potential Funding Opportunities for Near-Term “disaster is a terrible thing to waste.” Entrenched Foundation Fundraising Launch Programming poverty and institutionalized racism can be addressed in the rebuilding of Springfield. By participating in and leading post-disaster Planning for Stellar Schools. DevelopSpringfield DevelopSpringfield could lead a discussion rebuilding, and being ambitious about might host a forum to explore 21st Century around ways that rebuilding could promote the opportunity to “rebuild stronger,” education design and programming options economic opportunity for all, steady funding DevelopSpringfield—perhaps unwittingly—has around replacement facilities at the current sites streams would follow. already composed a coherent and compelling of the Dryden and Brookings schools. New, pitch to the philanthropic sector, and should first-rate institutions at the sites of schools now develop an outreach effort to local funders, that did not previously meet Commonwealth in particular those that funded the planning of Massachusetts standards could be game process. Doing so will help philanthropic changers for the city and the region. thought leaders understand the broad impact of DevelopSpringfield’s role. This is the arena Rebuilding from the June 1 tornado presents a in which DevelopSpringfield must be overt singular opportunity for long-term community regarding the fact that a truly healthy economy and economic development. DevelopSpringfield includes all people in wealth creation. might easily secure philanthropic funding to explore legal and planning options to create one There may need to be a change in language or two 21st Century schools in the Six Corners/ addressing wealth creation to the lingo of Old Hill and East Forest Park neighborhoods. funders, such as “workforce development,” “environment” and “smart growth” even if that Opportunities at Westover is not how DevelopSpringfield has thought of their work internally. An excellent model The “Air Reserve Base” just north of Springfield for outreach to local funders could be casual is the largest of its kind in the country and is

rebuild Springfield PLAN | SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS 125 briefings. No matter the format, the message element to any successful foundation campaign. manage foundation contacts; would be that DevelopSpringfield has exciting, A plan of action might include: 2. Protecting schedules from impromptu insider information on activities relevant to their 1. Identifying potential funders by looking interviews and queries; grant making portfolios. DevelopSpringfield can to what entities fund the major cultural 3. Establishing systems for timely submission of take advantage of their leadership’s social and institutions of the region; proposals and reports. political cachet by asking individual stakeholders 2. Developing a two-page document that to host these events. Foundation trustees and outlines the project to be funded and the Conclusion program officers would likely appreciate the theory as to how this will effect change in the success and celebrity of the Rebuild Springfield region; (It would be advisable to develop a Begin looking carefully for instances in which Plan. rough budget and budget narrative.) the plan implementation work is bringing about 3. Submitting permutations of the broader social change—and to be immodest in A few preliminary, exploratory conversations aforementioned two-pager as e-mails and accentuating it to the right people at the right with candid program officers would benefit and “Letters of Inquiry” to target foundations; time. DevelopSpringfield is operating in a realm inform their planning for fund development. 4. Securing meetings at foundations; (This will with very real metrics and that unto itself is an Such conversations would help identify “external certainly require travel for key city leaders, attractive conversation starter at any foundation. champions,” which we strongly believe is a key and possibly an engaged board member or elected official such as the Mayor.) 5. Responding quickly to any solicitations for additional materials upon conclusion of any of the above meetings; 6. Hosting site visits if proposals advance.

General Good Practices for Foundation Fundraising

The best tool for foundation fundraising is great programming communicated effectively. And although that statement seems simple, management of foundation grants can destabilize any organization. Indeed, It is often recommended that individual and corporate giving programs are developed instead of engaging in foundation fundraising. Any fundraising efforts must be supported by appropriate staffing.

Some other important strategies include: 1. Maintaining excellence in written and oral communication—and nominate spokespeople within the organization to

126 rebuild Springfield PLAN | SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS rebuild Springfield PLAN | SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS 127 Funding Opportunities for Economic Development

While the June tornado in Springfield affected for non-federal funding applications, articulating • Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block the city’s economy, it also offered a unique a broad level of support for specific projects Grant Program: Uses both formula and opportunity to reassess economic development, will enhance the competitiveness of the funding competitive grants to help U.S. cities, counties, provided momentum to accelerate projects request. A coordinated effort between public states, territories, and Indian tribes develop, that are already “in the works”, and prioritized and private organizations is critical to ensure that promote, implement, and manage energy new economic development efforts. A number all funding opportunities are identified, and that efficiency and conservation projects. http:// of the recommendations outlined in the plan the limited funding available to support recovery www1.eere.energy.gov/wip/eecbg.html will require significant financial resources plan initiatives is most efficiently and effectively for implementation. Federal, state, regional utilized. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban and local funding is available to government Development (HUD) entities, private businesses and individuals to Housing, Economic Development and • Choice Neighborhoods Initiative support recovery efforts and overall economic Communities Implementation Grants: $110 million available growth in Springfield. These resources include in FY2012. Communities must have in place a weatherization funding available to low income U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) comprehensive neighborhood revitalization families for housing improvements, foundation • Weatherization Assistance Program: Enables strategy, or Transformation Plan. Funds are grants for specific community development low-income families to permanently reduce intended to transform distressed public projects, microloans and Common Capital their energy bills by making their homes more and assisted housing into energy efficient, financing for businesses, and HUD funding for energy efficient. DOE provides funding to mixed-income housing that is physically and sustainability initiatives. These are just a few of states, which manage the day-to-day details of financially viable over the long-term. They may the recommendations offered in the plan and the program. http://www1.eere.energy.gov/ also be used for other activities designed to only a sampling of the funding options available. wip/wap.html improve neighborhoods. http://portal.hud. • State Energy Program: Provides financial/ gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/ While significant funding sources exist to technical assistance to states through formula public_indian_housing/programs/ph/cn support recovery plan initiatives, it is important and competitive grants. States use their to note that federal grants often require state formula grants to develop state strategies U.S. Economic Development Administration or local matching funds. Public and private and goals to address their energy priorities. (EDA) organizations interested in taking advantage of Competitive grant solicitations for the • Provides grants to economically distressed the funding available through federal agencies adoption of energy efficiency/renewable communities to generate new employment, must work together to best leverage the energy products and technologies are issued help retain existing jobs and stimulate resources available. Springfield must galvanize annually based on available funding. States industrial and commercial growth. http://www. its private, non-profit/institutional, and public provide a 20% match. http://www1.eere. eda.gov/ organizations to pursue funding resources. Even energy.gov/wip/sep.html

128 rebuild Springfield PLAN | SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and funded pilot program that provides funds New Market Tax Credits Economic Development for low to moderate income wage earners to • Provides tax credit incentives to investors for • Community Development Block Grant - reach self sufficiency and ultimately achieve equity investments in certified Community Recovery Act Program (CDBG-R): HUD has homeownership. http://www.mass.gov/hed/ Development Entities, which invest in low- allocated $9.1 million from the American community/funding/individual-development- income communities. Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) to account-ida.html Massachusetts for distribution through the • Massachusetts Downtown Initiative (MDI): The MassWorks Infrastructure Program Massachusetts Community Development Block The primary mission of the Massachusetts • Provides public infrastructure grants that Grant (CDBG) Program. The money will be Downtown Initiative is to make downtown support a number of different types of granted to non-entitlement cities and towns. revitalization an integral part of community projects, including housing development at http://www.mass.gov/hed/community/funding/ development in cities and towns across the density of at least 4 units to the acre (both community-development-block-grant-cdbg. Commonwealth. http://www.mass.gov/hed/ market and affordable units) and community html community/funding/massachusetts-downtown- revitalization and sustainable development. • Community Services Block Grant (CSBG): A initiative-mdi.html http://www.mass.gov/hed/economic/eohed/ federally funded, poverty reduction program • Neighborhood Housing Services (NHS): pro/the-massworks-infrastructure-program.html that was created to promote and provide an Neighborhood Housing Services Program array of services and activities to encourage assists residents and public/private entities to Habitat for Humanity self-sufficiency and to make permanent reinvest in urban neighborhoods (including • Through volunteer labor and donations of improvements in the lives of low-income Springfield) by rehabilitating housing and money and materials, the organization builds families and individuals. http://www.mass. making it affordable for low and moderate- and rehabilitates simple, decent houses gov/hed/community/funding/community- income families. http://www.mass.gov/hed/ alongside homeowner partner families. development-block-grant-cdbg.html community/funding/neighborhood-housing- http://www.habitat.org/cd/local/affiliate. • Economic Development Fund (EDF): Provides services-nhs.html aspx?place=66 funding for projects that create and/or retain • Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP): jobs, improve the local and/or regional tax NSP1 is a $54.8 million grant program awarded Massachusetts Housing Partnership Fund base, or otherwise enhance the quality of by HUD to Massachusetts and four of its cities, • Statewide public non-profit affordable housing life in the community. EDF gives priority to including Springfield. Funds are to be used organization that works in concert with the assistance for physical improvements and primarily for the acquisition and rehabilitation Governor and the state Department of mixed-use projects supporting downtown and of abandoned and foreclosed properties. Housing and Community Development to help commercial center development. http://www. http://www.mass.gov/hed/community/funding/ increase the supply of affordable housing in mass.gov/hed/community/funding/economic- nsp.html Massachusetts. http://www.mhp.net/ development-fund-edf.html • Gateway Plus Action Grant: Funding to 18 Common Capital (Western Massachusetts Ford Foundation Gateway Cities to support local strategic Enterprise Fund) • Makes grants for general/core support, planning efforts to increase diversity of housing • A number of different financing programs are projects, planning, competition, matching, options, increase economic opportunities, available to businesses through Common recoverable, individual, endowment, foster and strengthen civic engagement, and Capital, which helps match relevant funding foundation-administered projects, revitalize neighborhoods. http://www.mass. opportunities for each business situation. program-related investments. http://www. gov/hed/community/funding/gatweay.html fordfoundation.org/regions/united-states • Individual Development Account (IDA): State

rebuild Springfield PLAN | SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS 129 Home Depot Foundation enterprisecommunity.com/solutions-and- cost share. http://www.epa.gov/brownfields/ • Seeks to improve the homes and lives of innovation/enterprise-green-communities/ cleanup_grants.htm deserving families through a combination of resources volunteerism, grants and product donations. U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) http://homedepotfoundation.org/how-we- Urban Land Institute (ULI) • Transportation Investment Generating help/grants.html • Urban Innovation Fund provides venture Economic Recovery (TIGER) Discretionary capital/seed money for innovative community Grant Program: Included in the American The Lowe’s Charitable and Educational outreach projects led by ULI members and Recovery and Reinvestment Act to spur Foundation District Councils. a national competition for innovative, • Provides organizational grants from $5,000 to multimodal, and multi-jurisdictional $25,000 for community improvement projects Private Equity/Private Financing transportation projects that promise significant and public education (priority given to public economic and environmental benefits to an K-12 schools). http://www.lowes.com/cd_The+ Tax Increment Financing (TIF) entire metropolitan area, a region, or the Lowes+Charitable+and+Educational+Foundati nation. TIGER IV was announced in February on_474741445_ Corporate giving and will award approximately $500 million toward projects that meet the criteria. http:// Johnson Controls Private developers www.dot.gov/recovery/ • Provides assistance to programs in the areas of justice and law, community and neighborhood Sustainable Development American Planning Association (APA) improvements, the environment, civic activities • Offers some grant opportunities for a variety of and equal opportunity, citizenship and safety. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) projects. http://www.planning.org/divisions/ http://www.johnsoncontrols.com/publish/us/ Assessment Grant Program housing/grants/ en/about/our_community_focus/johnson_ • These grants provide funding to inventory, controls_foundation.html characterize, assess, and conduct planning Corporate giving and community involvement related to Textron brownfield sites. Grants are for up to $200,000 Small Business and Entrepreneur Support • Giving primarily for community funds, higher to address sites contaminated by hazardous education, including scholarship programs, substances, and up to $200,000 to address Economic Development Administration (EDA) and hospitals and health agencies; support sites contaminated by petroleum. Applicants • Provides grants to economically distressed also for youth clubs, urban programs, can also apply as an Assessment Coalition (a communities to generate new employment, minorities, and cultural programs. http://www. group of three or more eligible entities) for up help retain existing jobs and stimulate textron.com/about/commitment/corp-giving/ to $1 million. http://www.epa.gov/brownfields/ industrial and commercial growth. http://www. assessment_grants.htm eda.gov/ Enterprise Green Communities • Provides resources and expertise to enable Cleanup Grant Program Massachusetts Executive Office of Labor and developers to build and rehabilitate affordable • Provide funding for a recipient to carry out Workforce Development homes that are healthier, more energy cleanup activities at brownfields sites that it • Workforce Training Fund: Provides resources efficient and better for the environment. Grant owns. Sites may be contaminated by hazardous to Massachusetts businesses and workers are awarded for charrettes, sustainability substances and/or petroleum. Grants are up to train current and newly hired employees. training, and other projects. http://www. to $200,000 per site and require a 20 percent http://www.mass.gov/lwd/employment-

130 rebuild Springfield PLAN | SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS services/business-training-support/ Workforce Training services/business-training-support/trainingpro/ wtfp/ workforce-training-fund-express.html • On-the-Job Training: Assists employers with US Department of Labor the cost of hiring and training a new employee. • The Employment and Training Administration Kresge Foundation http://www.mass.gov/lwd/employment- (ETA), U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), has • Provides operating support grants, project services/business-training-support/ available approximately $98.5 million in support grants, program-related investments ojt/ Workforce Innovation Fund grants authorized to arts and culture, community development, • Workforce Training Fund Express Program: by the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations education, the environment, health and human Provides training grants targeted to small Act, 2011 (P.L. 112-10). These funds support services, other causes. employers with a maximum of 50 employees innovative approaches to the design and in Massachusetts and labor organizations. delivery of employment and training services FedEx http://www.mass.gov/lwd/employment- that generate long-term improvements in the • Corporate resources include financial services/business-training-support/trainingpro/ performance of the public workforce system, contributions, in-kind charitable shipping workforce-training-fund-express.html both in terms of outcomes for job seeker and services and employee volunteer services. employer customers and cost-effectiveness. Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater http://www.doleta.gov/grants/find_grants.cfm0 Textron Springfield • School-to-work and welfare-to-work programs, • Members have access to networking and U.S. Department of Education Office of job training for underserved audiences, literacy informational programs, marketing and Vocational and Adult Education and ESL (English as a Second Language) sponsorship opportunities, and other benefits. • Programs, resources, and grant opportunities. programs; enrichment and mentoring http://www2.ed.gov/programs/gtep/index.html programs for youth; college/university Support Kiva - including scholarships and internships for • Connects people through lending to alleviate Massachusetts Executive Office of Labor and women and minorities (with emphasis on poverty. Leveraging the internet and a Workforce Development technology, manufacturing and engineering). worldwide network of microfinance institutions, • Workforce Training Fund: Provides resources http://www.textron.com/about/commitment/ Kiva lets individuals lend as little as $25 to help to Massachusetts businesses and workers corp-giving/ create opportunity around the world. http:// to train current and newly hired employees. www.kiva.org/ http://www.mass.gov/lwd/employment- Corporate giving services/business-training-support/ Grameen America wtfp/ Local or regional universities and colleges • Provides loans, savings programs, financial • On-the-Job Training: Assists employers with education, and credit establishment to the cost of hiring and training a new employee. low-income entrepreneurs. All loans are http://www.mass.gov/lwd/employment- for income-generating purposes and help services/business-training-support/ individuals to start or expand a small business. ojt/ http://www.grameenamerica.com/ • Workforce Training Fund Express Program: Provides training grants targeted to small Private Investors employers with a maximum of 50 employees in Massachusetts and labor organizations. Local or regional universities and colleges http://www.mass.gov/lwd/employment-

rebuild Springfield PLAN | SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS 131 Implementation of the Citywide and District Plans: Challenges, Opportunities, and Financing in Real Estate

On June 1, 2011, a devastating tornado ripped Accordingly, we recommend that the City (both commercial and residential), and a loyal and through Springfield, laying waste in a matter and DevelopSpringfield aggressively pursue committed citizenry that cares about the City’s of seconds to everything in its path – homes, a dedicated Federal appropriation. There is future. businesses, and property gone in an instant. For ample precedent for such an appropriation in the a city struggling to recover from a deep national aftermath of other natural disasters throughout In spite of these positive attributes, however, recession and long decades of disinvestment the United States and Springfield can make a the Springfield markets have a long history of – it was unbelievable – heartbreaking. But compelling case that its circumstances warrant a underperforming relative to other competitive instead of surrendering to the circumstances, similar appropriation. This appropriation should cities in Massachusetts. Resident incomes the City of Springfield and DevelopSpringfield be flexible in nature so that financing gaps of remain very modest, population and household have rallied to the cause and set in motion various types can be effectively closed. counts have been static for a decade, vacancy a bold plan to make the best of a very bad in both commercial and residential property situation. Opportunity often comes disguised as The following discussion sets forth a broad outline is consistently high, existing home values a challenge. The City and DevelopSpringfield for Implementation that highlights the Challenges are generally below replacement cost and have a chance to overcome market forces long and Opportunities for funding the execution of commercial rents are insufficient to support the at work in Springfield by leveraging financial the Rebuild Springfield plan. This section of the cost of new construction. In light of these factors, resources that would not be available were it plan will focus primarily, but not exclusively, on it should come as no surprise that absorption of not for the disastrous events of that day. Oddly, the ambitious plans for District 1 (Metro Center both residential and commercial product, which like the weather after a tornado, the clouds over and South End) and District 2 (Maple-High, Six was modest even in the most recent boom years Springfield may in fact have a silver lining if the Corners). The demographics and economics (2005-2007), has been slow to negative since the tornado can serve as a catalyst for transformative of District 3 (East Forest Park and Sixteen Acres) onset of the 2008 recession. investments in the City’s future. The aspirations are substantially more favorable and the level of must go beyond simply rebuilding what was public intervention required to rebuild in these (See Real Estate Appendix A for market reports destroyed that day. neighborhoods will not be as extensive. and data compiled for this study)

The nature and extent of the Challenges Challenges: Market • Home Ownership Units. By way of example, created by the tornado are such that the State the average Springfield single-family home sells and Federal resources typically available to a Springfield is the dominant urban center of the for approximately $150,000; and home prices community like Springfield will be insufficient Pioneer Valley – the third point in a triangle of in Districts 1 and 2 generally are well below the to finance the implementation of the Rebuild economic activity connected via I-90 to Boston average - estimated at $125,000 for new single Springfield plan. Basically, Springfield has a in the east and via I-91 to Hartford, CT in the family product and up to $75,000 per unit for sudden urgent need to undertake rebuilding south. The City enjoys tremendous regional two-four family stock. Even at these affordable multiple projects in a short period of time; critical accessibility, strong public and private sector prices and in the most robust recent market projects that are expected to involve substantial institutions, a concentration of businesses and time frames, ownership housing absorption for financing gaps. service amenities, lovely historic building stock the City as a whole was less than 40 units per

132 rebuild Springfield PLAN | SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS year – with only a small fraction of this activity in question is: How can the tornado recovery sources to make investments in the Districts Districts 1 and 2. effort - including the financial resources that 1 and 2. At the same time, public dollars are • Rental Apartments. In part, the lack of come with it - be deployed to overcome these increasingly scarce and sought after by the ownership activity has been driven by the small ambient market forces and create a more vibrant, many worthy causes that have a need. And the size of the ownership market overall. Fully half more sustainable long term future for the City of competition for these resources is growing as of housing units citywide and an even higher Springfield? budgetary constraints reduce available funds proportion (nearly 75%) in Districts 1 and 2, are at both the State and Federal levels and the occupied by renters rather than owners. Like Challenges: Financing stresses of a slow economic recovery drive the pricing in homeownership markets, rents are need for public supports of all sorts even higher. also relatively affordable both in Springfield and While insurance proceeds will go a long way • Cost of Capital. Capital is available today at those neighborhoods with a large proportion of to addressing the capital needs for many historically low rates, but underwriting standards existing tenants paying so-called market rents property owners victimized by the tornado, the remain stringent as investors and lenders seek at or near parity with defined affordable, low to implementation of most major renovation or to avoid risk in these volatile economic times moderate income standards. redevelopment projects in the tornado impacted - and Springfield has been a historically risky • Retail Space. As for the commercial markets, it areas will also require some combination of debt market for investment. The overall cost of is clear that the amount of existing retail space and equity investment (several potential sources capital can only be reduced to acceptable levels in Districts 1 and 2 far exceeds the level of are described in the discussion of Opportunities if low or zero cost public sources and creative, demand required to support it. This, coupled that follows). non-profit funders can participate at levels with changes in the neighborhood demography or in ways that drive down the cost and risk of and shopping habits over the last several • Financing Gap. As shown by our market investment to the private marketplace. decades, has rendered many of the existing investigations and the illustrative project • Financing and Development Complexity. spaces a poor fit to tenant requirements in proformas prepared for this study (see Real As described above, most projects of scale the modern age. As a result, vacancy is high – Estate Appendix B for the detailed proformas contemplated by the District 1 and 2 plans will consistently in the 20% to 30% range in recent analyses), there is a substantial gap between the require a complex layering of public and private years and rents are very low at under $10 cost required to build or rehabilitate buildings financing sources – each with its own eligibility to $12 per square foot per year for existing, in Districts 1 and 2 and the investment of criteria, underwriting standards, application independently owned and managed spaces. debt and equity that can be justified by these procedures and competitive landscape. Most • Office Space. Finally, to the office markets activities. This gap between project cost and private developers will not have the expertise where best-in-class downtown office building the economic value to a prospective investor (or the inclination) required to sort through vacancies have remained stubbornly in the 10% is not directly attributable to the tornado but this complexity - lacking either the technical and 15% range for a decade despite a history reflects the market realities in Springfield and sophistication or local knowledge - to package of affordable rents hovering in the teens to low constitutes a financing risk that will be difficult specific projects that take full advantage of $20 per square foot per year. Upper floor office for private capital to overcome absent the the financial resources available to close the space is reportedly less than 50% occupied; public incentives and technical assistance made financing gaps referenced earlier. much of it uninhabitable without significant possible by the tornado relief and recovery • Technical Assistance Capability. Providing renovation and code compliance work. effort. potential redevelopers and property • Capital Availability. While private capital is owners with pre-development services (e.g. These conditions prevailed long before the generally available today (lenders are anxious to site assembly, permitting incentive and tornado wreaked havoc in the District 1, 2 lend and equity investors have money to invest), conventional financing, etc.) to mitigate this and 3 neighborhoods on June 11, 2011. The public capital will be required to entice private complexity and facilitate development will be

rebuild Springfield PLAN | SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS 133 an essential ingredient in implementing the • Supporting market growth with economic spillover impacts on surrounding corridors and District 1 and 2 plans. This could be a logical development initiatives residential areas in terms of perception, interest, role for DevelopSpringfield. and investment. • A Strategic Development and Financing Plan. All have the potential to improve Springfield’s • Parking. Parking is an essential resource for The tornado destroyed multiple properties in an market positioning and competitive advantages, market success. While the visual character underperforming market in a matter of seconds. reducing perceived investment risks and helping of open, street-facing parking lots is often Investment in rebuilding, redeveloping or to make the dollars – both public and private - go less than appealing, well designed, interim replacing these properties will need to be further. parking on vacant and abandoned lots offers an phased over a period of several years to allow effective strategy for addressing the needs of the market to absorb these new assets and Opportunities: Physical and Environmental local businesses and shoppers, while improving avoid short-term overbuilding. The District Quality the visual character of the Districts 1 and 2. plans contain many excellent ideas for how to • Sustainable Community. A more livable, proceed with this effort. Given the scarcity of • Historic Preservation. The existing historic sustainable, inclusive community is also more public incentives and the level of resources building stock is one of Springfield’s greatest marketable – to businesses and residents needed for full implementation of these competitive market advantages. Adaptive alike. Plans that strike a balance between retail ideas, an overarching strategic financing plan reuse of historic buildings and sites will enhance and business uses, civic and community uses, should be devised that prioritizes projects and the visual appeal of the Districts 1 and 2 as recreation and entertainment uses, affordable handicaps their odds of success in the highly well as the market appeal for residents and and market rate and rental and ownership competitive public funding world. businesses alike. housing options promote a highly desirable • Public Realm. An attractive streetscape with quality of life and enhance the opportunity to a thoughtful system of public spaces helps to attract new residents and visitors to the market. Opportunities: Market create a real market destination and mobilizes community partners to ensure long term Opportunities: Legal and Regulatory Tools While Springfield market conditions have stewardship of these important public assets. In been weak for a number of years, part of that the public realm, investments in infrastructure • Abandoned Property. Acquiring vacant, weakness arises from both real and perceived upgrades such as streetscape improvements, abandoned, and tax delinquent property, conditions that the District plans are taking street lighting, sidewalk repairs, well designed holding it, and reintroducing it to private pains to address. Again, in the spirit of turning a bus shelters, public art installations all help to ownership and development are tried and negative into a positive, a number of actions and create an impression of momentum, investment true public revitalization strategies. These recommendations precipitated by the events of and care. methods along with other code enforcement June 11, 2011 stand to improve the competitive • Activity Nodes. Clustering new uses, and taxation strategies can encourage owners appeal of the Springfield markets if they can investment, and development around existing of vacant properties to actively reuse and be successfully implemented. These market activity centers is important to focus energy redevelop vacant sites for a variety of uses enhancements fall into four broad categories: and resources, and create a critical mass of and will help alleviate the perception of • Improving the physical and environmental interest and activity which will draw surrounding disinvestment in the Districts. quality of the Districts residents and visitors to the Districts. When • Code Compliance. While not unique, • Using available legal and regulatory tools to markets are small as they are in Springfield, Springfield has a comparatively large number incent reinvestment strategies that concentrate activity will be more of vacant and abandoned structures and lots • Encouraging area institutions to participate in successful. Established, healthy, pedestrian- in the study areas, which reduces the value of the implementation of the plans scale activity centers can also create positive adjoining properties and creates a concentrated

134 rebuild Springfield PLAN | SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS picture of disinvestment, decline and poor demand from every available source. Health associations. maintenance. Addressing these issues as part centers, senior centers, fitness centers, child • Business-Merchant Coordination. A merchants of a comprehensive disaster recovery plan care providers, libraries, social service agencies, association or chamber of commerce can will improve market conditions and reduce schools and college branches, city offices and provide a way for businesses to network perceived investment risks. other civic institutions can play an important and share information, giving businesses a • Public Safety. Enhancing public safety - both anchoring role in the District commercial collective voice in providing input to City real and perceived - for residents and visitors areas by drawing customers and clients to the planning and development initiatives, providing –is an essential element of a successful plan Districts and by supporting an employment representation for businesses owners at city hall and will require the cooperative effort of city base that will patronize local restaurants and and offering a conduit for technical information officials, local law enforcement and community stores. These employees will also generate about loans and successful business strategies. groups. substantial demand for the great residential Such organizations can also help consolidate • Zoning. Zoning is an important tool that can options to be found in the highly walkable in-line retail spaces and create coordinated help focus activity around key neighborhood District neighborhoods. marketing for District retail space. centers, encouraging interesting, eclectic • Community Partnerships. These same • Marketing Diversity. Celebrating Springfield’s mixed-use corridors, while managing impacts institutions can also provide direct leverage to multi-cultural identity has the potential to serve on residential uses. Elevating design quality the overall revitalization effort by partnering as a market draw for the Districts. Ethnic within the Districts should also be a goal, with the City and one another on specific entrepreneurs can be a valuable part of a larger however, care must be taken to avoid chilling initiatives recommended by the District plans. revitalization effort, many willing to take risks the market response by burdening new Leadership is important but, cooperating to get that bring vitality back to neighborhood retail development with costly or overly prescriptive the day-to-day work done is equally essential districts. This activity may also draw others to and onerous design requirements. As we and will take all hands on the oars. the Districts in search of ethnic foods and an understand, Springfield has been long authentic cultural experience. considering adopting new zoning that will Opportunities: Economic Development • Downtown Revitalization. Successful 21st modernize the code for the first time since 1973. century cities have appealing downtowns that We would recommend moving forward with the • Economic Development Coordination. attract people and talent—especially young approval process. Community Development Corporations and people and entrepreneurs. As the preeminent non-profits such as DevelopSpringfield can urban center of the Pioneer Valley with unique Opportunities: Civic Engagement and provide valuable coordination of day-to-day historic character, a revitalized downtown Leadership revitalization activities, taking on the work of Springfield has the opportunity to become a the government to identify priority sites and marketable draw for new residents and new • Institutional Leadership. Sustained leadership assemble land, selectively remediate and economic activity in the City. of the recovery and revitalization effort will prepare the sites, identify zoning incentives • Neighborhood Housing. The tornado be essential to successful implementation of to attract reuse, provide technical assistance rebuilding process presents an opportunity the District plans. City officials, non-profits for mixed-financing and maintain lists of pre- to develop a coordinated housing strategy and community organizations, can and permitted sites. They can also help to facilitate for Districts 1 and 2 that addresses existing must provide leadership and continuity for community partnerships to leverage political residential needs while expanding housing what will be a long-term revitalization effort. and financial capital to create programs – small options for Springfield residents – opportunities DevelopSpringfield should take the lead on the business revolving loan funds, assistance in for infill ownership, mixed income rental, private side of the partnership. creating business plans, workforce programs, historic rehab, and mixed use potentials are • Civic Anchors. Successful retail districts draw and organizing block groups or merchant all present in these Districts. Growing this

rebuild Springfield PLAN | SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS 135 residential base has the power to transform the the kinds of resources made available for other Approved loans can be increased for protective downtown area and nearby neighborhoods into disasters, as well as use of existing federal, state, measures to lessen similar future damages. a vibrant 24-hour environment, enhancing the and local incentive programs. The discussion that Additionally, small businesses and most private health of residential and commercial markets follows, presents an array of potential resources nonprofit organizations can obtain loans for alike. organized by use type and provider. (See Real unmet working capital needs. • Small Business and Start-Up Supports. Estate Appendix C for more detailed program • U.S. Economic Development Administration. Startups and small businesses should be an information and web-links to the applications and Municipalities are eligible for Economic essential focus of the economic development eligibility criteria) Development Administration (EDA) grants for plans for Districts 1 and 2. Technical assistance public infrastructure that is required to leverage supports that help entrepreneurs and Financing: General Disaster Relief private investment. established businesses to access financing, • U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. identify procurement opportunities, attract • Proceeds of Insurance Claims. Virtually every The EPA offers funding to municipalities for skilled employees, and develop successful property damaged by the tornado has some assessment and cleanup. Springfield has been business plans are all important to attracting level of insurance. This gives owners of those successful in recent years in accessing these new business and growing existing businesses properties a head-start in terms resources to funds, including an ongoing cleanup activity at in Districts 1 and 2. repair or replace those properties. Union Station. These funds can be important • Workforce Training. A more skilled and • Federal Appropriation. The recovery from many to get major development projects started by marketable workforce will enhance the other natural disasters has been facilitated by removing the stigma of contamination. marketability of the Districts while improving a special federal appropriation. These funds, • MassMutual Grant. Massachusetts Mutual economic opportunity for area residents. often channeled through the Community Life Insurance Company has committed $1.6 Identifying and developing programs that offer Development Block Grant (CDBG) program million to the implementation of the Rebuild workforce training and improve the connection provide funds for gap financing and needed Springfield Master Plan. The exact use of these between employers and potential employees public improvements (see discussion above). funds has not yet been determined, but they should be an essential part of the District plans. • U.S. Department of Housing & Urban could be part of a mortgage pool or some other Development. In addition to supplemental financing vehicles. All of the issues discussed in this section funding through HUD as noted above, • Miller Development Enterprise, Inc. Miller offer an opportunity for enhancing the market HUD provides entitlement communities like Development Enterprise is offering free and competitiveness of the Districts in particular Springfield an annual allocation of Community discounted estimating services for commercial and of Springfield in general. The next section Development Block Grant funds as well as buildings damaged by the Tornado. They are discusses how and where the resources for access to the Section 108 loan program. also offering reduced rates short-term and implementing these improvements may be found. Through the annual allocation the city creates long-term office space at 74 Market Street in Financing programs such as the Small Business loan pool Springfield. Miller Development Enterprise just and the Neighborhood Storefront Improvement recently moved to 933 East Columbus Avenue, Implementing the District plans will all require a Program. Springfield, MA. coordinated financing approach that leverages • U.S. Small Business Administration. Property Financing: Economic Development private investments with public incentives and owners impacted by the tornado are eligible other resources. Beyond insurance proceeds, the for special disaster recovery loans from the • Local Mortgage Pool. There is precedent Plans call for aggressive pursuit of gap financing, Small Business Administration (SBA). The SBA in Springfield for local banks to pool their from creation of local lending pools to allocations offers low interest disaster loans to disaster resources to provide debt financing for priority of disaster-related funding, similar in type to survivors for physical losses up to its loan limits. projects. These “participation loans” are a way

136 rebuild Springfield PLAN | SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS to share the risk and provide financing at better Loans. This State sponsored program helps predevelopment to permanent financing. than market terms. complete improvements of designated projects, • Economic Development Incentive Program. • New Markets Tax Credits. The NMTC including electrical work, masonry, roofing, and This State sponsored program provides tax program was created specifically to stimulate equipment in designated Gateway cities. incentive to foster job creation and stimulate investment in businesses and commercial • Gateway Plus Action Grants. This State business growth within defined Economic projects in eligible low-income communities. sponsored program for Gateway cities provides Target Areas (ETAs). Most types of businesses serving low-income $1.35 million in funding to cities for planning • MassWorks Infrastructure Program. Provides communities, such as small technology firms, activities that expand housing opportunities a one-stop shop for municipalities and retail stores, restaurants, manufacturing, and and support the revitalization of neighborhoods other eligible public entities seeking public small business centers, could qualify if they are to enhance economic vitality and the quality of infrastructure funding to support economic active or located in low-income communities. life for all residents. development and job creation. The MassWorks • Section 108 Loan Program. Section 108 is a • Curb Appeal Program. This program Infrastructure Program provides public loan guarantee provision of the Community sponsored by Massachusetts Mutual Life infrastructure grants that support housing Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program that Insurance Company (MassMutual) provides development, transportation improvements, provides communities with a source of financing funding to improve the exterior appearances community revitalization and economic for physical and economic revitalization of homes in neighborhoods along Springfield’s development. projects. Section 108 allows cities to access a State Street corridor including a broad range • Community Development Partnership Act. federal loan pool, secured by the cities CDBG of home improvements, including landscaping, Establishes a community investment tax credit entitlement, that can provide resources and roofing, siding, painting, lighting, or upgrades for individual and corporate taxpayers designed confidence for private investment. Springfield to fencing, porches or entry doors. to encourage private donations that support has an existing Section 108 loan that has been • Mass Historic Commission. This organization community development. The credit is equal to repaid by the borrower, but not repaid to the supports historic preservation planning activities 50% of “a qualified investment” in a CDC. federal government. These funds could be in communities throughout the State through • Land Cost Write-Down. To the extent that recycled as loans in connection with projects in federally funded, reimbursable, 50/50 matching land is owned by the City of Springfield or the the tornado impact area. In addition, Springfield grant program for planning and survey work. Springfield Redevelopment Authority, the has additional Section 108 borrowing capacity. • Massachusetts Preservation Projects Fund. upfront land cost could be written down to • MHIC Debt and Equity Financing. The This State sponsored program supports the facilitate development. Massachusetts Housing Investment Corporation preservation of properties, landscapes and sites • Mass Office of Business Development. provides financing to nonprofit and for-profit (cultural resources) listed in the State Register This State run agency is a gateway to sponsors of affordable housing and commercial of Historic Places through a State-funded 50% many resources for the business interest in real estate (in low-income communities). reimbursable matching grant program. Massachusetts. They provide assistance to While MHIC works on many different types of • MassDevelopment. MassDevelopment companies striving for expansion, financial transactions, its specialty is providing financing provides real estate and equipment financing incentives, human resources, and many other that might not otherwise be available. MHIC with higher advance rates and low interest rates business needs. finances both large and small developments to help for-profit and nonprofit organizations • Tax Increment Financing. Local real estate -- including rental, SRO, ownership, assisted grow their businesses. With extensive taxes could be phased in over a period of time living, cooperative, commercial, and senior- experience and a wide range of financing tools, to enhance a project’s feasibility, particularly housing units. A wide variety of properties in including development funds, tax-exempt in its early years. The Commonwealth’s communities throughout the Commonwealth bonds, loans, and guarantees, they can provide Economic Development Incentive Program are eligible for financing.Gateway Cities financing at any stage of a project – from (EDIP) combines local TIF financing and

rebuild Springfield PLAN | SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS 137 property tax abatement with a suite of state density of at least 4 units to the acre (both The program funds a broad range of activities incentives including 5% state investment market and affordable units), 2) Transportation including new construction, acquisition and tax credit and 10% abandoned building tax improvements to enhance safety in small, rural rehabilitation of rental properties.American credit district improvement financing. A dif communities, 3) Community revitalization and dream downpayment initiative. HAp Housing enables municipalities to fund public works, sustainable development, and 4) economic administers an Addi program for up to $10,000, infrastructure and development projects by development and job creation and retention. and a “downpayment Assistance program” allocating future, incremental tax revenues Springfield was awarded a program grant available through the Springfield Office of collected from a predefined district to pay in late 2011, and the program remains a Housing provides assistance for up to $2,500. project costs. significant opportunity for rebuild Springfield • American Dream Downpayment Initiative. • Corridor Façade Program. A storefront façade implementation funding. (Addi) through HAp Housing for up to $10,000, grant program managed by developSpringfield • Springfield Chamber of Commerce TAP and the “downpayment Assistance program” is available to assist in the financing of façade Program. A Technical Assistance program that through Springfield Office of Housing for up to improvements along Main Street in the South provides grants of up to $5,000 for a variety of $2,500. end. business services, and has expressed interest • Rebuilding Together Springfield: A nonprofit • Historic Investment Tax Credits (Federal in offering expanded technical assistance (such agency that provides free rehabilitation and and State). for repairing damaged historic as accounting or banking services) to small critical repairs to the homes of low-income properties used for multifamily rental, businesses. homeowners, by using volunteer labor and commercial, and mixed-use adaptive reuse • Western Massachusetts Enterprise Fund, donated materials. The local agency is one of projects, these are among the most important Inc. The Western Massachusetts enterprise 200 affiliates nation-wide. financing sources for important older buildings. fund (WMef) helps individuals and small • City of Springfield Emergency Homeowner • I-Cubed. i-Cubed (infrastructure investment businesses finance their business needs through Repair Program. provides technical assistance, incentive program) a State program that loan programs and also provides technical interest bearing and non-interest bearing loans, promotes job growth and economic assistance through collaboration with regional as well as deferred payment loans to assist development by providing funding for the organizations. eligible low and moderate-income households public infrastructure improvements necessary • Financial Literacy Trust Fund. This State within the City of Springfield. to support major new private development. sponsored program promotes financial • Springfield Housing Rehabilitation Loan legislation authorizes up to $250 million to be literacy, education and training for residents, Program. Springfield’s Hrlp program provides invested in public infrastructure improvements businesses, educational institutions, community technical assistance; interest bearing and to support certified economic development organizations, and other entities throughout the non-interest bearing loans, as well as deferred projects to be financed with bonds issued by Commonwealth on issues such as household payment loans to help meet the financing Massdevelopment. budgeting, saving more, consumer protection, needs of Springfield homeowners interested • Massworks. The MassWorks infrastructure and the power of compound interest in long- in making needed repairs to their homes, in program provides a one-stop shop for term financial planning. particular, those who may fall short of meeting municipalities and other eligible public entities the required guidelines established by seeking public infrastructure funding to support Financing: Neighborhood Housing traditional lending sources. economic development and job creation. • Buy Springfield Now. incentives and special Massworks serves as a consolidation of six • HOME funds. This is a federally funded retail offers for new homeownership residents in former grant programs. The program provides program that assists in the production and Springfield. public infrastructure grants that support four preservation of affordable housing for low and • Urban Center Housing Tax Increment project types: 1) Housing development at moderate-income families and individuals. Financing (UCH-TIF) Program. This statutory

138 rebuild Springfield plA n | Springfield MASSACHu S e TTS program authorizes cities and towns to promote seniors, the disabled, homeless families, first- to create or preserve affordable housing housing and commercial development, time homeowners and others with limited throughout the state for households whose including affordable housing, in commercial resources. The Federal Home Loan Bank incomes are not more than 110% of median centers through tax increment financing. System is the largest single funding provider to income. The UCH-TIF Program provides real estate Habitat for Humanity. • Housing Starts. This MassHousing’s program exemptions on all or part of the increased value • Mass Save Major Renovations Program. promotes the construction of new for-sale (the “Increment”) of improved real estate. Provides homeowners who are renovating, housing under the Commonwealth’s Chapter • Housing Stabilization Fund. A state funded remodeling or making other home 40B. Through Housing Starts, developers can bond program that assists in the production improvements the opportunity to increase the apply for site approval, the first step toward and preservation of affordable housing for energy performance of the home, including obtaining a comprehensive permit. low-income families and individuals. HSF technical support, financial incentives, and other • Capital Improvement and Preservation Fund. monies may be used for the acquisition and/ offerings A State bond funded program that seeks to or rehabilitation of existing structures for sale • MassHousing. This State agency provides low preserve and improve existing privately owned, to income-eligible first-time homebuyers, cost financing for housing development and state or federally assisted affordable rental including distressed or failed properties, or the rehabilitation as well as home improvement, developments. new construction of homeownership projects. septic system repair, and lead paint removal • Community-Based Housing. The State’s CBH • The Soft Second Loan Program. A joint loans Program provides funding for the development initiative of the public and private sectors to • Springfield Neighborhood Housing Services of integrated housing for people with increase affordable housing opportunities (NHS). Provides emergency repair grants and disabilities, including elders, with priority for for low- and moderate-income homebuyers home improvement loans. NHS also provides individuals who are in institutions or nursing combining a conventional first mortgage with a Financial Fitness education for clients who are facilities or at risk of institutionalization. subsidized second mortgage to help low- and not ready to purchase for various reasons such • Housing Innovation Fund. HIF provides moderate-income households to qualify for a as: credit issues, bankruptcy or high debts. funding for the creation and preservation of mortgage and purchase a home for the first • Green Affordable Housing Development alternative forms of affordable housing. These time. Program. is a fund, established by the forms include, but are not limited to, single • Housing Development Incentive Program. Renewable Energy Trust (“RET”), acting by room occupancy (SRO) units; limited equity The HDIP is designed to increase residential and through the Massachusetts Technology cooperative housing; transitional housing for growth, expand diversity of housing stock, Collaborative (“MTC”), and administered by the homeless; battered women’s shelters; support economic development, and promote the Massachusetts Housing Finance Agency mutual housing; employer assisted housing; and neighborhood stabilization in designated (“MassHousing”), to promote the construction lease to purchase housing. Housing Development Zones within Gateway of eligible renewable energy generation • Housing Stabilization Fund. HSF is a state municipalities. It provides tax incentives to systems (“RE Systems”) in affordable housing funded bond program that assists in the developers to rehabilitate multi-unit properties developments financed by MassHousing or the production and preservation of affordable for sale or lease as market rate units: a local- Affordable Housing Trust Fund (“AHTF”). housing for low and moderate-income families option property tax exemption and a new state • ElderCHOICE. This is a MassHousing and individuals. tax credit for qualified rehabilitation expenses. program designed to provide construction • Federal Housing Tax Credits. This is a • Federal Home Loan Bank’s Affordable Housing and permanent financing for assisted living federally authorized program that assists in Program. This program provides grants to developments serving the frail elderly. the production and preservation of affordable support specific development projects serving • Massachusetts Affordable Housing Trust Fund. rental housing for low-income families and a wide range of neighborhood needs including The AHTF was created to provide resources individuals. The program supports a broad

rebuild Springfield PLAN | SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS 139 range of activities including acquisition, new • Federal Tax Credits for Weatherization and affordable homes for working families. Make construction, and rehabilitation of existing Renewable Energy. 30% with no upper limit it right emphasizes high quality design, while rental properties consistent with the State’s for geothermal heat pumps, solar energy preserving the spirit of the community’s culture. Qualified Allocation Plan. systems, solar hot water heating, and small wind • Weatherization Assistance Program. Funded • CEDAC Home Funders. The HF collaborative turbines. Particularly in larger redevelopment by the U.S. Department of Energy, the was created to address the unprecedented areas, a district geothermal system would be Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) crisis in affordable housing for very low income particularly attractive as a cost effective solution. enables low-income families to permanently families in Massachusetts. This partnership of Federal tax credits for residential insulation, reduce their energy bills by making their private funders came together based on the windows, heating and cooling systems and homes more energy efficient. In Springfield, the belief that without adequate housing, all other water heaters. program is administered through Springfield social investments are at risk. • Energy Efficient Mortgage (EEM). This is Partners for Community Action. • Neighborhood Stabilization Program. NSP a mortgage that credits a home’s energy • New England Farm Workers’ Council. This was developed by the U.S. Department of efficiency in the mortgage itself. EEMs give organization offers the Heating Emergency Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to borrowers the opportunity to finance cost- Assistance Retrofit Tasks Weatherization provide emergency assistance to state and effective, energy-saving measures as part of a Assistance Program (HEARTWAP) to local governments to acquire and redevelop single mortgage and stretch debt-to-income income-eligible homeowners. HEARTWAP foreclosed properties in areas of greatest qualifying ratios on loans thereby allowing is administered by the Springfield Office of need that might otherwise become sources borrowers to qualify for a larger loan amount Housing and is designed to provide emergency of abandonment and blight within their and a better, more energy-efficient home. heating system repair; pay for the cost of an communities EEM’s are now more easily available through annual inspection of a fuel burning system; Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and available or pay for the replacement of the system, if Financing: Energy and Sustainability through FHA. needed. • Enterprise Community Partners. The Green • Mass Save Energy Assessments. Mass • Energy Incentives. Grants and low-interest Communities group provides capital solutions Save works with certified Energy Specialists, loans from utilities and government agencies for and policy advocacy for local housing, Home Performance Contractors (HPCs) and replacing or installing energy-efficient building community development and greening efforts Independent Installation Contractors (IICs) to components, heating systems, weatherization, • Full Spectrum of NY, LLC. The national market provide high-quality Home Energy Assessments energy saving appliances, etc. leader in the development of mixed use and and weatherization installations. • Rebuild Western Massachusetts Program. mixed income green buildings in emerging • Springfield Partners for Community Action. Sponsored through the Massachusetts urban markets. This organization works closely with Western Department of Energy Resources; Promotes • EnviRenew. This is a program supported by The Massachusetts Electric Company (WMECO) and energy efficient building practices for new Salvation Army that seeks to address the glaring Columbia Gas to offer free programs including construction and repairs of residential and discrepancy between good quality, sustainable home weatherization services, light bulbs, and commercial structures, including grant and zero homes and their high purchasing and resources that can save a up to $350 annually in interest construction loan funds. occupancy costs. EnviRenew aims to establish a energy bills. • State Income Tax Credit for Renewable replicable model for affordable housing while at • Center for Ecological Technology (CET). Energy. 15% up to $1,000 for installation of a the same time establishing community capacity From offices in Pittsfield, Northampton and renewable energy system in a home, including so that communities can grow even stronger Springfield, CET finds sustainable solutions solar, photovoltaic, solar space heating, solar than before. to complex issues in order to benefit our water heating, or wind • Make It Right. Builds safe, sustainable and environment, health, economy, and community.

140 rebuild Springfield PLAN | SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS Programs include topics such as: Renewable • Affiliated Chamber of Commerce of Greater County, Inc. This company’s main goal is energy access for residents, businesses, Springfield. This organization has been a tool to help develop workforce skills to meet the farms and organizations; Energy-efficiency for for enhancing business development and changing demand for labor. The Regional residents and businesses; Waste management viability for over 115 years. The Chamber’s Employment Board of Hamden County also (reuse, recycling, composting and toxics use dynamic role of promoting, supporting, and provides information that connects job seekers reduction); and Environmental education for educating the business community makes it a with openings throughout the region. students and teachers. key resource for the region. • Springfield Technical Community College • Enterprise Green Communities. Enterprise • Massachusetts Small Business Development (STCC) and Holyoke Community College Green Communities provides funds and Center. This organization provides links to Workforce Training. A recently revitalized expertise to enable developers to build and various resources for Massachusetts businesses effort by to reach out to area businesses rehabilitate affordable homes that are healthier, and works with entrepreneurs in developing and better tailor curriculum and training more energy efficient and better for the their business plan, evaluating proper financial programs to business needs. STCC has environment. strategies, and formulating a successful also been proactively forming workforce • Gateway City Parks Program. This State business structure. The center is located at training partnerships with regional and sponsored program supports significant park Scibelli Enterprise Center, which is at 1 Federal national companies, particularly in the projects for underserved urban populations. Street in Springfield. telecommunications sector. • Barr Foundation. The Barr Foundation is • Western Massachusetts Economic • MassGREEN. Initiative through STCC provides committed to helping Massachusetts meet or Development Council. The council’s main energy efficiency workforce training programs exceed their 2020 and 2050 targets for reducing interest is to provide expertise and guidance to help ensure that the state has the workers greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. They support to resources that include business retention, and businesses necessary to achieve ambitious projects promote health and the quality of life business attraction, tourism, technology energy efficiency goals. that flow from new green jobs, more efficient development, government affairs, and • FutureWorks. This is a career center operated buildings, and a highly efficient transportation infrastructure. in support of Regional Employment Board network. • Springfield Business Improvement District. of Hampden County (REB) efforts to address Moving Springfield forward in entertainment, workforce development for the entire region. Resources: Economic Development beautification, and marketing is the SBID’s Located at the STCC Technology Park, business. The SBID offers a venue for FutureWorks is well located to serve District Several entities in Springfield might function as advertising and business promotion to the 2 residents, and provides a variety of classes, technical assistance/economic development Greater Springfield community. workshops, advisory services, and employment resource entities for implementation of the • Westmass Area Development Corporation. resources. Rebuild Springfield Plan. These include: Westmass is an experienced regional, • Massachusetts Career Development Institute. private not-for-profit industrial and business MCDI offers training to out of school youth • Latino Chamber of Commerce. This Statewide development corporation created to promote and adults who want to learn a skill for job organization supports education and business and assist business growth in western placement, with the capability to train up to opportunities, particularly in Western Massachusetts. The organization is actively 1800 students per year. MCDI provides career Massachusetts. It has setup a network of offering development expertise and immediate counseling services, job seeking skills and partnerships with businesses and organizations access to storage and warehouse space on a services, and internship programs. MCDI throughout the region to best achieve their goal temporary basis to businesses affected by the also provides a youth program to re-engage of assisting businesses, especially within the tornado. disconnected youth through vocational training, Latino communities. • Regional Employment Board of Hamden work experience, and life skill workshops.

rebuild Springfield PLAN | SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS 141 142 rebuild Springfield PLAN | SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS Acknowledgements

We would like to thank the following individuals Thanks to Sponsors who personally contributed countless hours towards successfully engaging the Springfield DevelopSpringfield Balise community and sheparded so many meaningful Mayor Sarno Baystate Health recommendations. They all worked tirelessly to Nick Fyntrilakis BerkshireBank ensure that the Rebuild Springfield Plan will be as Jerry Hayes C&W Realty Company impactful as possible. Maureen Hayes Constellation Energy Chris Moskal Columbia Gas of Massachusetts DevelopSpringfield would also like to Gerry McCafferty Comcast acknowledge the many generous sponsors Brian Connors Community Foundation of Western for their support of such an important part of Pat Sullivan Massachusetts Springfield’s future. Kevin Kennedy Department of Housing and Community Springfield Redevelopment Authority Development Major funding for the Rebuild Springfield Plan Chris Caputo DevelopSpringfield was provided in part by a grant from the United Alicia Zoeller The Irene E. & George A. Davis Foundation States Department of Commerce, Economic Carlos Gonzalez Economic Development Administration Development Administration. David Jarnes Freedom Credit Union Don Courtemanche Gene Rosenberg Associates Funds for the Rebuild Springfield Plan were Ethel Griffin Global Spectrum provided to the City of Springfield by the Hector Toledo Hampden Bank Commonwealth of Massachusetts through Jill Russell Johnson & Hill the Department of Housing and Community Leo Florian MACRS Development. Mattie Lacewell MassMutual Jim Langone Photography MassMutual Center Finally, community members and stakeholders Peter Gagliardi NUV Bank & Trust Company from all over Springfield and the Pioneer Valley Raymond Jordan Regional Employment Board participated in the Rebuild Springfield planning Rev. Bruce Shaw Springfield Redevelopment Authority process. In addition to the Citywide and District Shalimar Colon TB Bank Charitable Foundation public meetings, many other individual and Armando Feliciano United Bank Foundation group meetings were held during the process. Jeanne Bein United Way of Pioneer Valley DevelopSpringfield would like to thank all of Kate Mein Western Massachusetts Electric Company those people. Diane Flemmings The Republican

rebuild Springfield PLAN | SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS 143 Consultant Team

Concordia Goody Clancy BNIM

• Bobbie Hill • David Dixon • Bob Berkebile • Ximena SanVicente • Ron Mallis • Laura Lesniewski • Philip Denning • Larissa Brown • Thomas Morefield • John Fisher • Jeff Sauser • Amanda Wilson • Eastman Johnson • Justin Rex

Project for Public Spaces HDR Byrne McKinney & Associates

• Cynthia Nikitin • Dan Hodge • Pam McKinney • Elena Madison • Pamela Yonkin • Steve Davies

144 rebuild Springfield PLAN | SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS rebuild Springfield plA n | Springfield MASSACHu S e TTS 145