Westfield River Crossing Study

Russell, MA

August 2019 PREPARED FOR MassDOT Office of Transportation Planning

PREPARED BY

226 Causeway Street, 6th Floor Boston, MA 02114 www.stantec.com

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The preparation of this report has been funded in part through grant[s] from the Federal Highway Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation, under the State Planning and Research Program, Section 505 [or Metropolitan Planning Program, Section 104(b)] of Title 23, U.S. Code. The contents of this report do not necessarily reflect the official view or policies of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation or the Federal Highway Administration. This report does not constitute a standard, specification, or regulation.

Cover Image: Massachusetts Historic Commission Bridge Street Bridge (Woronoco Village, Russell) Inventory Form CONTENTS

1.0 INTRODUCTION 5

2.0 EXISTING CONDITIONS 9 2.1 Population Trends and Forecasts 9 2.2 Housing Characteristics 11 2.3 Economic Conditions 11 2.4 Environmental Conditions 17 2.5 Traffic Conditions 17 2.6 Bridge Street Bridge History and Condition 21 2.7 Valley View Avenue Bridge History and Condition 22

3.0 WESTFIELD RIVER BRIDGE CROSSING SCENARIOS 23 3.1 Summary of Crossing Scenarios 25

4.0 REDEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES 27 4.1 Redevelopment Opportunities 27 4.2 Redevelopment Challenges 28 4.3 Necessary Infrastructure Improvements 29 4.4 Resources to Support Infrastructure Improvements 31 4.5 Potential Funding for Bridge Rehabilitation or Replacement 33

5.0 ECONOMIC AND TRAFFIC IMPACT OF DEVELOPMENT 37 5.1 Economic Impact 37 5.2 Forecast Traffic Volumes 37

6.0 CONCLUSION 45

APPENDIX A: BRIDGE AND HIGHWAY MEMO 47 APPENDIX B: BRIDGE INSPECTION REPORTS 53 APPENDIX C: CONCEPTUAL COST ESTIMATES 83 APPENDIX D: POTENTIAL ECONOMIC, SOCIAL, AND CULTURAL BENEFITS OF THE BRIDGE REPLACEMENT 93 APPENDIX E: TRAFFIC DATA 115 FIGURES AND TABLES

FIGURES Figure 1 Regional Location 6 Figure 2 Woronoco Village 7 Figure 3 Competitive Development Locations 13 Figure 4 Rare Species Habitat 16 Figure 5 Wetland and Water Resources 17 Figure 6 2018 Existing Daily Volume 19 Figure 7 2018 Existing Peak Hour Volumes 20 Figure 8 Potential Intersection Improvements 34 Figure 9 No Build Scenario 2038 Forecasted Peak Hour Volumes 39 Figure 10 Warehousing Scenario 2038 Forecasted Peak Hour Volumes 42 Figure 11 Manufacturing Scenario 2038 Forecasted Peak Hour Volumes 43

TABLES Table 1 Current and Forecast Population (2017 - 2035) 10 Table 2 Housing Units and Vacancy Rates 10 Table 4 Income 14 Table 5 Employment Trends, Hampden County (2015 - 2017) 15 Table 6 Employment Forecasts, Hampden County (2019 - 2023) 15 Table 7 Employment trends, Springfield ma-ct necta (2015 - 2018) 16 Table 8 Base Year (2018) Traffic Volumes 18 Table 9 Replacement Bridge Conceptual Cost Estimate 24 Table 10 Replacement Bridge Location Summary 26 Table 11 Potential Intersection Improvements 33 Table 12 Mill #2 Industry Development Opportunities 38 Table 13 Trip Generation Scenarios: Higher and Lower Generating Uses 41

4 1.0 INTRODUCTION

This report summarizes the conceptual The Village of Woronoco is in the eastern side costs, potential economic benefits, and of Town of Russell (Figure 1) in Hampden environmental impact related to the County, Massachusetts. The village is north re‑establishment of a bridge crossing of of the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90), east the Westfield River in the Woronoco Village of Route 20, and is divided by the Westfield section of Russell. The Massachusetts River. The village dates back to 1872 when Legislature directed MassDOT to complete the Jessup & Laflin Paper Mill (Woronoco The historic arch bridge has been closed to the public since this study: Mill #1) was built on the west bank of the the 1980s. Westfield River to take advantage of available hydropower at Salmon Falls. A village, SECTION 66. (a) The Massachusetts complete with housing, stores, social clubs, Department of Transportation, in and a school, quickly developed around the conjunction with the executive office of mill. The village included a variety of housing housing and economic development, shall types, including company-owned boarding conduct a feasibility study relative to the houses, single family homes, duplexes, and re‑establishment of a crossing over the row houses. Horace A. Moses later acquired Westfield river at the site of the former the business, which would eventually become Woronoco paper mill located in the town of known as the Strathmore Paper Company Russell. The study shall examine and evaluate and constructed a second mill (Woronoco the costs of and economic and redevelopment Mill #2) on the east bank of the River in 1913. opportunities related to re-establishing a The Strathmore name has remained and in crossing over Westfield river including, but addition to being called Woronoco Mill #1 not limited to: (i) the projected capital costs; (ii) the projected operating costs; (iii) the projected use levels; (iv) the environmental and community impact estimates; (v) the availability of federal, state, local and private sector funding sources; and (vi) the resulting economic, social and cultural benefits to the town of Russell and the surrounding region. (b) The department shall file a report of the results of its study with the clerks of the senate and house of representatives, the senate and house committees on ways and means and the joint committee on transportation not later than September 31, 2019.

5 FIGURE 1 and Woronoco Mill #2, they are often referred REGIONAL LOCATION to as the Strathmore Mills. To support the expanded plant operations, worker housing and other community facilities were also constructed on the east side of the river ¤£3 §¨¦93 ¤£7 õÅ128 along Tekoa Avenue and Valley View Avenue ¤£5 )"2 (Figure 2). ¤£1

¤£202 §¨¦190 §¨¦91 Like many New England communities,

£ 290 495 )"9 transportation and technological changes [20 ¤£20 §¨¦ §¨¦ in the second half of the 20th century led to 90 )"8 §¨¦ §¨¦391 §¨¦90 reduced economic activity in Woronoco and õÅ112 )"3 395 the two mills eventually ceased operation. Mill §¨¦84 §¨¦ §¨¦95 " )18 #1 ended all papermaking operations in 1993

295 and Mill #2 followed in 1999. No commercial §¨¦ )"24 [£20 HUNTINGTON activity currently takes place at Mill #1, while [£20 ¤£44 §¨¦90 limited lumber sorting operations occur in )"25 the area surrounding Mill #2 (no activities )"10 ¤£6 occur within the building itself). Many of the §¨¦195 )"28 surrounding homes, stores, and community facilities have been demolished. The once- [£ bustling portion of the village east of the river 20 MONTGOMERY now is now home to only about seventeen RUSSELL families. CENTER BLANDFORD [£202 Prior to the mills closing, the historic )"23 Westfield River Strathmore Mill Bridge (also known as 90 §¨¦ )"10 the Woronoco Bridge or the Bridge Street WORONOCO Barnes Crossing), which connects the east and VILLAGE Municipal §¨¦90 Airport west sides of Woronoco Village across the Westfield River, was closed in 1986 due to 3 ± WESTFIELD ³ structural deficiencies. Though it has been closed for more than 30 years, the Bridge RUSSELL Westfield State [£202 Street Bridge holds the sewer and water pipes University that service residents on the east side of the river. To ensure continued access across )"10 GRANVILLE the Westfield River for mill workers and [£ 20 residents, MassDOT constructed a single- 0 1 [£202 N lane temporary bridge a quarter-mile north Mile of Bridge Street at Valley View Avenue in 1986. Today, this bridge is the only roadway

)"57 access point to the eastern side of the river )"57 in Woronoco Village. Since this bridge was

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• Rehabilitate the Valley View Avenue Bridge, and • Construct a new 2-lane bridge (either at the original Bridge Street crossing location or existing Valley View Avenue crossing). A new bridge crossing could support economic development at the vacant Mill #2. However, economic development at this location would require more than a new bridge as there are numerous location and economic challenges that may limit redevelopment opportunities. These challenges include insufficient water capacity for fire suppression, a limited labor market, a lack of broadband internet access, a lack of easy access to an interstate highway, and a lack of targeted business incentives for site development.

8 2.0 EXISTING CONDITIONS

To understand the potential economic, that Russell’s population decreased by 25% social, and transportation factors that will between 2010 and 2017, from 1,775 residents inform the decision to improve access over in 2010 to 1,330 residents in 2017. This the Westfield River in Woronoco Village, decline is not matched by Hampden County, the existing conditions in the Village were where the population remained relatively explored. This section summarizes the stable. Over the same period, the nearby current demographics, economic status, and city of Westfield has experienced marginal transportation conditions in Russell, with a gains in population with a compounded focus on Woronoco Village. annual growth rate (CAGR) of 0.2%. These low growth rates indicate slow growth in the surrounding labor market and likely mean 2.1 Population Trends and Forecasts there will be weak demand for additional In the early 1900s, the Village of Woronoco housing. was comprised of a concentration of single- family houses, apartments, stores, schools, Population estimates for 2017 (American social clubs, and other community facilities. Community Survey) and future projections Its growth and development centered (developed by the UMass Donohue Institute) primarily around the two paper mills operated for Russell and the nearby cities of Chicopee, by the Strathmore Paper Company. These Holyoke, Springfield, West Springfield, mills ceased operations in 1993 (Mill #1) and Westfield are presented in Table 1. and 1999 (Mill #2). Both mills are currently Forecasted population growth is marginal abandoned and many of the surrounding across these cities and ranges from 0.2% to homes, stores, and community facilities have 0.5% annually between 2015 and 2035. been demolished. Leading up to the mills’ closure and continuing to today, Woronoco The expected future population growth does Village has had a decreasing population. not preclude development at the Woronoco Mills but indicates that any residential The demand for residential or commercial development may need to serve niche development at the Woronoco Mills in future markets such as student living or senior years depends, in part, on the expected housing. Low population growth is likely population growth. Population trends and to affect commercial development at Mill forecasts were evaluated to complement #1 or Mill #2 as businesses evaluate the employment data to better understand surrounding labor market and workforce expected housing needs and growth in the needs. surrounding labor market. The U.S. Census American Community Survey estimates

9 TABLE 1 CURRENT AND FORECAST POPULATION (2017 - 2035) WEST CHICOPEE HOLYOKE RUSSELL SPRINGFIELD WESTFIELD SPRINGFIELD 2017 Population 55,778 40,362 1,330 154,613 28,671 41,667 2020 57,815 41,228 1,343 159,235 29,581 42,251 2025 59,157 41,952 1,350 162,900 30,160 42,896

Forecast 2030 60,333 42,660 1,357 166,650 30,649 43,255 Population Population 2035 61,325 43,211 1,364 169,791 31,045 43,260 2017 - 2035 Growth Rate 0.4% 0.3% 0.5% 0.4% 0.3% 0.2%

Source: 2017 Population: US Census, ACS 2017 5-year Estimates and Population Forecasts: UMass Donahue Institute

TABLE 2 HOUSING UNITS AND VACANCY RATES WEST CHICOPEE HOLYOKE RUSSELL SPRINGFIELD WESTFIELD SPRINGFIELD Total Housing Units 24,703 17,046 586 61,935 12,446 16,247 Occupied Housing Units 22,987 15,403 531 56,331 11,971 15,276 Owner-Occupied 13,162 (57%) 6,259 (41%) 474 (89%) 26,332 (47%) 7,105 (59.4%) 10,475 (69%) units (percent) Renter-Occupied 9,825 (43%) 9,144 (59%) 57 (11%) 29,999 (53%) 4,866 (40.6%) 4,801 (31%) units (percent) Vacant Housing Units 1,716 1,643 55 5,604 475 971 Housing Vacancy Rate 7.5% 10.7% 10.4% 9.9% 3.8% 6.4% Median Housing Value $175,500 $182,700 $216,000 $148,600 $213,800 $220,500 (owner-occupied units only)

Source: US Census, ACS 2017 5-year Estimates

10 2.2 Housing Characteristics 2.3 Economic Conditions Housing information was gathered to The following section describes the economic evaluate the current vacancy rate (e.g. excess conditions in Russell. This information supply) in the Westfield Area to assess provides a basis for understanding the the need for additional residential units in strengths and weaknesses of the Mill #2 site Woronoco. As of 2017, Westfield had a 6.4% in Woronoco in comparison to other sites in residential vacancy rate. This rate is lower adjacent communities. than the vacancy rates in Chicopee, Holyoke, Russell, and Springfield, where vacancy rates The portion of Woronoco Village on the range from 7.5% to 10.7%. The state-wide eastern side of the Westfield River is vacancy rate is 9.3%. If vacancy rates remain isolated from the rest of Woronoco Village low in nearby communities and people are and Russell. A temporary, one-lane bridge unable to find competitive options, there may provides the only vehicular access to the be potential demand for housing at Mill #1. former bustling village that now houses This potential demand is reflected in recent approximately seventeen families and a marketing efforts to redevelop Mill #1 for lumber sorting yard operating around the residential uses. former paper mill. The one-lane temporary bridge on Valley View Avenue is nearing the The mix of owner-occupied to end of its useful life. renter‑occupied housing in the area is highest in Russell, where 89% of occupied Replacing the temporary one-lane bridge housing is owner‑occupied. Westfield has with a new bridge and providing two-way the next‑highest rate of owner-occupied vehicular access to Mill #2 could support housing; in Westfield, 69% of housing is redevelopment, but there are several other owner‑occupied. The extreme imbalance challenges to economic development that between renter- and owner-occupied housing must also be addressed before the mill in Russell indicates that there may be unmet could be considered a desirable location demand for rental housing in town. for redevelopment. The following known challenges to economic development at Mill Westfield has the highest median house value #2 include: of $220,000 compared to other neighboring towns whose median home values range • insufficient water capacity for fire from $148,000 in Springfield to $216,000 in suppression, Russell. Any residential housing development • limited labor market, at the Woronoco Mills would need to • a lack of broadband internet access, evaluate the revenue potential based on the • a lack of easy access to an interstate surrounding housing market and its relatively highway, and low housing prices. • a lack of targeted business incentives for site development. However, positive factors for the redevelopment of the Mill #2 site include

11 TABLE 3

SELECTED COMPETITIVE LOCATIONS: INDUSTRIAL, WAREHOUSE, OFFICE, AND MIXED USE

TYPE SITE NAME CITY USE MAXIMUM AVAILABLE DISTANCE TO DISTANCE TO SQUARE FEET UTILITIES* INTERSTATE COMMERCIAL AIRPORT Land Chicopee River Business Park Chicopee Industrial 826,000 E, N, S, W 0.5 mi (I-90) 20 mi Building 77 Champion Drive Chicopee Industrial 72,295 E, N, S, W 2.5 mi (I-90) 27 mi Warehouse Distribution Building Open Square Holyoke Mixed Use 207,000 E, N, S, W 1.7 mi (I-91) 35 mi Land Ludlow Mills Ludlow Office / Retail 500,000 E, N, S, W 1.5 mi (I-90) 20 mi Building Springfield Technology Park Springfield Office / R&D 43,000 E, N, S, W^ 0.5 mi (I-291) 20 mi Building Mill Site #2 Woronoco Manufacturing 280,000 E, N 7.5 mi (I-90) 23 mi Warehouse Distribution

* E = Electricity, N = Natural Gas, S = Sewer, W = Water ^ Data on water service was not provided, but it is assumed that the site has adequate water service given its location.

existing rail access and electrical and sewer designated as priority development sites. utility connections. Though these features are Priority development sites are parcels that beneficial, substantial challenges remain. have been locally identified for development or redevelopment and are eligible for Competing Commercial Development streamlined local permitting. Locations Employment Trends Several business parks and industrial sites in nearby communities have positive The following sections describe employment business development features such as trends in various geographical areas in vacant buildings or lots with a full range the Russell area. The mean household of available utilities, are located within 2.5 income, median household income, per miles of a major interstate, and have been capita income, labor force participation rate,

12 and unemployment rate for Russell and these trends continuing. The Springfield, surrounding communities are presented in MA Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) Table 4. Employment values for residents consists of the following three counties: within the Town of Russell are on the higher Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin. However, end of the ranges, however the information because the competitive sites and local presented is based on location of residence, labor market are)"10 concentrated primarily in meaning that employed residents could be the cities of Chicopee, Holyoke, Springfield, )"47 ¤£202 working in adjacent communities instead of and Westfield, the following summary was )"21 within the boundaries of Russell. limited to Hampden County. According to )"47 ¤£202 the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA),¤£ Employment Trends in Hampden County 5 employment in manufacturing has grown¤£5 ¤£202 A review of recent employment trends slightly (0.2% annually) in Hampden County ¤£202 and regional economic forecasts highlight since 2015. There has been larger growth in FIGURE 3 industry dynamics and the likelihood of the transportation and warehousing sectors COMPETITIVE DEVELOPMENT ")10 ¤£202 LOCATIONS §¨¦91 ¤£202 ¤£202 17 ¤£202 £ ¤5 ¤£202 16 £ ¤5 ¤£202 §¨¦391 )"21 )"33 W ¤£202 ¤£ õÅ141 20 ¤£202 ¤£202 15 Westover ¤£20 ¤£202 Barnes §¨¦91 Airport 5 §¨¦90 Municipal õÅ116 7 )"23 ¤£ 391 ¤£20 ¤£202 Airport 5 §¨¦ 6 ¤£20 ¤£202 ¤£5 õÅ141 §¨¦90 )"10 õÅ141 4 §¨¦90 õÅ116 ¤£20 ¤£20 ¤£20 3 ¤£520 ¤£20 õÅ116 ¤£ §¨¦391 20 90 £ §¨¦ 13 ¤20 ¤£202 £ õÅ141 pen uare Holyoe¤20 £202 §¨¦91 291 ¤ ¤£5 §¨¦ õÅ116 Campion Drive Cicopee ¤£5 õÅ20A Cicopee iver usiness ar Cicopee£ ¤£202 ¤20 ¤£209 ¤£ §¨¦291 Ludlo ills Ludlo ¤£202 20 ¤£20 ¤£§¨¦20 ¤£20 8 pringield Tecnology ar pringield õÅ20A õÅ147 ¤£5 õÅ187 ¤£5 õÅ159 )"83 õÅ147

)"57 ¤£202 ¤£202 )"57 ¤£5 13 õÅ147 ¤£5 õÅ187 õÅ220 õÅ187 õÅ159 ¤£202 õÅ147 ¤£202 õÅ187 õÅ159 )"75 )"83 ¤£5 õÅ220 õÅ186 ¤£202 ¤£5 ¤£202 Sources: Esri, HERE, Garmin, Intermap,õÅ192 increment P Corp., GEBCO, USGS,õÅ220 FAO, NPS, NRCAN, GeoBase, IGN, Kadaster NL, Ordnance Survey, Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), swisstopo, © OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS User Community õÅ187 õÅ159 õÅ õÅ TABLE 4 INCOME WEST CHICOPEE HOLYOKE RUSSELL SPRINGFIELD WESTFIELD SPRINGFIELD Median Household Income $48,866 $37,954 $66,985 $37,118 $51,735 $62,212

Mean Household Income $61,955 $56,014 $76,733 $52,246 $68,964 $77,055 Per Capita Income $26,432 $22,625 $30,928 $20,046 $29,344 $29,092 Labor Force Participation Rate 62.50% 57.30% 66.80% 58.50% 67.00% 65.40% Unemployment Rate 8.00% 10.20% 3.90% 11.10% 7.60% 6.30%

Source: US Census, ACS 2017 5-year Estimates

(7.5%) during the same time period (see Table the Woronoco Mills. 5). The low growth rate for manufacturing indicates tepid demand for additional Employment Trends in Springfield MA-CT manufacturing sites. Past growth in New England City and Town Area transportation and warehousing employment Another regional economic boundary seems to indicate that these may be viable analogous to the MSA is the Springfield options; however, forecasts indicate a decline MA‑CT New England City and Town Area in this industry sector. (NECTA) region, which is defined based on municipal boundaries rather than entire Looking into the future, employment counties. The trends in the Springfield NECTA estimates for Hampden County for candidate are similar to those of Hampden County. industries at Mill #2 are presented in Table 6. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Except for furniture manufacturing and other (BLS), overall manufacturing employment related products, all other manufacturing in this area has experienced a slight decline sectors as well as transportation and (-0.2%) annually from 2015 to 2018. While warehousing are expected to have a decline the manufacture of non-durable goods grew in employment in Hampden County between slightly (0.3%), durable goods manufacturing 2019 and 2023. These decreases range declined by 0.5% annually over the same between -0.4% to -1.0% annually. The low time period. These trends indicate that the growth rate for manufacturing and the manufacturing sector is not experiencing expected decline in future employment could strong growth and may limit demand for mean there will be a relatively limited market redevelopment at Mill #2. demand for re-establishing these industries at

14 Employment Trends in Westfield, MA TABLE 5 In Westfield, MA, the city closest to Russell, EMPLOYMENT TRENDS, HAMPDEN COUNTY (2015 - 2017) total employment grew by 1.6% from 20,808 jobs in 2015 to 21,145 jobs in 2016. INDUSTRY DESCRIPTION 2015 2016 2017 COMPOUND Manufacturing jobs make up 13% of all ANNUAL GROWTH 1 employment in Westfield . Major industries RATE in Westfield include precision manufacturing (e.g. aviation and submarine), education Manufacturing 19,700 19,573 19,768 0.2% (Westfield State University), medical (Bay State Medical and other hospitals), military Transportation and Warehousing 8,628 9,606 9,968 7.5% (Barnes Air National Guard and Army), Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis aviation (Westfield-Barnes Region and Gulfstream), and distribution/warehousing. TABLE 6 EMPLOYMENT FORECASTS, HAMPDEN COUNTY (2019 - 2023) INDUSTRY DESCRIPTION 2019 2023 COMPOUND ANNUAL EMPLOYMENT EMPLOYMENT GROWTH RATE Food Products 1,824 1,749 -1.0% Beverage and Tobacco 33 32 -0.9% Wood Products 303 298 -0.4% Furniture and Related Product 378 387 0.6% Miscellaneous Manufacturing 1,309 1,263 -0.9% Transportation and Warehousing 7,467 7,340 -0.4% Subtotal 11,314 11,070 -0.5%

Source: Moody's Analytics (https://www.economy.com/)

1 Source: Census, 2016 ACS 5-Year Estimate

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S:\1794\Active\179410572\GIS\mxd\Figure-2_Worono Village Map.mxd R evised:2019-05-08 By: woduwole Legend tts r multiple environmental resources associated T e u v Cold Water Fishery Wetland Type AE rn i AE with the Westfield River. FEMA-designated pi ke R Dam SHALLOW MARSH MEADOW d 100-year floodplain, regulatory floodway, and d l Westfield River SHRUB SWAMP a ie FEMA National Flood Hazard Layer WOODED SWAMP DECIDUOUS bordering vegetated wetland exist adjacent o tf R Figure 3:s WetlandAE and WaterAE: Resources 1% Annual Chance of Flooding (with BFE) to the river throughout the study area. The e $$ d 90 0 125 250 500 l §¨¦ AE: Regulatory Floodway ¯ W ( Legend Feet existing, temporary bridge on Valley View e i Notes f Cold Water Fishery Wetland1. Coordinate System: Type NAD 1983 StatePlane Massachusetts Mainland FIPS 2001 t 2. Data Sources: MassGIS Avenue crosses through several flood hazard s Dam 3. Background:SHALLOW Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, MARSH GeoEye, MEADOW Earthstar Geographics, CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AeroGRID, IGN, and the GIS User Community

e zones and a small area of wetland. The Westfield River SHRUB SWAMP W V closed Bridge Street Bridge also crosses FEMA National Flood Hazard Layer a WOODED SWAMP DECIDUOUS l l through flood hazard zones, but does not Figure 2: Woronoco VillageAE: 1% MapAnnual Chance of Flooding (with BFE)e y AE: Regulatory Floodway 0 125 250 500 $$ cross mapped bordering vegetated wetland. ¤£20 V (¯ Legend i Feet Notes e Coordinate System: NAD 1983 StatePlane Massachusetts Mainland FIPS 2001 1. w 2. Data Sources: MassGIS Bridge Street Bridge (Closed) Interstate C 3. Background: Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics, CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AeroGRID, IGN, and the GIS User Community The Westfield River corridor and adjacent A S v X Valley View Avenue Bridge Valley ViewAEU.S. Avenue Highway Bridge e AE R n Tekoa Mountain Wildlife Management Area (Single Lane Temporary) A u Minor Road I e L are central to the area’s significant rare Eagle Creek Hydro Electric R CSX Rail Road Tracks O species habitat. With the exception of Mill #2 Power Plant A D T and a handful of the residential properties Notes R 1. Coordinate System: NAD 1983 StatePlane Massachusetts Mainland FIPS 2001 A 2. Data Sources: MassGIS C on the east side of the Westfield River, the 3. Background: Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics, CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS,3 AeroGRID, IGN, and the GIS User Community K 2 S Natural Heritage and Endangered Species e t P u oc Program has identified the eastern side of rd )"23 o AE AE ha dfo R s lan si Woronoco Village as Estimated and Priority B d c oa d l R R MILL 1 o O a Habitats of Rare Wildlife. In some areas, this d designation extends to Woronoco Road on MILL 2 Potash Brook Hydro the western side of the river. Electric in V ¤£ nta ie Tekoa Avenue 20 u w Plant Though these environmental constraints Mo T Bridge Street ridge e eet B would trigger wetland permitting, they do not r e St r r r idg a B H W appear to be significant enough to pose a c i e l o l r o AE barrier to constructing a new bridge at either La S n u t o re r c location. l e o AE R e oa d t R o W a d e s 2.5 Traffic Conditions t f i e l The roadway network in Woronoco Village d AE M a ss R is typical of New England industrial villages. a i ch v us e The main road, Woronoco Road, is a bypass ett s T r S:\1794\Active\179410572\GIS\mxd\Figure 3_Wetland and Water Resources.mxd Revised: 2019-05-08 By: woduwole By: 2019-05-08 Revised: Resources.mxd Water and 3_Wetland S:\1794\Active\179410572\GIS\mxd\Figure u road to State Highway Route 20. Woronoco rn pi Road is two lanes with varying shoulder ke width. Other roads in the Village are narrow local roadways. Though aerial imagery §¨¦90

17 Figure 3: Wetland and Water Resources $$ 0 125 250 500 (¯ Legend Feet Cold Water Fishery Wetland Type Dam SHALLOW MARSH MEADOW Westfield River SHRUB SWAMP FEMA National Flood Hazard Layer WOODED SWAMP DECIDUOUS AE: 1% Annual Chance of Flooding (with BFE) AE: Regulatory Floodway

Notes 1. Coordinate System: NAD 1983 StatePlane Massachusetts Mainland FIPS 2001 2. Data Sources: MassGIS 3. Background: Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics, CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AeroGRID, IGN, and the GIS User Community shows a roadway to the east of Mill #2, this December 2018. abandoned logging road is not currently passable. Weekday morning (7am-9am) and afternoon (4pm-6pm) peak period intersection turning One of the challenges in Woronoco Village movement counts (TMC) were conducted is its distance from a major highway. The at the following study area intersections in Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90) passes December 2018: very close to Woronoco, but the nearest interchange is approximately 7.5 miles from • Route 20 at Woronoco Road (west) the Village at I-90 Exit 3 in Westfield. • Woronoco Road at Valley View Avenue • Route 20 at Woronoco Road (east) To understand traffic patterns in Woronoco Village, traffic data was collected in These TMCs included counts for all vehicular, pedestrian and bicycle movements. TABLE 8 Stantec also obtained 24-hour automatic BASE YEAR (2018) TRAFFIC VOLUMES traffic recorder (ATR) counts with vehicle MORNING PEAK HOUR AFTERNOON PEAK HOUR speeds and classifications at 6 locations: DAILY LOCATION Peak Hour Kc Directional Peak Hour Kc Directional • Woronoco Road (North of Valley View VOLUMEa Volumeb Distributiond Volumeb Distributiond Avenue) • Woronoco Road (South of Valley View Avenue) Woronoco Road 126 15 11.9% 53% NB 13 10.3% 62% NB • Woronoco Road (South of Bridge Street) North of Valley View Avenue • Hill Street (South of Bridge Street) Woronoco Road 148 14 9.5% 50% NB 14 9.5% 64% SB • Valley View Avenue (East of Bridge Street) • Valley View Avenue (East of Woronoco South of Valley View Avenue Road) Woronoco Road 208 14 6.7% 57% NB 24 11.5% 62% NB South of Bridge Street All ATR data was collected on Tuesday December 4th, 2018. Hill Street 31 4 12.9% 50% NB 4 12.9% 100% NB South of Bridge Street A summary of the daily 2018 traffic volumes is shown in Table 8. Base year (2018) Valley View Avenue 40 8 20% 63% NB 4 10% 50% NB peak hour traffic volumes at study area East of Bridge Street intersections are shown on Figures 6 and 7. Valley View Avenue 173 14 8.1% 71% WB 17 9.8% 59% EB It is worthwhile to note that the TMC data East of Woronoco Road shows that there was no pedestrian or bicycle a activity at the intersections during the periods Daily traffic expressed in vehicles per day in which traffic data was collected. This is b Peak hour volumes expressed in vehicles per hour not unexpected, as there are no pedestrian or c Percent of daily traffic that occurs during the peak hour bicycle facilities in the study area. d Directional distribution of peak hour traffic

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20 2.6 Bridge Street Bridge History The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has concurred that the bridge is potentially and Condition eligible for the National Register of Historic The Bridge Street Bridge was closed by Places. If removal of this bridge is chosen, MassDOT to all vehicular and pedestrian a full structural analysis would be required traffic in 1985. This historic open-spandrel, prior to demolition. This analysis would need rib-arch was built in 1924 and is one of to demonstrate that rehabilitation is not the few examples of this rare bridge type feasible. Removal would also require specific that remain. It is an arch bridge with a total documentation of the bridge (e.g. photos, length of 400 feet, consisting of two 65- historical narrative) and coordination between foot approach spans and three arch spans the Massachusetts Historical Commission, which are approximately 104 feet, 62 feet, the Russell Historical Commission, MassDOT, and 104 feet, respectively. At this crossing, and the Federal Highway Administration. the Westfield River is in a rocky gorge Bridge Street Bridge in 2018. approximately 50 feet below the bridge’s deck. The bridge’s middle piers are located on an island in the middle of the river. The Massachusetts Historical Commission’s 1984 Inventory report states that “The Woronoco Bridge, although presently disfigured…has suffered few irreversible changes. It remains one of the least seriously altered [open-spandrel, rib-arch type bridges], and one of the most dramatically sited, examples of this relatively rare bridge type in Massachusetts.” The bridge’s significance is noted on the MHC Inventory and on the bridge’s inclusion in the Library of Congress. Its listing is included because if its significance as an unusual or unique type that retains its integrity, the builder (Samuel M. Green Co.) is “known and important,” and because of the bridge’s significance to the area, noting that it is “one of only 8 presently‑known open-spandrel, rib-arch, reinforced concrete bridges in Massachusetts, with few structural changes. [The bridge] still retains its original deck and parapets. In a dramatic, rural setting in the Berkshire foothills.”1

1 Massachusetts Historical Bridge Inventory registration. Sum- mary of significance. Massachusetts Historical Commission (MHC).

21 2.7 Valley View Avenue Bridge channel protection were rated as satisfactory (structural elements show some minor History and Condition deterioration). Deficiencies were noted on the After the closure of the Bridge Street Bridge, deck condition, floorbeams, and stems/webs/ the existing bridge at Valley View Avenue pierwalls. The deck condition and floorbeams was constructed in 1986 as a temporary deficiencies are “severe/major deficiency” and Valley View Avenue Bridge in 2018. crossing to provide access to Mill #2 and the the urgency of repair was rated as prioritized, homes on the east side of the Westfield River. which means that MassDOT would prioritize This temporary, prefabricated bridge has a the repair when funds and/or manpower is total length of 420 feet, consisting of three available. The full inspection report can be spans of approximately 125 feet, 170 feet, found in Appendix B. and 125 feet, respectively. There are some minor deficiencies on the bridge that can be Overall, the Valley View Avenue Bridge is attributed to normal wear and usage over the adequate even though it has exceeded its last 30 years. expected life. According to rating values from the latest bridge rating, dated April 1, 2010 The bridge was last inspected in August (bridges are not rated each time they are 2018. This inspection found some inspected), all bridge components rate above deficiencies, but the structure is in overall the statutory weight for all rating vehicles. fair condition. The bridge’s deck and superstructure were rated as fair (all primary The bridge, in its current condition, is able structural elements are sound but may have to carry the load it is designed for and is minor section loss, cracking, spalling, or supporting the amount of traffic and vehicle scour) and its substructure, channel, and types the roadway is requiring of it.

22 3.0 WESTFIELD RIVER BRIDGE CROSSING SCENARIOS

This study evaluated three scenarios for development opportunities for Mill #2. providing access over the Westfield River Members of the Russell Board of Selectmen in Woronoco Village to support economic have indicated that the current bridge is a development opportunities in Woronoco. “non-starter” for developers or businesses These scenarios are: 1. Rehabilitate the considering locating in Woronoco Village. Valley View Avenue Bridge, 2. Construct a Anecdotally, developers and businesses that new two‑lane bridge at either Valley View have initially been considering redeveloping Avenue or Bridge Street, or 3. Remove the or locating in Mill #2 have abandoned any Valley View Avenue Bridge and have no bridge consideration of this location when they learn crossing of the Westfield River in Woronoco of the status and configuration of the Valley Village. In reviewing these scenarios, the View Avenue Bridge. following factors were considered: potential environmental effects, access, impact on Scenario 2: Construct a new two-lane existing residents. Bridge at either Valley View Avenue or Scenario 1: Rehabilitate Valley View Bridge Street Avenue Bridge Based on recent interviews with local officials, the preference is to replace the existing Valley A rehabilitated bridge would remain View Avenue Bridge with a new, two-lane single‑lane (11.15 feet curb to curb) which bridge at either Valley View Avenue or Bridge is not desirable for several reasons. A Street. rehabilitated one-lane Valley View Avenue Bridge would still not provide bicycle or pedestrian infrastructure and would not improve emergency and utility vehicle access. Additionally, rehabilitation is not financially Permits Likely Required for New Bridge Construction: feasible. While utility and fire trucks can cross the existing Valley View Avenue Bridge, there • NEPA Categorical Exlusion • Wetlands Protection Act Notice is a very small margin of width between the • Section 106 - Adverse Effect and of Intent bridge railings and vehicles. If development MOA were to occur at Mill #2, the existing bridge • Section 4(f) of the DOT Act would likely not be able to adequately process • Section 401 and 404 for Bridge the increased traffic. Projects Further, rehabilitating the existing bridge would likely not support improved economic

23 Though a preferred bridge location was not traffic pass by the residential properties east discussed during stakeholder interviews, a of the river. new bridge replacing the historic Strathmore Bridge on Bridge Street is preferable for Based on a conceptual cost estimate, several reasons: access to the east side of constructing a two-lane bridge on Bridge the Westfield River via the existing Valley Street is estimated to cost approximately View Avenue Bridge could be maintained $15.3 million (in 2019 dollars). A new during construction of the new bridge; a two‑lane bridge at Valley View Avenue would crossing at Bridge Street would have a shorter cost 13.1 million in (2019 dollars). See span; this location would have fewer wetland Table 9 for detailed estimates. A new bridge resource impacts, and would more provide on Bridge Street is more costly because, direct access to Mill #2, rather than having all although it would have a shorter span than replacing the temporary bridge on Valley View Avenue, the river is in a deep gorge at TABLE 9 this location, so the new bridge would require REPLACEMENT BRIDGE CONCEPTUAL COST ESTIMATE a larger, more costly substructure. These estimates do not address relocating utilities; DESCRIPTION ESTIMATED COST further evaluation of the existing utilities will (2019 Dollars) be necessary to estimate relocation costs. ALTERNATIVE 1 - REPLACEMENT OF ARCH BRIDGE AT BRIDGE STREET A new, two-lane crossing in either location Demolition of Bridge No. R-13-002 (07D) $600,000 would require widening both roadway approaches. If a new bridge was constructed Removal of Cellular Cofferdam Piers $120,000 at Valley View Avenue, there would be Temporary Bridge No. R-13-02T (AAE) Removed and Stacked $70,000 substantial wetland and floodplain impact as Valley View Avenue would need to be Bridge Structure, Bridge No. R-13-002 (Bridge Street) $11,000,000 widened and realigned to with the new bridge. No substantial wetland resource impacts Subtotal $11,790,000 are anticipated if the new bridge were 30% Contingency $3,537,000 constructed along Bridge Street. TOTAL $15,327,000 In either location, the proposed ALTERNATIVE 2 - REPLACEMENT OF TEMPORARY BRIDGE AT VALLEY VIEW AVENUE superstructure would have an overall width of Demolition of Bridge No. R-13-002 (07D) $600,000 40 feet, providing two 5‑foot sidewalks and two 12‑foot travel lanes with 3‑foot shoulders. Removal of Cellular Cofferdam Piers $120,000 The preferred structure type for locations over water are precast concrete because Temporary Bridge No. R-13-02T (AAE) Removed and Stacked $70,000 they are not as susceptible to corrosion or Bridge Structure, Bridge No. R-13-002 (Valley View Avenue) $9,300,000 deterioration as other materials. For the span lengths in question, prestressed New England Subtotal $10,090,000 Bulb Tee (NEBT) girders could be selected 30% Contingency $3,027,000 because they are capable of spanning up to TOTAL $13,117,000 150 feet when designed as continuous.

24 A replacement of the existing arch bridge Avenue is already two lanes but narrows to at Bridge Street could have three spans one lane as it approaches the bridge. This arranged as 140 feet, 120 feet, and 140 feet. work is estimated to cost between $525,00 A replacement of the prefabricated bridge at and $1,125,000. At the intersection of Valley Valley View Avenue could have three 140-foot View Avenue and Woronoco Road, on the spans. west side of the river, the intersection and bridge approach would need to be widened In both cases, the existing arch bridge at to allow for required truck turning radii. This Bridge Street and prefabricated bridge work is estimated to cost between $315,000 at Valley View Avenue would need to be and $675,000. removed. A new bridge would then be constructed at either the Bridge Street Scenario 3: Remove Existing Bridge location or the Valley View Avenue location. Removing the existing bridge, without Associated Roadway Improvements: replacement, is an option but would have significant impacts to both the households To accommodate a new 2-lane bridge, on the east side of the Westfield River and roadway approach improvements would be Mill #2. A bridge removal would render these necessary. properties inaccessible, unless an old logging Bridge Street Location: At the intersection road (Pochassic Road) were improved. of Valley View Avenue, Tekoa Avenue, and Interview participants indicated that Bridge Street, the intersection is large enough Pochassic Road is not currently maintained to handle the larger vehicles associated and is likely inaccessible in some areas. with potential industrial activity at Mill #2, Providing access for the residents east of the but the intersection should be resurfaced Westfield River to Russell Center, Westfield, or and striped. This work is estimated to cost Montgomery would require very substantial between $742,000 and $1,590,000 (in 2019 improvements to Pochassic Road well dollars). The intersection of Bridge Street beyond the study area. A diversion analysis and Woronoco Road, on the west side of the was not conducted for this study, nor were river, would need to be widened to allow for the economic costs of relocating the existing the turning radii of larger trucks. The traffic households explored. volume would likely be low enough that allowing the turning vehicle to occupy the 3.1 Summary of Crossing Scenarios entire roadway would be permitted. This work Based on local preference and an engineering is estimated to cost between $728,000 and review of the existing Valley View Avenue $1,520,000. Bridge, Scenario 1 (Rehabilitate Valley View Valley View Avenue Location: On the east Avenue Bridge) is not desirable because it side of the river at Valley View Avenue, the would retain the existing one-lane crossing roadway would need to be resurfaced and which is a challenge for utility and fire truck widened to taper from the new bridge back access and would not be able to adequately to the roadway’s existing width. Valley View process traffic if Mill #2 were redeveloped.

25 Scenario 3 (Remove Existing Bridge) is also allowing larger trucks to cross safely and not desirable because this scenario would comfortably. result in substantial community disruption. Removing the bridge would likely require While it is more expensive to build a new the relocation of residents on the east side bridge on Bridge Street than to replace the of the Westfield River (or re-establishing temporary Valley View Avenue Bridge with access to the neighborhood via Pochassic a new two-lane structure, this remains the Road). This scenario would also exclude the preferred alternative as it would provide the redevelopment potential of Mill #2 on the east most direct access to Mill #2, not disrupt side of the river in Woronoco. access to the households on the east side of the river, and cause the least impact to Scenario 2 (Constructing a replacement sensitive wetland areas and floodplain. bridge in Woronoco Village), was determined to be the most feasible alternative. In Of the three scenarios reviewed, replacing determining the preferred location of a the Valley View Avenue Bridge with a new replacement crossing in Woronoco Village, two-lane structure along Bridge Street would several factors were explored. These include provide the most economic development cost, community disruption, support for benefit. A new bridge with expanded width economic development, and environmental would enable two-way traffic and access impacts. for the larger vehicles necessary to support business operations and shipping access to In either location (Valley View Road or Bridge Mill #2. This alternative would also provide Street) the recommended bridge replacement local benefits such as pedestrian and bicycle would have the same configuration, providing infrastructure and improved utility and two sidewalks and two travel lanes, and emergency vehicle access.

TABLE 10 REPLACEMENT BRIDGE LOCATION SUMMARY EVALUATION CRITERIA REPLACEMENT BRIDGE LOCATION Valley View Avenue Bridge Street Bridge Construction Cost $13.1M $15.3M Roadway Improvements to Support 2-Lane Bridge $0.8M - $1.8M $1.5M - $3.1M Wetland Resource Impact Modest Minor Potential Economic Benefit Modest Modest Community Disruption Significant Minor Access 2 travel lanes, 2 sidewalks 2 travel lanes, 2 sidewalks

26 4.0 REDEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES

A replacement bridge that enables two‑way 55+ who want to downsize to smaller living traffic across the Westfield River is necessary spaces. The proposal indicates that there is for the successful redevelopment of Mill 115,000 square feet of reusable building area #2 but is not the only requirement for and highlights both the significant opportunity redevelopment in Woronoco. Site location for expansion and Mill #1’s view of Salmon challenges, existing site facilities, and poor Falls. Other proposals have included storage economic trends for prospective industries facilities and retail as well. Estimated may limit redevelopment opportunities at construction costs range from $22 million to both mills. While many of these challenges $35 million, depending on whether the space and opportunities apply to both Mill #1 and will be Class C or Class A space. To date, Mill #2, Mill #2’s location on the east side none of these proposals have materialized of the Westfield River provides additional into full development plans. Since preliminary challenges. development plans have been developed for Mill #1, this report focuses on redevelopment Redevelopment of Mill #2 will depend opportunities for Mill #2. For Sale: on actions taken, primarily by the Town Woronoco Mills Development Opportunity of Russell, to address these site location challenges and to prepare for any changes in 4.1 Redevelopment Opportunities RenderingRussell, of potential Massachusetts redevelopment at Mill #1 expected industry growth within the region. Both Mill #1 and Mill #2 are zoned for Though there are numerous barriers to industrial uses. A 2012 study, completed redevelopment, there are also opportunities by the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission . Potential for up to 127 dwelling units that potential developers could take (PVPC), identified a number of zoning - 74 One Bedroom Units, 7 Two Bedroom advantage of. changes that could be made to encourage Units, and 46 Efficiency Units redevelopment. These recommendations . 115,000 SF Reusable Building Area Although not dependent on bridge access, include revising the Town’s zoning, updating . Beautiful views overlooking Salmon Falls on the development of Mill #1, on the western side parking requirements, creating an economic Westfield River of the Westfield River, could be a catalyst for development committee, and improving water . Access to Public Sewer development of Mill #2. Though there are no and sewer service in Woronoco Village. . Located only 10 minutes from downtown Westfield active development proposals, there have . Potential Senior Housing or Student Living been initial development concepts advertised Changing an area’s zoning prior to receiving . Permitting Process Partially Completed for Mill #1. As recently as 2016, Mill #1 any specific redevelopment proposals is often . Real Estate Taxes: was advertised for sale as a redevelopment conducive to economic revitalization and - 261 Woronoco 3.2 acres $183,000 opportunity. This vision included up to 127 improves a site’s redevelopment potential. - 268 Woronoco 2.32 acres $78,600 dwelling units that could be for Westfield 2018 associated value $262,100 State University students or residents ages The existing structures located on each of the Mill properties is a significant advantage . Asking Price: $1,200,000

27 The information contained herein has been provided to us by the owner of the property or other sources we deem reliable. We have no reason to doubt it’s accuracy, but we do not guarantee it. All the information should be verified prior to purchase or lease. because some competitive sites in the (ATVs), snowmobiling, hiking, rock climbing, region would require expensive, ground-up and fishing. Capitalizing on these uses would construction. Both mills provide significant require hospitality-oriented businesses space for redevelopment. Advertisements including an outdoor outfitter to provide for Mill #1 indicate there are 115,000 recreational equipment to visiting tourists square feet available for redevelopment or residents. Recreational opportunities for and Mill #2 has approximately 280,000 the Westfield River and the surrounding trails square feet of vacant space that could can be enhanced with additional investment support a variety of industrial uses. Based in trail infrastructure and/or tourist-themed on interviews with local stakeholders and retail. various organizations, several industries were identified as potentially viable reuses of Mill #2. Most of the industries considered 4.2 Redevelopment Challenges as viable candidates for the reuse of Mill #2 Despite these opportunities, redevelopment are manufacturing-oriented and include the of Mill #2 is limited by more than the need following: food and beverage (microbrewery, for a new, two-way bridge. Other challenges cheese manufacturing, etc.), bio-mass limiting redevelopment potential at both manufacturing (wood pellets and/or chips), Woronoco Mills include insufficient water and wood processing (lumber, furniture capacity for fire suppression, lack of making, etc.). Additional, non-manufacturing, broadband internet access, lack of nearby uses that could be viable include distribution, access to an interstate highway (e.g. warehousing, and general industrial uses. interstate), limited labor market, and lack of targeted business incentives for site One advantage Mill #2 has over Mill #1 is development. To meet fire suppression direct rail access; rail access is important requirements and ensure enough pressure to resource-oriented manufacturing and volume capacity, the existing 4-inch industries such as wood pellet/chips and water lines need to be upgraded to 8-inch furniture manufacturing and other light/ lines. The lack of broadband internet access heavy industrial uses. Both Mill #1 and Mill is limiting to business communication. #2 have access to electrical service; hydro- Site observations and aerial photographs generated electricity is currently located near indicate that there may be a lack of parking the Westfield River. The sewer utilities have surrounding the Woronoco Mills. This may additional capacity for expansion, and the limit the site use or require nearby areas mills appear to be capable of being developed to be converted to parking if required. for other uses. This would lower overall Further, there has been no active discussion construction costs compared to building a among regional and state agencies about new facility. coordinating available resources to leverage private development. The Westfield River attracts outdoor enthusiasts and has been the site for the The 7.5 miles between the Strathmore Mills Westfield River Whitewater Races since and Interstate 90 are a significant barrier to 1953. Nearby trails and paths attract other redevelopment. This distance is particularly recreational uses such as All-Terrain-Vehicles challenging for any businesses who rely

28 on truck shipments and interstate access to receive needed production inputs or to transport finished goods to distant markets. Chapter 43D – Expedited Local Permitting, commonly referred to as The economic development potential of “Streamlined Permitting,” provides a transparent and efficient process Mills #1 and #2 is also affected by the for municipal permitting and guarantees local permitting decisions on availability and competitiveness of other priority development sites within 180 days. This opt-in program enables industrial sites in the region. Information from the Massachusetts Alliance for Economic municipalities to increase the visibility of their community and targeted Development (MassEcon1) was used to development site(s). The benefits of participating in Chapter 43D identify available sites for similar industrial use and review how they compare with Mills include: priority consideration for MassWorks Infrastructure Program #1 and #2. Many of the locations listed in grants, brownfields remediation assistance, and other financing Table 3 on page 12 are Market Ready Certified through quasi‑public organizations; online marketing for the site(s) and classified for expedited permitting under Chapter 43D2, have a full range of available and pro‑business regulatory climate; improved municipal planning utilities, and are located within 2.5 miles of a and permitting efficiencies; and collection of special fees for priority major interstate (I-90, I-91, or I-291). development site permit applications. Woronoco is in a relatively remote, rural area, while other competitive industrial sites are in metropolitan areas that are more accessible. Until market conditions change, prospective companies will likely prioritize these sites factor limiting the redevelopment potential of over the Woronoco Mills given their location, Mill #2. There are utility improvements that access, and available utilities. However, if would be necessary for Woronoco Village there is growth in prospective industries and to compete with nearby communities for the number of available site locations does development. not increase, companies and developers may consider the Woronoco Mills. As referenced in the 2012 Pioneer Valley Planning Commission (PVPC) zoning study, a 2006 Water Distribution Study found that 4.3 Necessary Infrastructure water distribution to was sufficient for both Improvements residences and businesses, but fire flows The condition of the existing temporary were severely deficient. These flows would bridge on Valley View Avenue is not the only need to be increased before significant development could occur in the Village. The same PVPC study reiterated the need for 1 https://massecon.com/services/readymass100/search/ improved water service, noting that existing Mass Econ provides site location services business looking to locate in Massachusetts water volumes in Woronoco Village are insufficient for fire suppression needs and are 2 A program to guarantee local permitting decisions on priority development sites within 180 days https://www.mass.gov/ likely insufficient to support redevelopment. service-details/chapter-43d-expedited-local-permitting

29 This study also identified the need for Route 20 and Woronoco Road increased sewer capacity. To improve vehicular access to Woronoco The PVPC study identified zoning and Village and ensure intersections are safe for roadway improvements that could be made trucks accessing new business(es) at Mill to support economic development and help #2, improvements should be made to both bring industry back to Woronoco Village. intersections of Woronoco Road and Route PVPC found that the current zoning in 20. At the northern intersection, Route 20 Woronoco was the “first and most critical eastbound should be widened to provide a action the town needs to undertake in order left-turn lane into Woronoco Village and the for robust economic activity to occur again in right shoulder should be widened both before Woronoco.” The study recommended several and after the intersection. This would provide The northern (top) and southern (bottom) intersections of zoning changes to make redevelopment more space for vehicles entering or exiting Route Route 20 and Woronoco Road. feasible. PVPC recommended that Russell 20 to decelerate and accelerate and allow adopt flexible, mixed-use zoning districts space for both left- and right-turning vehicles that developers could use to permit the type traveling out of Woronoco Village. of development previously proposed for Mill At the southern intersection of these two #1. PVPC also identified a need for revised roads, the right shoulder on Route 20 should parking requirements in Woronoco Village be widened to provide a deceleration lane to standardize on-street parking regulations before Woronoco Road and an acceleration and clarify the number of parking spaces lane north of Woronoco Road. Additionally, new development must provide. Additionally, the intersection itself should be widened the study recommended that the Town of to improve turning movements for larger Russell consider creating public parking areas vehicles. Alternatively, this intersection could on town-owned land in the area to support be signed to instruct larger trucks to use the redevelopment and enhance recreational northern intersection of Woronoco Road and opportunities. Route 20. In addition to reviewing zoning regulations, Roadway Improvements to Support a New the 2012 PVPC study identified roadway Bridge improvements that the Town could pursue to encourage economic development and Bridge Street redevelopment at Mills #1 and #2. As part of this study, the local roadways were The roadway geometry at the intersection of reviewed. Four roadway improvements were Bridge Street, Valley View Avenue, and Tekoa recommended to support a new two-lane Avenue (on the east side of the Westfield crossing over the Westfield River and support River) can support two lanes of traffic, any redevelopment activities. Two of these including trucks accessing Mill #2, but should improvements echo recommendations made be resurfaced and striped. However, Bridge by PVPC in 2012. These improvements Street narrows to meet the existing (closed) are shown on Figure 8 (on page 34) and arch bridge, therefore some widening would construction estimates can be found in need to occur to meet a new two-lane bridge Table 11. (See Figure 8).

30 On the west side of the Westfield River, Bridge TABLE 11 Street would also need to be widened to meet a new bridge. At the intersection of Bridge POTENTIAL INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS Street and Woronoco Road, the intersection INTERSECTION DESCRIPTION ESTIMATED COST should be widened to allow larger trucks to (2019 Dollars) turn and the intersection’s edges should be defined to clearly identify the intersection. Woronoco Road and Route 20 (north) • Provide a left-turn lane into Woronoco $4.9M - $10.6M Even with redevelopment at Mill #2, traffic Village volumes are anticipated to be low enough • Widen shoulder to provide deceleration that allowing one vehicle to occupy the entire and acceleration lanes roadway would be practical. Woronoco Road and Route 20 (south) • Widen intersection to allow trucks to turn $1.5M - $3.2M Valley View Avenue • Widen shoulder to provide deceleration and acceleration lane If a new two-lane bridge were constructed on Valley View Avenue, the roadway would New Bridge at Bridge Street • Widen intersection to allow larger trucks $1.5M - $3.1M need to be widened to meet the bridge. At to turn and better define the intersection Valley View Avenue and Woronoco Road, the (Bridge Street and Woronoco Road) intersection and bridge approach would need • Resurface and widen to meet new bridge to be widened to allow for truck turning and (Bridge Street) traffic (See Figure 8). • Resurface and stripe (Bridge Street, Valley View Avenue, and Tekoa Avenue) 4.4 Resources to Support New Bridge at Valley View Avenue • Widen intersection and bridge approach $0.8M - $1.8M Infrastructure Improvements (Valley View Avenue and Woronoco Road) To become competitive with other existing • Resurface and widen to meet new bridge site locations, there are resources available (Valley View Avenue) from regional and state agencies to support public infrastructure projects and incentivize private development. Information about the MassWorks infrastructure grant program has invested more than $358 million in 177 was provided by the Executive Office of infrastructure projects in 128 municipalities3. Housing and Economic Development MassWorks funding could be used within (EOHED). EOHED identified important Woronoco Village to: elements of the MassWorks program that could support revitalization efforts at • Increase water capacity to meet fire Mill #2. MassWorks, started in 2011, is a suppression needs, competitive grant program that provides • Improve transportation performance, funding for municipalities and other public • Expand recreational or community entities for public infrastructure projects infrastructure, and/or that support housing and job growth within • Modernize sewer operations (if necessary). Massachusetts, especially for areas in need of economic growth. Since 2015, the program 3 https://www.mass.gov/service-details/massworks-infrastructure-grants

31 ¤£20 River Westfield

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W Woronoco Road and Bridge Street or o Westfield River Massachusetts Turnpikeno co • Widen Bridge Street to meet the Rd Woronoco Road and Route 20 (south) width of the new bridge. • Widen shoulder to provide • Better define the intersection Ro ute deceleration lane. beginning and end. 20 • Widen intersection to allow trucks • Mill and overlay the roadway, to turn widening as necessary. N

32 The average MassWorks grant award is $2 connect to broadband internet access million. To meet selection criteria, projects through middle and last mile programs. must demonstrate that they provide a public benefit. Though the program does not require In addition to funding potentially available a local match, program guidance states that from public and non-profit sources, if a “applications that include funding support developer or business is interested in Mills #1 from other government or local sources will or #2, there is the potential for private funds be more competitive.”4 Some examples of to support infrastructure improvements. MassWorks projects in the area include: In 2012, the Pioneer Valley Planning • Westfield, MA: $1.9 million award in 2016 Commission identified some strategies that for signalization and improved the Town of Russell could implement to both transportation access to Springfield Road5. entice economic development and support • Ludlow Mills, Ludlow, MA: $3.5 million local businesses. These recommendations award in 2017 to construct Riverside Drive, include: which opened 60 acres of pre-permitted light industrial land up for redevelopment. • Forming an economic development This investment has enabled up to $300 committee and working with local million in additional private investment6. economic development and tourism • Ludlow Mills, Ludlow, MA: $492,000 organizations, awarded in 2016 for pedestrian lighting, • Allowing businesses to place signage on historic signage, and safety improvements town-owned land along Route 20, to the Ludlow Mills Riverwalk. • Installing signage identifying the Village of Woronoco at both intersections of Route 20 In addition to MassWorks, EOHED identified and Woronoco Road, several other resources available such as • Coordinating with the Massachusetts low interest loans for developers provided Historical Commission to establish a by the Massachusetts Development Finance National Register Historic District in Authority and the Low-Income Housing Tax Woronoco Village to make Federal and Credit (LIHTC) Program managed by the State Historic Tax Credits available to the Department of Housing and Community owners of income‑generating buildings, and Development (DHCD). • Connecting future recreational, retail, and dining opportunities to existing cultural The Massachusetts Technology Collaborative institutions such as the Jacob’s Ladder (www.masstech.org) helps rural communities Byway.

4 2019 MassWorks Infrastructure Program Request for 4.5 Potential Funding for Bridge Responses, Guidelines, and Application Information (https:// www.mass.gov/files/documents/2019/05/13/2019%20 Rehabilitation or Replacement MWIP%20GuidelinesRFP%20FINAL.pdf) There are a variety of funding sources that 5 https://malegislature.gov/Bills/189/SD2785.pdf could be used to support rehabilitation 6 https://www.mass.gov/service-details/massworks-2017- of the Valley View Avenue Bridge or award-winners

33 construction of a new bridge. Many projects federal-aid highway, bridge, or tunnel, as well of this scale utilize funding from multiple as for projects on any public road (except sources. The following is a description of local roads and rural minor collectors), the most common sources of funding for pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, and transportation improvements. transit capital projects, including intercity bus terminals. Fifty percent of a state’s STBG Inclusion on State Transportation funds are distributed in three categories Improvement Program (STIP) based on population (urbanized areas with populations greater than 200,000, other areas The State Transportation Improvement with populations between 5,000 and 20,000, Program (STIP) is a list of projects prepared and areas with populations of 5,000 or less); yearly by the Office of Transportation funds allocated by population are distributed Planning. Local communities and Regional to the three categories in proportion to their Planning Agencies (RPAs) partner with relative shares of the state’s total population. MassDOT’s Highway Division and the many The remainder of the STBG funds can be used state agencies that work together to plan, in any area of the state. A portion of STBG design, permit, and construct hundreds of funds (equal to 15% of a state’s FY 2009 highway, bridge, roadway, and intermodal Highway Bridge Program apportionment) is investments annually. The STIP is the to be set aside for bridges not on federal-aid programming document used to allocate highways, unless the Secretary determines federal funding. The MBTA and the fifteen the state has insufficient needs to justify Regional Transit Authorities (RTAs) in this amount. These structures are called Massachusetts, in cooperation with local “off‑system bridges.” The Westfield River officials and the MassDOT Rail and Transit crossing in Woronoco Village would not Division, plan, develop, and implement transit qualify for traditional STBG funding but could investments. Together, these investments are be eligible funding through the off-system listed in a single document that constitutes bridge set-aside. the STIP. The STIP includes projects such as: bicycle paths, bridges, roadways, sidewalks, Chapter 90 and transit investments. Considering the cost of a new bridge and the necessary roadway Chapter 90 funds are allocated annually improvements associated with a larger to each municipality in Massachusetts bridge, funding may need to be identified over for capital improvement projects such multiple years. as highway/roadway construction and preservation or improvement projects that Surface Transportation Block Program create of extend the life of roads and bridges. The Town of Russell receives approximately (STBG) $100,000 in Chapter 90 funding per year. The Surface Transportation Block Program (STBG) provides flexible funding that may MassWorks Infrastructure Program be used by local municipalities, regions, and The MassWorks Infrastructure Program is states for projects to preserve and improve a competitive grant program that provides the conditions on, and performance of, any

34 a flexible source of capital funds for municipalities and other eligible public entities to support and accelerate job growth and economic development throughout the Commonwealth. The program is administered by the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development (EOHED). Funds can be used to pay for infrastructure work including, but not limited to, sewers, utility extensions, streets, roads, traffic signalization, demolition, pedestrian walkways, and water treatment systems. In general, there is no set minimum or maximum amount that can be requested for a MassWorks grant, but there is a $1 million per award maximum for small communities seeking funds for roadway safety projects. The Town of Russell could apply for $1 million in roadway safety funding on top of requests made in other categories. Projects are evaluated based on several factors including the extent to which the project unlocks major development and the amount of private investment leveraged.

Private Sector Funding It may also be possible for the Town to access private funding to assist with roadway improvements and/or bridge repair or replacement. Developers or companies that want to locate in Woronoco Village may be willing to make infrastructure improvements or contribute to funds that support infrastructure projects.

35 View of the Westfield River in Woronoco Village

36 5.0 ECONOMIC AND TRAFFIC IMPACT OF DEVELOPMENT

The three scenarios (Rehabilitate Valley which evaluates the timing of development View Ave Bridge, Construct New Bridge, based on the demand and supply of nearby and Remove Bridge) were each evaluated industrial parks, specific siting requirements, to determine the range of economic and expected growth in tenants given the development opportunities based on an current real estate market. understanding of the regional economy, current trends, site visit observations, and Based on market research and local input, insights gathered from interviews. These these potential redevelopment opportunities opportunities reflect the range of potential focused on manufacturing and industrial crossing outcomes and their potential effect reuses of Mill #2. on the redevelopment of the mill sites. These job projections were used to Our analysis indicated that construction of a develop two scenarios (high intensity and new two-lane bridge at Bridge Street would low intensity) traffic volume forecasts as provide the best opportunity to increase discussed in the next section. the economic revitalization of Mill #2. However, this action alone would not solve 5.2 Forecast Traffic Volumes the other challenges limiting development opportunities, including water service Conducted using standard traffic and deficiencies, limited local labor market, planning practices, this initial transportation declining industrial activity in the area, and impact evaluation provides a broad overview the distance to interstate access. A new of the effects of the potential construction of two-way bridge would enable larger vehicles a new permanent bridge over the Westfield required to support business operations and River. Should the construction of a new bridge shipments to cross. move forward, a more detailed engineering study would typically be completed in conjunction with the design of the bridge 5.1 Economic Impact structure. An analysis of the economic development potential of Mill #2 was conducted based on Various future alternatives were analyzed the available square footage (approximately as part of this evaluation. Future 280,000 square feet). This analysis is No‑Build Conditions examine vehicular consistent with a “capacity study” and traffic conditions 20 years in the future assumes full build-out of Mill #2. This (in 2038), assuming that a new bridge is contrasts with a marketing analysis study not constructed and no other substantial

37 TABLE 12 redevelopment activity occurs in the area. The Future Build Condition examines the MILL #2 INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES impact that construction of a new bridge and INDUSTRY SQUARE FEET JOBS AT substantial redevelopment of Mill #2 will have on traffic conditions in the study area. PER JOB* MILL #2 Manufacturing 892 314 Future No Build Traffic Operating Light / Heavy Industrial 892 314 Conditions In order to evaluate transportation conditions Wood Pellet Manufacturing 1,091 256 associated with the potential bridge Timber / Lumber Industry 1,091 256 construction, future 2038 No Build Condition traffic volumes were examined to provide Biomass – Wood Chips (CHP) 1,091 256 a baseline condition for comparison. No Microbrewery / Craft Beer Manufacturing 1,273 220 Build Condition vehicular traffic volumes are those that are expected to use the roadway Marijuana Processing Plant 1,273 220 network in the future, assuming the bridge is not reconstructed and no other substantial Furniture Manufacturing 1,558 180 redevelopment activity occurs in the area. Warehousing 2,306 121 No‑Build Condition traffic volumes were projected for a 20-year time horizon (to the Trucking / Distribution 2,306 121 year 2038) based on traffic volumes collected Average 1,304 214 in 2018.

*NAIOP Research Foundation. “Stabilization of the U.S. Manufacturing Sector and Its General Background Growth Impact on Industrial Space.” P.29. Figure 18: “Manufacturing Industries (Square Feet per A general background growth rate of one- Employee)” half of one per cent (0.5%) per year was selected as the background growth rate and was applied to base year (2018) traffic Potential job estimates were calculated using average square foot per job ratios developed by the volumes. This rate is consistent with the National Association of Industrial and Office Properties (NAOIP) Research Foundation. Across growth rates employed in studies conducted all prospective industries, the average square footage per job is 1,300 square feet. Assuming full in Massachusetts in recent years. It is usage of the site, this would result in approximately 250 jobs. In addition to the jobs created by assumed that the one-half of one percent new industrial uses, Mill #2 has electrical facilities that could be renovated and reused to generate up to 500 mega-watts of power using steam powered turbines. This would support between 5 annual background growth rate employed and 15 additional jobs. Given the somewhat recent development proposal to convert Mill #1 to will also capture the trips associated with housing, Mill #1 was not included in this portion of the analysis. development projects that have yet to be identified. The selected background growth rate is expected to be high, given the expected population and employment growth rates in the region.

38 FIGURE 9

(162) 2 (2)

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Ro 7 (11) ute 0 (0) 20

1 (0) N 410 (230) 7 (10) Turning Movement Count Locations 166 (473) No Build Scenario 2038 Forecasted Peak Hour Volumes AM (PM) 39 Future No Build (2038) peak hour traffic trip generation studies submitted by public volumes at study area intersections are agencies, developers, consulting firms and shown on Figure 9. associations.

Future Build Traffic Operating Conditions The trips associated with the two Mill redevelopment scenarios were calculated The Future Build scenario consists of the using available trip generation rates contained construction of a new bridge over the in Trip Generation for corresponding land Westfield River and economic development uses. The incremental trips associated with that could occur as a result. Vehicle-trips the two Mill redevelopment scenarios are associated with this economic development shown in Table 13. Note that these uses are were projected, distributed, and assigned independent of one another. to the adjacent roadway network. These incremental vehicle-trips are added to No Based on the results of this analysis for Mill Build Condition traffic volumes to form the #2, the higher generating use of the Mill is Build Condition traffic volume networks for projected to add 227 trips (163 entering, 64 the morning and afternoon commuter peak exiting) during the weekday morning peak hours. The Build Condition also includes hour and 221 trips (95 entering, 126 exiting) any travel pattern changes associated with during the afternoon peak hour. On a daily the construction of a replacement bridge basis, the higher generating use of the Mill at Bridge Street and the elimination of the is expected to add approximately 1,100 trips temporary bridge that is currently in use. to the roadway network. This trip generation analysis assumes 100 percent of the trips Estimated Trip Generation are made by automobile and no mode split Through interviews and market data research, (including pedestrian or bicycle travel) has several scenarios were identified for potential been applied. redevelopment of Mill #2. As mentioned previously, these scenarios focused primarily Similarly, the lower generating use of the Mill on manufacturing and industrial uses. To is projected to add 62 trips (40 entering, 22 estimate the number of trips expected to exiting) during the weekday morning peak be generated with redevelopment at Mill hour and 67 trips (16 entering, 51 exiting) #2, the lowest and highest generated uses during the afternoon peak hour. On a daily were analyzed in order to provide a range basis, the lower generating use of the Mill is of expected vehicle trips. To conduct this expected to add approximately 487 trips. analysis, data contained in the Institute of Transportation Engineers Trip Generation Trip Distribution and Assignment (10th ed. 2017) was used. Trip Generation Trip generation results quantify additional software provides projections for a number trips associated with a specific development of land uses. The data contained in the Trip proposal. In order to assess the impacts Generation Manual have been obtained related to these additional traffic volumes, from the research and experiences of trips must be distributed on to the local transportation engineering and planning roadway network. professionals and is based on over 3,700

40 TABLE 13 TRIP GENERATION SCENARIOS: HIGHER AND LOWER GENERATING USES WEEKDAY MORNING WEEKDAY AFTERNOON TOTAL PEAK HOUR PEAK HOUR DAILY (trips) (trips) TRIPS Enter Exit Total Enter Exit Total Weekday

Proposed 280,000 sf Manufacturing* 163 64 227 95 126 221 1,100 (Higher Generating Use Scenario) Proposed 280,000 sf Warehousing^ 40 22 62 16 51 67 487 (Lower Generating Use Scenario)

* based on ITE Trip Generation (10th Ed. 2017) - LUC 140 - Manufacturing ^ based on ITE Trip Generation (10th Ed. 2017) - LUC 150 - Warehousing

The incremental trips expected to The new bridge is expected to carry be generated by the two distinct Mill approximately 1,290 vehicles per day under development scenarios were assigned to the the Manufacturing Mill development scenario roadway network based on existing travel or approximately 678 vehicles per day under patterns. These patterns were determined the Warehousing Mill development scenario. using data collected through 24-hour traffic Each estimate consists of a mix of traffic volume counts as well as peak hour traffic associated with the redevelopment of the mill volume counts conducted at study area and other general traffic. intersections. Year 2038 Build peak hour traffic volumes for each of the Mill development scenarios, which consist of the addition of incremental peak hour mill site trips to 2038 No Build traffic volumes, are displayed in Figures 10 and 11. Year 2038 Build traffic volumes account for the changes in travel patterns due to the closure of the temporary bridge and the construction of a replacement bridge at Bridge Street.

41 FIGURE 10

WAREHOUSING SCENARIO ¤£20 River Westfield 2038 FORECASTED PEAK HOUR

VOLUMES u

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9 (35) s

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W Route 20or o Westfield River 9 (35) no Massachusetts Turnpike co 18 (22) Rd

14 (17)

1 (1) 22 (29)

0 (0)

1 (0) N 410 (230) 19 (20) Turning Movement Count Locations 166 (473) Warehousing Scenario 2038 Forecasted Peak Hour Volumes AM (PM) 42 FIGURE 11

¤£20 River Westfield MANUFACTURING SCENARIO 2038 FORECASTED PEAK HOUR

116 (35) u VOLUMES

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B Potash Brook ¤£20 R 2 ntain V d ou i P )"23 M e ge St o w id c Br T ha ek T oa ss e Ave ic r H R r d i l (un l S im t p rov ed log 114 (34) ging §¨¦90 La ro ur ad el ) 2 (2) Rd

W Route 20or o Westfield River no 21 (84) Massachusetts Turnpike co 48 (48) Rd

51 (69)

1 (1) 52 (55)

0 (0)

1 (0) N 410 (230) 56 (72) Turning Movement Count Locations 166 (473) Manufacturing Scenario 2038 Forecasted Peak Hour Volumes AM (PM) 43 View of Mill #1 in Woronoco Village .

View of the Westfield River in Woronoco Village

44 6.0 CONCLUSION

Based on observations, socioeconomic are addressed and if there are changes in trends and forecasts, and information employment trends. Redevelopment of Mill gathered from interviews, meaningful #1, focused on residential housing, is not economic development at Mill #2 will be contingent on the condition of the current very challenging without the construction temporary bridge, but could serve as a of a new two-way bridge over the Westfield catalyst for redevelopment at Mill #2 if other River in Woronoco Village. However, there supporting infrastructure improvements are are additional barriers to the revitalization implemented and business incentives are of Mill #2 beyond bridge access that should available. be addressed to encourage redevelopment. These include: Whether or not the redevelopment of Mill #2 proceeds, there are households located on • Lack of broadband internet access, the east side of the river that require safe • Insufficient water service, bridge access across the Westfield River to • Lack of business incentives for site their homes. The current Valley View Avenue development, and Bridge, while not in need of immediate • Limited labor pool. repairs, is nearing the end of its anticipated useful life. The Town of Russell should initiate Historical trends and forecasts for discussions with PVPC and MassDOT to employment in prospective industries and begin the planning process to either construct population changes indicate marginal a new bridge or identify alternative access for or negative growth in the future; these these residents. conditions are not conducive to significant In a 2012 study, the Pioneer redevelopment opportunities in the area. The preferred location for a new Westfield Employment in industries identified as River crossing in Woronoco Village is on Valley Planning commission potential reuses for Woronoco Mill #2, Bridge Street. This location provides the most found that revising the zoning including manufacturing, transportation, direct access to Mill #2 and would maintain in Woronoco Village was the and warehousing, are forecast to decline access to the eastern side of the river during in Hampden County from 2019 to 2023. construction; however, a bridge a this location "first and most critical action Population growth is only expected to would cost more to construct compared to the Town needs to undertake increase between 0.2% and 0.5% annually the Valley View Road location. A two-lane in order for robust economic for Russell, Westfield, and other surrounding new bridge on Bridge Street with needed communities between now and 2035. approach roadway improvements would cost activity to occur again in between $16,127,000 and $17,127,000. The Woronoco." The revitalization potential of this area could additional potential roadway improvements depend on how well site location factors

45 within Woronoco Village would cost between In reviewing the potential impacts, costs, $2,300,000 and $4,900,000. and economic development potential, Bridge Street would be the best location for a new, The environmental resources in the Woronoco two-lane crossing in Woronoco Village. While Area are primarily associated with the the economic development potential would Westfield River and Tekoa Mountain Wildlife be very challenging without a new bridge Management Area. A new Bridge Street over the Westfield River, a new crossing bridge would have limited environmental would not necessarily induce development impact, other than minor impact to 100- without additional utility improvements year floodplain. A new bridge at Valley View and financial incentives . In addition to Avenue would likely have substantially greater considering a permanent crossing to replace impact to environmental resources, including the temporary Valley View Avenue Bridge, the bordering vegetated wetland, floodplain, and Town of Russell should begin implementing wildlife habitat. Both sites are within Priority other strategies, such as rezoning Woronoco and Estimated Rare Species Habitat, but Village, improving water and sewer service, impacts at Valley View Avenue would likely and creating an economic development be more significant due to the likelihood committee to both support existing local that a bridge in this location would require businesses and help attract new development a pier in the water. This pier, combined with to Russell. the floodplain and wetland impacts of the bridge approaches, might result in significant impacts at Valley View Avenue that would not be created with a new crossing at Bridge Street.

WESTFIELD RIVER CROSSING STUDY

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