Rebuild Springfield

rebuild springfield

Progress Report 2014

Springfield Rebuild Springfield Plan Redevelopment Progress Report 2014 Authority Progress Report 2014 What began three years ago as tornado recovery has become something much more powerful.

On June 1, 2011, the gale force winds that pushed through Springfield left both rubble and hardship in their wake.

But that was then. Now, we come together to remember not the devastation that was put upon us, but the strength with which we’ve met the challenge.

While the tornado changed the face of many Springfield neighborhoods, it is not that force that has charted our course forward. It is our residents, businesses, public servants, and nonprofit partners who have re-energized our city and proactively

planned its redevelopment. Photo credit: The Republican

When we began the Rebuild Springfield planning process, more than 3,000 residents participated in setting redevelopment priorities for our tornado-damaged districts and for strengthening the city as a whole. Today, many of those people are still at work creating change within our community.

If you drive through Springfield today, you will see the early fruits of our labors: beautiful new homes are going up on Central Street, thousands of trees have been replanted, parks have been restored, the rehabilitation of Union Station is underway and the South End is poised for major new investment. In fact, an estimated $2.48 billion in new investment in private and public development projects is currently planned or underway.

Though we have made great progress, work still remains to be done. Unlike the fast and random acts of nature, the redevelopment process can be lengthy. However, even some of the largest and most difficult jobs, such as the replacement of Cathedral High School and the development of a new South End Community Center, are now seeing action.

What began three years ago as tornado recovery has turned into the building of a stronger, healthier, and more prosperous Springfield.

Respectfully,

Domenic J. Sarno Mayor

2 Rebuild Springfield Progress Report 2014 About the Rebuild Springfield Plan

The Rebuild Springfield Plan is a city-wide master plan designed to provide a framework for addressing the redevelopment needs of neighborhoods impacted by the June 1, 2011 tornado. Additionally, the plan serves as a guide for addressing a wide range of issues relevant to the city as a whole. Tornado-impacted neighborhoods are grouped into three districts, each with respective sections in the plan. City-wide focus areas are divided into six sections referred to as nexus domains. These domains en- compass the physical, cultural, social, organizational, educational, and economic components of a healthy Photo credit: The Republican and vibrant community. The Rebuild Springfield Plan Gerald Hayes and Nick Fyntrilakis, co-chairs of the includes specific recommendations and strategies for Rebuild Springfield Plan during the meeting to unveil the each district and domain developed through input master plan. from experts in a variety of fields, City leaders and staff, businesses and nonprofit organizations, and have assisted in the rebuild effort in countless more than 3,000 individuals who participated in the other ways. Implementing the Rebuild Plan is a planning process. collaborative and ongoing effort that continues as Just as the plan was developed through a broad- we work together to build a stronger Springfield. based and inclusive process, implementing its recom- The Rebuild Springfield Plan was released to the mendations has involved the efforts of numerous City public in the spring of 2012. This publication is departments, state and federal agencies, businesses, intended to provide a brief overview of the progress nonprofits, and individual citizens from every Spring- that has been made since that time. It is, of course, field neighborhood. In fact, before organized rebuild only a snapshot, as no summary can fully articulate efforts were underway, 162 property owners whose the breadth of work that has been accomplished, homes were condemned due to tornado damage made adequately acknowledge those who have participated repairs on their own — and twenty-one people whose in the process to date, or completely outline what homes were demolished built new homes. Hundreds remains to done. The full text of the Rebuild more volunteered for recovery-assistance initiatives, Springfield Plan is available online at participated in community-planning processes and www.DevelopSpringfield.com.

1182 Main Street, Springfield, MA 01103 413-209-8808 www.developspringfield.com

Progress Report 2014 Rebuild Springfield 3 Rebuild Springfield Plan Progress Highlights at a Glance

Educational Domain $ Economic Domain • New school construction and rehabilitation • Major medical campus expansions in projects completed or underway Metro Center and the North End • Expanded library hours implemented • State Data Center completed at the former • New adult education, job training, and advanced Technical High School, preserving the Elliot Street degree offerings façade and providing an estimated 100 permanent jobs • UMass joins Cambridge College and Bay Path College, opening a satellite downtown campus • MGM proposes transformative investments in Metro Center and South End • Efforts to provide workforce training to residents of Physical Domain disaster impacted neighborhoods underway • Union Station rehabilitation underway • Springfield’s first bike lane built on Plumtree Road Organizational Domain • Ordinance for expedited sale of vacant lots to • DevelopSpringfield strengthens role as City’s abutters adopted private nonprofit development partner through • New Community Garden Ordinance spurs more acquisition of several key redevelopment sites and neighborhood gardens initiation of prominent redevelopment projects • New homes built on vacant lots • Various groups working to improve the image and perception of Springfield • More than 5,000 trees planted in tornado impacted areas 1 District 1 Cultural Domain • Caring Health Center and Square One rebuild in the South End along with several area businesses • Springfield Central Cultural District approved • New South End Community Center design • Walking tours, special exhibits, programs, and in process other “Lighter, Quicker, Cheaper” events offered • Phase I and II of Outing Park Historic District Social Domain rehabilitation completed — Phase III underway • Emerson Wight Park renovations completed • Enhanced downtown police deployments implemented District 2 • $1 million grant received to launch new 2 public-safety initiative in the South End • New Brookings School under construction • Live Well Springfield public-health • Five new single-family homes under construction initiative launched on Central Street, additional homes planned • Plans for development of a full-line grocery store in • Commonwealth Academy opens at former Mason Square in process MacDuffie School, repairs to the historic campus are underway 3 District 3 • Dryden School renovation completed • Insurance and federal aid awards finalized for Cathedral High School • Residents working to bring a new library/community center to the neighborhood

4 Rebuild Springfield Progress Report 2014 Visible Change

hysical reconstruction was clearly a main focus of the Rebuild Springfield Plan. The effect of seeing devastated neighborhoods and bare sky- Plines where large trees once stood had both practical and emotional impact on our city. One of the most exciting and tangible signs of progress has been the rebuilding of Central Street. After more than two years of cleanup, planning, securing federal funding, and selecting developers, construction on Central Street is in full swing. The new homes will provide increased homeownership opportunities and a much-needed lift to the community as residents see new construction as the culmination of years of hard work. The physical improvement of On Central Street, Viva Development works to complete four beautiful new homes to fill gaps left by the tornado. neighborhoods has gone beyond The City has committed federal funds to restore what Mayor Sarno called “the gateway to downtown and East repairing tornado damage. Rebuilding Forest Park.” North End Housing Initiative is also building new homes in the area and the City will provide financial Together recently announced an assistance to support development of 14 more homes in the neighborhood over the next three years. exciting “Green-N-Fit 10-in-10” initiative to revitalize the Old Hill neighborhood by rehabilitating homes on ten contiguous blocks from Tyler Street to Hickory Street over ten years. HAPHousing, Springfield Neighborhood Housing Services, Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity, Home City Housing, and other nonprofit housing providers, along with private developers such as First Resource Companies, have contributed substantially to physical transformation in many neighborhoods throughout the “City of Homes.” In addition to housing improvements, schools are being reconstructed, parks restored, and trees replanted. Major street, transportation, and other infrastructure improvements are planned or underway throughout the When completed in 2016, Union Station will include a restored terminal building and central concourse city, including in the tornado-impacted servicing Amtrak intercity rail and planned New Haven-Hartford-Springfield commuter rail, local and intercity districts. buses and taxi, bicycle and pedestrian travel in one state-of-the-art inter-modal transportation complex.

Progress Report 2014 Rebuild Springfield 5 A Community Strengthened

s we all know, a city is much more than just its buildings and streets; urban planning and access to resources have Aa direct impact on the health and safety of its residents and their overall quality of life. The Rebuild Springfield Plan took these factors into account and called for improved access to arts, culture, and health resources as well as for enhanced public safety for all Springfield residents. Live Well Springfield is an example of a key initiative intended to improve the lives of Springfield residents and raise the profile of Springfield as a destination for healthy living in the region. Funded through a federal grant, Live Well has engaged over 30 organizations and programs across the city, all working toward improving health outcomes and reducing health disparities. The Pioneer Valley Riverfront Club is offering indoor and outdoor rowing programs to Springfield The creation of a walkable Springfield Central Cultural District, newly approved by the Mass Cultural Council, is residents of all ages, helping intended to help promote existing city attractions, including the Springfield Museums, Old First Church, them build confidence, increase MassMutual Center, City Stage, and Symphony Hall. fitness, and enjoy the beauty of the Connecticut River. The GoFresh Mobile Market now has 12 stops the Community, an organization Square. This initiative will pro- other healthcare providers to across Springfield and a winter committed to healthy living and vide area residents with access to develop new facilities and expand farmer’s market. Additionally, a community transformation. fresh and healthy foods as well as existing medical campuses, new pedestrian and bike plan is In another key project, increased job opportunities and significantly enhancing access being developed for the city. DevelopSpringfield is working new investment in an underserved to health services in the region. Efforts to engage youth in with the Mason Square Food community. Expansion of Springfield’s Medical programs to bring urban agricul- Justice Initiative and other In the Metro Center and North District is also a priority economic ture and sustainable living to the community partners to develop End, Baystate Health and Mercy development strategy of the city are at the heart of Gardening a full-line grocery store in Mason Medical Center are working with Rebuild Plan.

6 Rebuild Springfield Progress Report 2014 Reconnecting the city to its riverfront is a key goal of the Rebuild Plan. The Pioneer Valley Riverfront Club has brought energy back to the Connecticut River Walk and Bikeway. It now houses learn-to-row programs for all ages, a dragon boat team for breast cancer survivors, City walking tours nurture the mind and the body, providing bike rentals, and more. cultural enrichment and physical activity.

In June of 2013, Mayor Sarno Historic Site area. These cultural announced enhanced downtown district designations are expected police deployments, including to go a long way toward meeting increased patrols by cruiser, foot, the Rebuild Plan’s goals for “better and motorbikes. These efforts are connecting the community to its designed to enhance public safety cultural amenities and assets.” with crime suppression efforts Pro Springfield Media, the and create greater police presence. Springfield Preservation Trust, Other important public safety Springfield Museums, and others initiatives are also planned or have created walking tours of the underway in Mason Square and city, including “Look up, Spring- the South End. field,” a series of free lunchtime Important cultural developments walking tours of downtown include the recent designation of Springfield’s historic architecture, the Springfield Central Cultural and the “Second Saturday Walking District — a state designation Tour” series. The museums also designed to promote and expand continue to provide numerous the historic, artistic, and cultural special exhibits and programs, assets in the downtown area. including their popular Culture Additional planning is underway and Cocktails — a great example to apply for a second cultural of the Lighter, Quicker, Cheaper Baystate completed a 640,000-square-foot, $296 million “Hospital of the Future” project at its North End campus in 2012. Called the MassMutual district that would include the events recommended in the Wing, the facility houses the Davis Family Heart & Vascular Center, a 70,000 Springfield Armory National Rebuild Plan. square foot emergency department, and the D’Amour Family Healing Garden.

Progress Report 2014 Rebuild Springfield 7 Investing in the Future

The groundbreaking for the Elias Brookings School signaled a new start for children, parents, and teachers who have been working in mobile classroom units since the tornado.

recommendations of the Rebuild Springfield Plan. After Springfield College’s International Hall was severely damaged by the tornado, $5 million in repairs were completed in record time to allow the residence hall to open for students the following year. Though the loss of hundreds of trees will take years to recover, the college has continued to invest in its Old Hill/ Upper Hill area campus. Also committed to supporting improvements in its neighborhood, American International College plans to move forward with a $25 million renovation of the landmark Indian Motorcycle building and Mason Square Fire ducation, including higher developments has been the community use. Increasing House in partnership with First education and workforce ground breaking for the new Elias library hours was an important Resource Companies. development, is a core focus Brookings School. The tornado- educational recommendation in Western New England Univer- of the Rebuild Springfield damaged building on Hancock the Rebuild Plan. sity has expanded key programs, Plan. Of course, making Street will be replaced with a new, Springfield Public Schools including their pharmacy and Esure that Springfield students have larger building on Walnut Street, partnered with the United Way engineering programs. Springfield physically sound buildings has which will feature a number of and many other organizations to Technical Community College been a top priority after the improvements, including a large, launch a citywide campaign, “Stay (STCC) has also invested in several tornado damaged several of the well-lit cafeteria, a new media in School,” to positively impact facility and program improve- city’s schools. The Massachusetts space, and a sizable gymnasium. graduation rates and decrease ments, including a new Mechani- School Building Authority The new school is expected to the dropout rate. Additionally, cal Engineering Technology center, approved full reimbursement for open in early 2015. a Parent Portal has been created Adult Basic Education services repairs and additions to the Mary In 2013, the City increased (currently implemented at the high and English for Speakers of Other A. Dryden Veterans Memorial hours at seven branch libraries school level) to allow families Languages (ESOL) programs.In School and replacement of the in Springfield from 18 hours per access to their students’ records the fall of 2014, UMass will open Elias Brookings School. week to 30 hours per week, while online. Collaboration and access a Center at Tower Square, joining One of the most exciting converting two other branches to to information were among the Cambridge College and Bay Path

8 Rebuild Springfield Progress Report 2014 Springfield College’s International Hall underwent major repair to be ready for students returning to school in the fall.

College in providing satellite facilities downtown. Course offerings for the fall of 2014 will be concentrated in the areas of advanced manufacturing, management, cyber security, information technology, and casino management. The UMass programs, designed to meet regional industry needs, are being developed in partnership with STCC and Holyoke Community College. Initiatives such as these help to meet the Rebuild Plan’s goal of “creating a system of connected Photo credit: The Republican and integrated partnerships for a The UMass Center at Springfield is the first satellite center for the five-campus University of Massachusetts system. Located at Tower Square, the center will offer more than 120 programs in health, fine arts, natural sciences, continuum of education.” engineering, green industries, management, sports, and education.

Progress Report 2014 Rebuild Springfield 9 District Metro Center Back to South End 1 Business he tornado hit businesses facades on Main Street, both but when both the old building Refusing to be derailed, Square and institutions in the before and after the tornado. The and the new site were damaged, One reopened this past September South End especially hard, South End Business Association plans were set back. in a new building in the South but it wasn’t long before has also been revitalized and now As of today, the Caring Health End, and like Caring Health most found new spaces or has close to 50 members. Center has completed construction Center, took the opportunity to Twere able to repair damage and get The new, 186-seat LUXE Burger on a new 45,000 square foot expand its community services in back to business as usual. Bar opened on the riverfront in facility and offers an expanded the process. The Red Rose Pizzeria, December of 2013, providing a array of services to the South End. The City is committed to Milano Imported Fine Food, $2 million investment in new After 130 years in the South rebuilding the South End Dave’s Furniture, and Glory business along with 90 jobs End, Square One’s executive Community Center and the design Shoes are among the businesses to downtown. director, Joan Kagan, said that of the new facility is underway. that committed to reinvesting in Two anchors of the South End, the 2011 tornado “knocked the A construction timeline is not the South End after the tornado. the Caring Health Center and organization off its foundation.” currently available but City Storefront Improvement grants Square One, had longer roads As the program regained its officials anticipate the community from DevelopSpringfield helped to recovery. The Caring Health footing, another program site on center will be under construction many of these businesses make Center planned a move to a new Worthington Street was lost in the within the next year. The Outing substantial improvements to their building before the tornado hit, November 2012 gas explosion. Park Historic District (a.k.a.

While the Rebuild Spring- field Plan did not fore- see the proposed MGM Springfield project, the plan has served as a powerful reference for MGM as they worked to incor- porate many of the plan goals for the South End/ Metro Center and would rebuild an area devastated by the tornado. The proposed project includes approximately 850,000 square feet of residential, dining, retail, and enter- tainment (including hotel and gaming) facilities and will spread over three city blocks in downtown Springfield. The plan provides a unique experience for visitors, offering the amenities of a resort with open access to the downtown for visitors to enjoy shopping, dining, and other recreational activities.

10 Rebuild Springfield Progress Report 2014 District 1: Samalid Hogan

In the days following the 2011 tornado, Samalid Hogan, a senior project manager for the City and co-chair of District 1 during the Rebuild Springfield plan, knocked on doors and The smiles of students at Square One reflect the feeling of renewal in the South End. As the shirts read at the grand visited businesses throughout opening of the new center, “There’s no place like our new home.” the South End. She saw an already struggling neighborhood that had been sent reeling by the devastation. “What else can happen to us?” one resident asked her.

But according to Hogan, what happened in the weeks and months that followed laid the groundwork for a significant turnaround in District 1. “It amazed me how quickly neighbors got out and got active in rebuilding,” she said. “People felt the loss, but they knew we could recover from it. It wasn’t a question of ‘can we,’ but ‘how soon?’”

The community turned out in droves to local planning meetings, and many voiced renewed commitment to the neighborhood. “With the help of the Rebuild Springfield plan, many residents and business DevelopSpringfield purchased the historic Ansel Phelps House on 83 Maple Street in April of 2013 to mitigate blight in owners alike said, ‘You know this neighborhood. Plans are to restore and rehabilitate this property for possible office use. This project addresses the Rebuild Plan’s recommendations of transforming vacant and abandoned properties into community assets. what? We’re staying here,’” said Hogan.

Nearly two years later, Hogan Hollywood District) has seen traffic circulation, and safety. C3 program in the South End. sees a neighborhood transform- tremendous public and private Plans for demolition of the now The initiative will include state and ing. Much of the blight caused investments in the past two years. obsolete Marble Street Apartments city police, the Sheriff’s Depart- by or even preceding the The City completed streetscape (public housing buildings) are ment, many non-profits, and local tornado has been removed, the renovation of Emerson Wight improvements to Dwight Street underway; units will be replaced in businesses working closely with Park has created a haven for Extension and extensive renova- other locations in the city. churches and residents. Consistent children and families, and the tions to Emerson Wight Park in In addition to enhanced patrols with this model, HAPHousing mood among the residents of the past two years. First Resource downtown and in the South End, will be funded under the grant to the South End is markedly Companies recently completed the City has also been awarded a expand the community-building different. “So much has changed,” said Samalid. “The the second of three phases in three-year, $1 million Byrne role it has played in the South End. streets are cleaner, the build- rehabilitating 22 historic apart- Public Safety Grant from the The objective of this funding is to ings better maintained…The ment buildings. Future planned US Department of Justice to improve public safety over time process of rebuilding has really improvements for this area include implement a place-based public through carefully orchestrated galvanized this community.” the street connections of Marble safety initiative in the South End. community-building and policing to Ashmun Street with the goal of This grant is designed to allow the strategies. These are all identified improving visibility to the park, City to replicate the North End’s as priorities in the Rebuild Plan.

Progress Report 2014 Rebuild Springfield 11 District Maple High-Six Corners A neighborhood Old Hill Upper Hill 2 transforming Forest Park owhere has the rebuilding process infused more energy than in District 2, where collaborative projects and a new sense Nof purpose are fulfilling the prom- ise of renewal and transformation. In a one-two punch, this area of the city suffered damage even before the tornado struck due to a foreclosure crisis that left many properties vacant and unemploy- ment rates that caused many to live below the poverty line. The tornado added insult to injury, cutting a swath through neighborhoods that lost hundreds of homes, both apartments and single-family residences. If residents were discouraged, however, they quickly turned their Residents of District 2 losses into action. Neighbors who have stayed active in the had not previously known each planning and visioning of the neighborhood’s future. other made new acquaintance and Plans for the Watershops proved that they had each others’ Pond area were directly backs. They were ready and will- affected by the input ing when the City, HAPHousing, provided by residents. DevelopSpringfield, the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission, and many other collaborative partners focused their resources on creating a detailed plan for revitalization. A series of charettes, or intensive planning sessions, brought neigh- neighborhood anchor. homes are planned on privately Rebuilding Together brought bors, collaborators, and designers On Central Street, new infill owned vacant lots in the area. 1,000 volunteers and high hopes into quick agreement. housing was identified as a prior- The New Hope Pentecostal for full recovery to the district. A major outcome of the ity to fill the gaps left by tornado Church found fortitude in their In all, 25 damaged homes were planning process has been the devastation. By winter, four brand community as they rebuilt from repaired in year one of the non- design of the new 65,000 square new, energy-efficient homes were the substantial devastation caused profit’s 10-year commitment to foot Elias Brookings School, now framed and construction is by the June 2011 tornado. help residents upgrade housing under construction on Walnut expected to be complete by early Newly strengthened neighbor- and achieve energy-efficiency: a Street. In addition to its summer. Another three homes will hood councils have kept residents meaningful initiative in a neigh- educational value, the school will replace the former Spruce Manor involved and informed, and in Old borhood where the average house serve as a community resource and Nursing Home site and additional Hill, a huge repair effort by age is 94 years old.

12 Rebuild Springfield Progress Report 2014 District 2: Melvin Edwards

In the hours following the 2011 tornado, Maple High Six Corners resident and City Councilor Melvin Edwards walked the streets of his neighborhood to assess the damage. He knew that time was of the essence — not just in terms of rescue and recovery, but in rebuilding the neighborhood The residents of District 2 made immediate use of a new city ordinance that would help reclaim vacant lots for better than before. “We knew community gardens. Working with the City, organizations like HAPHousing and the Old Hill Neighborhood Council the City would develop an consulted with Gardening the Community and now have active community gardens to grow healthy food and turn official plan, so we wanted urban blight into greenspace. to be ready to have our voice heard,” he said.

Edwards joined his fellow Neighborhood Council members and other volunteers in gathering a list of damaged properties, homeownership rates, crime statistics, and other essential data. When Mayor Domenic Sarno announced public hearings for the Rebuild Springfield master plan, Edwards and the group were ready.

“We came with a vision of HAPHousing provides leadership awards to Old Hill and Maple High-Six Corners residents for completing their how we wanted District 2 to Community Leadership Program and putting their new skills to work in District 2. improve, and the City listened,” said Edwards. “I was one of the biggest skeptics at the outset, The City, meanwhile, used new but they responded to our input ordinances to repurpose vacant prop- and took action. The process erties and make way for new uses was outstanding.” ranging from community gardens and expedited sales to abutting property Edwards estimates that he and his neighbors got 90 percent owners to new infill housing. Plans of what they had requested, for the future include a bike path, re- including a redesign of the development of the Watershops Pond Brookings School as a area, and a full-service grocery store. community center, the While challenges remain in this rehabilitation of Johnny Apple- seed Park, and an emphasis on severely impacted area, including the single-family housing. Beyond rehabilitation of the former MacDuffie the tangible, Edwards notes School on Ames Hill Drive, progress that the mood has shifted in and investment in this area are evident. his neighborhood. “We’re The Commonwealth Academy, an seeing a plan that is actually independent coeducational day and being carried out and people seem to have real hope. boarding school, opened in 2012 on Renovation efforts have made a huge difference in the physical trans- There’s a new attitude here.” the former MacDuffie campus with formation of District 2. HAPHousing, Rebuilding Together, Springfield plans to expand to accommodate Neighborhood Housing Services, and Habitat for Humanity have all worked additional students over time. to make sure that residents have safe, attractive, and efficient housing.

Progress Report 2014 Rebuild Springfield 13 District East Forest Park Waiting is the Sixteen Acres 3 hardest part athedral High School, a longtime anchor of the East Forest Park neighborhood of District 3, suffered critical damage Cin the tornado. For two years, the reconstruction of the school seemed in jeopardy as the Diocese of Springfield tried to obtain Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funding for the demolition and construction. In March, an agreement was finally reached and the diocese committed to rebuilding the school with $29 million in federal disaster aid and close to $50 million in insurance funds. The diocese is moving forward with Most Reverend Timothy A. McDonnell speaks at the podium during a press conference held at the front entrance of demolition and the design for the the tornado-damaged Cathedral High School. Reverend McDonnell announced that the building will be replaced and new school, but a timetable for reopened. This signaled the end of a long wait for residents, students, and parents. FEMA will contribute $29 million of reopening has not yet been set. the $38.5 million needed to rebuild the school.

The Mary A. Dryden Veterans Memorial School has been renovated and a new addition built following the damage it sustained from the tornado. In the fall of 2013, the school’s 5th graders were honored with top rankings in the commonwealth for their MCAS results. While institutions like Cathedral and the Dryden School are highly visible and critical aspects to the tornado rebuilding progress, District 3 has also had other exciting developments in the interim. Springfield’s first bike lane was established on Plumtree Road in October of last year. The bike lane is currently one mile long and connects Western New England Cathedral High School and St. Michael’s Academy middle school and pre-school have been important anchors in the East Forest Park neighborhood. Since the tornado, Cathedral has been located at a leased school in Wilbraham. University to Sixteen Acres Center

14 Rebuild Springfield Progress Report 2014 District 3: Bill Foley

Give Bill Foley the time and he can name nearly every displaced family, every ravaged street, and every structure the 2011 tornado damaged in District 3. From day one, the The Mary A. Dryden Veterans Memorial School on Surrey Road suffered major damage in the June 2011 tornado. Reno- retired City Councilor helped vations and a new wing were completed last fall with funds provided by the Massachusetts School Building Authority. rebuild the communities of East Forest Park and Sixteen Acres where, as he describes it, “people come to raise a family.”

“Right away, it was clear that the neighborhood had the will to rebuild even better than before,” said Foley.

Beyond the initial clean-up, several mainstays of District 3 required long-term atten- tion, including Cathedral High School, which sustained critical damage and was slated for demolition. After a period of uncertainty, the private school recently announced that funding had been secured to rebuild. “Cathedral is at the core of East Forest Park,” said Foley. “This is a tremendous step.”

Foley and his neighbors also wished to seize the opportunity to get a library in their community — a resource that had been noticeably absent. “We originally hoped to make it a community center within Dryden School, but security concerns wouldn’t allow that,” The one-mile bike lane in East Forest Park represents a first for the city, as well as the first step in the larger pedestrian he said. After much resident and bike plan being developed by MassBike, the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission, and Live Well Springfield. input, the neighborhood voted last summer to locate the new library at Nathan Bill Park. and a number of parks. This bike MassMutual, the Springfield ings for the restoration of South A design for the library is lane is the first visible step in a Parks Department, Develop- Branch Park have also taken place. currently underway. city-wide pedestrian and bike plan. Springfield, and other community Residents are working with “After the tornado, we faced It also represents collaboration partners have also been active in library and city officials to the basic question “How do you between the Pioneer Valley District 3, coordinating tree advance their initiative to bring a rebuild a community?”” said Planning Commission, Springfield’s plantings, including 2,400 trees new library/community center to Foley. “And with a lot of help Office of Planning and Economic replanted at Camp Wilder. This the neighborhood, an effort that and input from neighbors, we’re getting there.” Development, the City, MassBike, effort will help to replace the tree would greatly improve access and Live Well Springfield, and the canopy that was destroyed in the provide opportunity for enhanced neighborhood residents. tornado. Enhancements and plant- programming.

Progress Report 2014 Rebuild Springfield 15 Rebuild Springfield Contributors

Many organizations raised funds to support tornado relief and recovery. The list below reflects only those contributions made directly to DevelopSpringfield to supportR ebuild Springfield initiatives.

Major Donors of $100,000 or more

Major Donors of $10,000 to $99,999

Balise Motor Sales Co. Smith & Wesson Berkshire Bank Foundation, Inc. Solutia/Eastman Chemical Foundation Columbia Gas of Massachusetts/NiSource Foundation TD Bank/TD Charitable Foundation Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts United Bank Foundation Gene Rosenberg Associates, LLC United Way of Pioneer Valley Irene E. & George A. Davis Foundation Western Massachusetts Electric Company/Northeast Utilities Foundation

90 Meat Outlet Brian Drew Liberty Mutual Group Henry S. Rauschenback AARP Massachusetts Robert Duclan Lortie Realty Rebuilding Together Kimberly Threlfall Akerblom Jerold Duquette William MacGregor Regional Employment Board Tim and Mary Allen Peter Bittel and Erin Edwards Connie Mahoney The Republican American International College Olga Ellis David Malloy Rousseau Brothers Antonio’s Longhill Lee Erdmann Mary E. Martin Darrel and Jennie Seal Antonio’s State St. Inc. F. L. Roberts & Co., Inc. Mason-Wright Foundation Ronald and Rosalyn Shepard Dominic Arillotta Gary Fialky Mass Bands SHINE-Department of Elder Affairs Bacon Wilson, P.C. Tara Fitzpatrick Massachusetts Association of Contributory Victoria Small Jeffrey P. Beale The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts Retirement Systems South End Community Center Eugene Berman Diane Fradette MassMutual Center James and Estelle Spencer Roger Bernier Burt Freedman Geraldine McCafferty Springfield Adult Education Center Kenneth Breedon Freedom Credit Union MJ Norton Security Springfield Armory Bristol County Agricultural High School Nicholas Fyntrilakis Dean and Ruth Moorhouse Springfield College Bulkley Richardson Mark and Alicia Germain Melanie J. Morel-Ferris Springfield Housing Authority C & W Real Estate Company LLC Glory, Inc. Christopher and Ellen Moskal Springfield Neighborhood Housing Services Caring Health Center Joanne Gruszkos NAI Plotkin Springfield Public Forum Center for Yoga and Healing Arts Juan Guerrero Naismith Memorial Basketball Springfield Teachers Credit Union (STCU) Chase, Clarke, Stewart & Fontana, Inc. HAPHousing, Inc. Hall of Fame Springfield Technical Community College Jeffrey S. Ciuffreda Hayes Development Services Frank Nataloni Square One Coldwell Banker Residential Maureen and Jerry Hayes National Ambulance Jeffrey Sullivan Brokerage Cares Home City Housing Sunny Hayyar Kevin M. Sweeney Gloria Colon Robert “Cee” Jackson New England Farm Workers’ Council Gloria Torres Shalimar Colon M. Dale Janes New North Citizens’ Council, Inc. United Personnel Comcast Elizabeth Janocha NUVO Bank and Trust Co. Michael Vedovelli Committee to Elect Domenic J. Sarno Johnson and Hill Staffing Services Dr. Denise L. Pagan-Vega Bob and Pat Webler Committee to Elect James Welch Anne Shecrallah Kandilis Peter Pan Bus Lines Glenn Welch Committee to Elect Tim Allen Tom Kegelman Edward M. Pikula Westfield Bank Constellation New Energy Keystone Woods/Keystone Commons Tim Plante Sandra Yager Denis Devine Richard A. Lee Terry D. Powe YMCA of Greater Springfield Paul and Dianne Doherty Joan Kagan Levine Ramos Accounting and Tax Services Inc.

16 Rebuild Springfield Progress Report 2014