PENNYSAVER
JUNE 25, 2026 | FREE
Westfield moratorium halts new data centers
By Amy Porter aporter@thereminder.com
WESTFIELD — One hundred residents jammed City Council chambers on June 18 for the public hearing and City Council vote on whether to impose a temporary one-year moratorium on data centers in the city, which passed unanimously following the hearing.
The vote followed a well-attended public hearing on June 16 at the Planning Board, which also recommended the moratorium to the council.
Councilor Kristen Mello, chair of the Natural Resources Committee, presented the argument at both meetings in favor of the moratorium to give her committee time to research the science behind data centers and to determine where in the city a data center could be safely sited without adverse health impacts on residents and the environment. She said she would be consulting with scientists at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, who have agreed to answer questions.
At the Planning Board meeting, Mello said the Natural Resources Committee will review environmental, public health and infrastructure impacts, in order to develop a permanent zoning ordinance.
“Some of the questions the committee and members of other bodies will be seeking to answer include where can the city support this land use without impacting public health, drinking water and air quality, and what conditions would need to be imposed in order to mitigate any impacts,” she said, adding that there is currently a moratorium in place on battery energy storage systems, and any data center application that came through right now could not include battery energy storage.
Mello also showed several slides that highlighted Westfield’s geographical vulnerability and the health impacts on Westfield residents from PFAS-contaminated water and air pollution. “When you look at our city, you can see that we are surrounded by mountains and we have a bowl shape in the center, and when you get air pollution, the people living in that bowl suffer more,” she said, referring to rates of asthma and PFAS levels that are higher than the state average. “So the question is, where could it be placed where it isn’t going to affect the air and the water?”
“Our population has been exposed to toxins. They deserve our protection. We are asking for 12 months to have local scientists who are experts about our aquifer, and experts about air currents, and experts about air pollution to help us find out if it is possible to safely zone these and ... if it is not, then that information goes to the Board of Health, because we, you and the council are not allowed to ban anything. That’s the Board of Health’s territory,” Mello said. At the end of 12 months, if the Board of Health decides that it is a public health mandate to keep the moratorium, there is an option for them to extend it.
Before opening the council hearing to the public, Mello made a plea on behalf of City Council President John Beltrandi III, asking residents to confine their questions and comments to whether the City Council should pass the moratorium and not to data centers in general or any particular project. She said her committee would take any and all questions and comments into consideration, and asked residents to write them down on clipboards that she had distributed around the gallery.
The instructions had to be repeated several times, as many of
the people in the room wanted to share their concerns about data centers, based on information and research they had done.
Although the vast majority of the public were in favor of the moratorium and opposed to bringing in data centers, there were a few on the other side who came forward, including Paul Corey, a representative with the Servistar Data Center project.
“I know it’s a little bit of a tough crowd,” Corey said to some boos as he gave his name and started to talk about the project. Beltrandi quickly stopped him, saying that the hearing was strictly on the moratorium, and if he allowed Corey to speak on behalf of data centers, he would have to allow everyone in the room to tell him the reasons why they don’t want it in Westfield.
“Can I ask one question, as long as it’s related strictly to the moratorium? I just want to clarify whether the moratorium applies to the existing Servistar Data Center that’s been approved by the Planning Board,” Corey asked.
Mello said zoning ordinances cannot act retroactively. “So a
permit that has been approved is a permit that has been approved. Whether or not the company that has the permit enacts that permit in the right amount of time and in the right way is a separate issue that is not on the discussion tonight,” she said.
When asked after the Planning Board meeting, City Planner Jay Vinskey clarified the status of the current permit held by Servistar, LLC. “The special permit, for phase 1, was granted 10/19/21 and was good for 3 years, except that a state-wide two-year blanket permit extension was passed, so the lapse date [to pull a building permit by] is 10/19/26. Exception/extension may be made for ‘good cause,’” Vinskey wrote. “The proposed moratorium will not affect this zoning approval as long as the permit is valid. Regardless, the project is not ‘shovel ready’ as no wetlands permits have been sought.”
During the hearing, Richard Labrie of Big Wood Drive said he was told at the Planning Board meeting, at which he also spoke,
See DATA CENTER on page 11
Council cuts mayor’s budget by $1.5 million The City Council reduced the mayor’s FY26-27 budget by more than $1.5 million. Page 7
SOUTHWICK Committee names new superintendent Erin Fahey-Carrier has been chosen as the new superintendent of the Southwick-Tolland-Granville Regional School District.
City Councilor Kristen Mello speaks during a jam-packed public hearing on the data center moratorium on June 18.
Photo credit: Westfield Community TV
State to reimburse Westfield, Southwick for snow, ice removal
By Cliff Clark cclark@thereminder.com
WESTFIELD — Because many of the commonwealth’s municipalities incurred some of the largest cost ever to remove ice and snow from their roads, Westfield and Southwick were included in an $80 million allocation included in the state’s fiscal year 2027 budget to offset the cost.
“That’s great news,” said Westfield DPW Director Randy Brown about the $513,511 the department can use to repair damaged roads.
Westfield racked up nearly $2.8 million this winter to keep the roads clear.
“I would imagine that’s the highest amount the city has spent,” Brown said, adding that the higher inflation attributed to the increased costs.
For comparison, he said last year’s costs were $1.64 million, and the year before totaled $1.2 million.
Westfield had a total of 15 plowable events, plus additional efforts to clean up downtown after the big event in January, he said.
The largest expense, $1.74 million, was spent on the private contractors hired to clear the 190 miles of streets and roads the
By Cliff Clark cclark@thereminder.com
WESTFIELD — A Westfield man was arraigned in district court last week in connection with several related charges, including stalking and enticing a child under 16, according to court records.
Last week, a warrant was issued for Viktor Y. Garilov, 35, of Main Street, for stalking, enticing a child under 16, assault and battery, assault, and attempt to commit a crime, which the Westfield police Officer Joshua Weav-
DPW actively maintains.
Southwick was allocated $197,307 under the program, which is called the Winter Aid Recovery Program.
“This is like the last time,” Brown said, referring to WRAP, which was funded by the state Legislature in 2023 after a particularly brutal winter.
Brown said the allocation is considered reimbursable.
“We put together a proposal for MassDOT [for] approval,” he said.
The city then covers the cost and the DPW applies for reimbursement, he said.
He said the program has essentially the same requirements as the annual Chapter 90 allocation each municipality in the state gets each year.
In Southwick, which is already struggling financially, the $473,790 was covered primarily by free cash.
The state allocation covers:
• Snow clearing and plowing
• Roadway preparation and salting
• Icebreaking
• Flooding
• The reconstruction and resurfacing of roadways
• The repair of damage from downed trees; and
er wrote in the statement of facts when applying the warrant.
Weaver wrote that on three occasions, Garilov followed the 13-year-old, interacting with her twice.
The victim told the officer that in early April, she was walking in the parking lot of Westgate Plaza when she noticed the man in a van staring at her. She recognized the man — but didn’t know him — as the same person whose house she had walked by several times before.
As she was walking toward
Any unanticipated costs attributed to winter weather preparation or recovery
Labor costs associated with the above items are eligible.
a fast-service restaurant in the shopping center, she noticed that the man had followed her there without stopping, according to Weaver’s report.
Later that day, when she began walking home, she spotted him in the van making a U-turn and then keeping up with her while staring at her, she told the officer.
Frightened, she hid in some nearby woods and called a friend to pick her up, she told the officer.
In early May, a 14-year-old friend of the victim told Weaver
Funds may be used for costs already incurred by the municipality in response to winter storm events. WRAP funding, a state funding source, is applicable to
that Garilov had stopped her and the victim and asked both their names and ages.
The friend told the officer that during the entire interaction, Garilov was staring at the victim’s chest.
On May 20, while walking in the plaza parking lot, she spotted him again staring at her, she told Weaver.
Once again frightened, she hid in a place where she believed Garilov wouldn’t see her, but she could see him.
Garilov parked the van, got out, and appeared to be looking for her, she told the officer.
She left the area without him spotting her, she said.
Then, on June 9 at about 7:45 p.m., the victim walked by his home again, and Garilov, sitting in his van, gestured to her to come over. She told the officer she shook her head no and continued walking.
She told the officer that he had asked her where one of her friends who frequently walks with her was.
When she didn’t answer, he got out of the van, grabbed her arm to stop her, and said, “You don’t want to know what I do for fun at night,” before he slowly ran his hand up her arm while staring at her body, she told the officer.
The victim told the officer that her body “seized up,” that she was “creeped out,” and that
all federal, state, and local procurement and prequalification regulations and guidelines, according to the MassDOT announcement of the allocation.
she thought he was implying something sexual.
As she pulled away, Garilov grabbed her by the shoulders and said something like, “I want to have a conversation in my van,” she later told the officer.
She pulled away and told the officer that she believed she was “being taken” and that she felt “trapped.”
To break his grip, she swung her arms up and fled toward the plaza.
Her friend found her on a bench in tears and called her mom to pick them both up to take them home. Wanting a photograph of the van and the house to give to police, they stopped by Garilov’s house, and the friend got out to take a photograph.
Garilov saw the friend and walked up to her. He got in her face, inches away, balled up his fists and said, “I’ll kick your [expletive] ass,” the victim told the officer.
They all took off and later called the police to report what had happened.
When Garilov was arraigned on June 12, he pleaded not guilty and was ordered held on $20,000 bail, according to court records. He will return to court on June 22 for a bail hearing. He remains in the Hampden County Jail and House of Correction, according to the Hampden County Sheriff’s Office.
With nine snow falls this winter, the Southwick DPW is on track to
most in at least a decade.
Reminder Publishing file photo
2026 Hello Summer More Than Bikes Around Town
By Tina Lesniak Correspondent
For many residents of the Pioneer Valley, ValleyBike is a familiar sight: rows of bright bicycles parked and waiting for their next rider. But for the people behind the system, ValleyBike represents something larger than a ride across town. It is part of a long-term effort to expand transportation options, reduce dependence on cars and connect communities throughout Hampshire and Hampden counties.
“ValleyBike Share solves several problems for the area’s residents, but primarily, we are proud to be an accessible, affordable, and convenient transportation option for the Pioneer Valley community,” said Liat Perlman, specialist for community and partner engagement for Drop Mobility, the company that operates the system.
ValleyBike’s electric pedal-assist bicycles serve residents, workers, students and visitors throughout the region. The goal, Perlman said, is to provide an alternative transportation option for people who may not own a vehicle, want to reduce their environmental impact or simply want a more active way to travel.
“We aim to be an alternative and active
Submitted
transportation option for those who may not have a car, want to reduce their carbon footprint, or want to add some fun activity to their daily commute,” Perlman said.
ValleyBike operates across a network of smaller municipalities and college campuses spread throughout the Pioneer Valley. Despite the different geography, usage patterns remain surprisingly consistent.
“Bikeshare provides transportation regardless of the geography,” Perlman said. “The average trip length is around 1.5 miles, and almost all trips end in a different location from where they started, indicating real transportation.”
In the Pioneer Valley, riders also have the ability to travel between municipalities, something that distinguishes the system from many urban bike-share networks.
Since relaunching in 2024 under Drop Mobility’s management, ValleyBike has recorded more than 60,000 rides and served over 12,000 unique users. More than 1,300 riders have purchased equity memberships, which cost just $4 per month for income-qualified residents.
See ValleyBike Share on page 3
ValleyBike bicycles await riders near Springfield’s Forest Park Middle School.
ValleyBike Share
Continued from page 1
Perhaps more telling, she added, is the fact that ridership continues throughout the year.
“As the system operates yearround, we see riders taking advantage of ValleyBike even on the coldest days, indicating that residents in the area truly rely on the system for daily transportation,” Perlman said.
The system’s impact is particularly visible in Springfield, where ValleyBike has become another transportation option for residents navigating the city’s neighborhoods.
Andrew Strniste, Springfield’s director of community planning, said the network has created opportunities for residents who may not own a vehicle or have reliable access to public transportation.
“ValleyBike has opened opportunities for Springfield residents who may not own a car or have reliable public transit by allowing users to move throughout the western part of the city through the various neighborhoods, from Sumner Avenue in Forest Park to Baystate Medical in the North End to AIC in Mason Square,” Strniste said.
With approximately 20 stations throughout Springfield, the system provides another way for residents to travel within the city.
“One notable observation is that one of the stations that is in high demand is Union Station, both as a beginning destination and ending destination,” he said. “This reinforces the idea that Union Station is serving as a successful multi-modal transportation destination in the city.”
Other heavily used stations include those near the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, Mill Street and Belmont Avenue, and Mercy Hospital. According to Strniste, the popularity of those locations suggests the bike share system is helping residents
access jobs, services and attractions throughout Springfield.
“The new bikes that are being used in Springfield are lighter, more modern, pedal-assist e-bikes, which makes for a smoother and easier ride for the user,” he said. “We hope these equipment upgrades, combined with surrounding communities continuing to grow the network, will allow users of the bike share program to move more easily in and out of Springfield and throughout the region.”
Still, creating a truly car-light lifestyle in Western Massachusetts remains a challenge.
Perlman pointed to several obstacles, including long distances between communities, inconsistent bicycle infrastructure, limited public transit options and the region’s weather.
“Some of the challenges this region faces in terms of car-light living include weather, additional bike parking needs around apartment complexes, distance between towns, gaps of public transportation in the Hilltowns, inconsistent biking infrastructure between municipalities, and insufficient bus routes,” Perlman said.
The system’s continued growth has depended on partnerships
among municipalities, colleges and regional organizations.
“Partnerships from all participating municipalities have been crucial to the success and expansion of the ValleyBike Share system, as well as with universities in the area, such as UMass Amherst,” Perlman said.
Recent grant funding has also provided a major boost. ValleyBike received a $1.5 million grant from the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center to expand access for equity members and support operations. Another $1.5 million grant from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation will fund additional electric bicycles and help cover operating expenses.
Looking ahead, ValleyBike leaders envision both deeper service within existing communities and expansion into new ones.
“In the short term, our vision is to increase the number of stations within the existing communities and expand the number of equity pass users,” Perlman said. “Our long-term vision is to launch into new adjacent communities and install more stations, making the system even more useful for daily commuting and recreation.”
For Drop Mobility Chief Operating Officer Dipesh Dar, the mission
extends beyond transportation itself.
“Programs like ValleyBike are about more than just transportation; they’re about creating more connected, accessible, and vibrant communities,” Dar said. “We’re excited to expand this system and con-
tinue to provide the Pioneer Valley community with a sustainable way to move around the region.”
Summer Concert schedule
Agawam
SummerFest
All shows will take place on Wednesday nights at 7 p.m. at School Street Park. In the event of inclement weather, the show may be canceled. *National Night Out on Friday night. Call The Parks and Recreation Department at 821-0513 after 2 p.m. the day of the show for more info about cancellations.
July 1 — Cobblestone Road
July 8 — Ultimatum
July 15 — Project 267
July 22 — Jukebox Heroz
*July 24 — National Night Out, 6-8 p.m. — Movie in the Park at 8:30 p.m.
July 29 — Benny & The Jets
Aug. 6 — Retro Floyd
Aug. 12 — Kix 100.9 Country Show
Aug. 19 — General Gist (6 p.m.)
Easthampton
Arts in the Park Series
There will be music at Nonotuck Park, 1 Dailey Field Rd. on Friday
evenings in July and August. The Easthampton Parks and Recreation Department presents a series of six free summer concerts beginning at 6:30 p.m.
July 10 — Hard Knox
July 17 — Jimmy Mazz
July 24 — Colony Motel
July 31 — Heritage
Pops Orchestra
Aug. 14 — Soiree of Western Mass
Aug. 21 — Soular Eclipse
Northampton
Florence Summer Concert Series
The 2026 Florence Free Summer Concert Series will take place every Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at the Florence Civic Center and will feature a different food truck each week. Bring your lawn chair.
June 25 — Lisa Bastoni
July 2 — Expandable Brass Band
July 9 — Miss Paula and the Twangbusters
July 16 — Tony Silva Fierst Rumbera
July 23 — The Moon Shells
July 30 — Sweet Daddy Cool Breeze
Aug. 6 — The Pangeans
Aug. 13 — Ozzie’s Basement
Aug. 20 — Frank Manzi
Aug. 27 — Zinka
Sept. 3 — Christa Joy & The Honey Bees
Sept. 10 — Gaslight Tinkers
Bands on Brewster
Concerts Thursday nights, 6-8 p.m. in the plaza between the E. J. Gare Parking Garage and Northampton Brewery
July 9 — Hot Dirt + Goldsetter
July 16 — King Radio, Simple Friend & More
July 23 — Floyd Mercantile: featuring Peter Mulvey and Jenna Nichols
July 30 — Stoner Will and the Narcs + Original Cowards
Aug. 6 — The Fawns
+Gentle Hen
Aug. 13 — Inde
Aug. 20 — Christa Joy and the Honeybees
Aug. 27 — To be announced The performances are weather dependent, however, if the weather is questionable, the public will be informed by 10 a.m. on the day of the show through @nohoarts on Instagram.
Salsa in the Plaza
Monday nights from 7-9 p.m. through Aug. 31 at EJ Garge Plaza.
Salsa in the Park
The public is invited to particpate in free dance evenings at Pulaski Park from 6-8 p.m. on Aug. 1, Aug. 28 and Sept. 5. For more info visitnorthamptonartscouncil.org.
South Hadley
Village Commons Summer Concert Series
Free concerts at the Town Common, Thursdays from 6:30-8 p.m. Rain date is the following Sunday.
July 2 — Sound Bridges
July 9 — The Berkshires
July 16 — The Willies
July 23 — Blue Devil Bluez ‘rocknsoul”
July 30 — Union Jack British Invasion Band
Aug. 6 — Cotonwood
Aug. 13 — Midlife Crisis Band
Aug. 20 — Jimmy Mazz
Aug. 27 — Berkshire Hills
Music Academy
Buttery Brook Summer Concert Series
Friday night concerts at the Bandshell in Buttery Brook Park, 123 Willamansett St. Concerts begin at 5 p.m. Food and beverages available; no outside alcohol. No dogs per park rules. For more info, visit facebook.com/butterybrookpark.
June 26 — Mid-Life Crisis
July 10 — Next J. E. N. Band
July 17 — King Kountry
July 24 — Cottonwood
July 31 — Lindsey LaBell
Aug. 7 — Blue Devil Bluez
Aug. 14 — Acousticca
Aug. 21 — Dr. C and the Feel Goods
Aug. 28 — The Berkshires
Sept. 4 — Moos & the High Tops
Sept. 11 — Full Circle
Springfield
Forest Park Summer Concert Series
Free Thursday night concerts in the Forest Park Amphitheater. All concerts begin at 6:30 p.m. Attendees can enter Forest Park through the Sumner Avenue or the Route 5 entrances for free after 5 p.m. In case of rain, concerts will be moved to the Carriage House tent.
July 9 — Dee Reilly (Carriage House)
July 30 — Petty Larceny Band
Aug. 6 — Skynard Hatchet
Aug. 13 — Zac N Freid
Aug. 20 — Jake Manzi Band
Aug. 27 — Unforgettable Fire
Sept. 3 — Bennie and the Jets
Sept. 11 — Floyd Patterson Band
MGM Free Music Fridays
Live outdoor music at the MGM Springfield Plaza every Friday through Oct 23, from 7:30-9 p.m. Plaza opens at 6 p.m. Beverages at the casino’s two outdoor bars or White Lion Brewery’s outpost, food at an on-site restaurant or one of the weekly local food trucks.
June 25 — Billy and the Jets
July 3 — Heartlands
July 10 — Blizzard of OZ
July 17 — Simply the Bess
July 24 — Malado
July 31 — Raquel & Su
Aug. 7 — Back in Black
Aug. 14 — The Warped Band
Aug. 21— Below Deck
Aug. 28 — E Street Shuffle
Sept. 4 — Moondance
Sept. 11 — Aquanett
Oct. 9 — Cathedral
Oct. 16 — Dookie
Oct. 23 — Johhny Six Gun
The Landing Summer Concert Series
Located adjacent to the Springfield Convention Center Carpark and MassMutual Center, every Thursday from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Food trucks, drinks and lawn games.
July 2 — Carol Devine & The Mighty Fine
July 9 — Jarreau Pitts
July 16 — Now That’s ‘90s
July 23 — La Era Del Mambo
July 30 — Trailer Trash
Aug. 6 — Tafari
Aug. 13 — Brass Attack
Aug. 20 — Whiskey Traveler
Aug. 27 — Deep River Ramblers
West Springfield Summer Concert Series
Concerts will take place on Thursdays from 7-8:30 p.m. at the Morgan Road Pavilion, unless noted. Beverages and food will be available for cash-only purchase.
June 25 — Chalk Dust
July 2 — Union Jack
July 4 — Family Fun The Next JEN Band — Town Common 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
July 9 — Ethel Lee Ensemble — Storrowton Gazebo
July 16 — Dan Kane and Friends -Storrowton Gazebo
July 23 — Richie Mitnick and Friends — Storrowton Gazebo
July 30 — Sarah The Fiddler — Storrowton Gazebo
Aug. 6— Santucci Jazz Quintet
Aug. 13 — Just Go with It
Aug. 20 — David O & the Tone Monsters
Aug. 27— Bad News Jazz and Blues
Sept. 3 — West Side Mike
Sept. 10 — Soular Bears
Sept. 17 — 91 South
Westfield
Stanley Park Sunday Concert Series
Free Sunday night concerts from 6-8 p.m. in the Beveridge Pavilion, accessible by gates 2.3 and 4. Food service provided by The Bubble Mug Café at Pottery Cellar beginning at 5 p.m. Chairs will be available; suggested $5 donation; inclement weather: check the Stanley Park Facebook page or the park website at stanleypark.org.
June 28 — Studio Two
July 12 — Cobblestone Road
July 19 — Sarah the Fiddler: Old time and Irish favorites
July 26 — The Savage Brothers Aug. 2 — The 413s Aug. 16 — The Yacht Rock Band
Westhampton
Field of Dreams Concerts
Friday night concerts begin at 6 p.m., bring your own lawn chair. In case of inclement weather, concerts will take place in the Town Hall.
July 10 — Zyedco Connection July 24 — Little House Blues Aug. 7 — The O-Tones Aug. 21 — The Gaslight Tinkers
For a complete list of area concerts, visit thereminder.com. Compiled by Debbie Gardner
WESTFIELD
Westfield council cuts mayor’s budget by $1.5 million
By Amy Porter aporter@thereminder.com
WESTFIELD — During a special budget reconciliation meeting on June 17, the City Council voted in favor of almost all of the Finance Committee’s recommendations to reduce Mayor Michael McCabe’s fiscal year 2026-27 budget by more than $1.5 million,
The roughly $170 million budget was then ratified at the regular City Council meeting on June 18.
The decision brings the tax increase down from 4% to 2.5%.
In presenting the committee’s recommendations, Finance Committee Chair Daniel Knapik, joined in committee by Councilors Brent Bean and Cindy Harris, said they had met many times with city department heads to review their budgets. He said he has also been meeting with the mayor’s office to understand the challenges facing the city over the next few years, and in the process developed a fiveyear forecast moving forward. Before presenting the cuts, Knapik called local aid a massive problem. “It is way behind historic growth patterns … It’s clear it’s broken at the state level. There’s very little this body controls,” he said. “The one thing we can control is the spending.” He said the goal he had for the committee was to get in front of the City Council with $1.5 million in cuts to get to a 2.5% tax increase.
The cuts presented to the City Council included $637,944 to the health insurance line, which had been increased by 15%; $598,000 from engineering, which Knapik said could be charged to free cash if needed for one-time projects, and $170,000
for the new position of assistant fire chief, which the majority of the council felt was not needed at this time.
A $127,000 cut initially proposed out of the Police Department’s budget to pay for two of four cruisers was withdrawn by Knapik after he said Treasurer Matthew Barnes had contacted him with $150,000 in savings; $100,000 from the long-term interest debt account and $50,000 on the interest on temporary notes. “That’s a pretty good swap,” he said.
Knapik said the FY26 budget also includes $2 million in free cash and $1.25 in cuts to debt decline, totalling $3.25 million in offsets from one-time cash resources. In his long-range forecast, he said he carried over the cuts to the debt decline for the next four years, but no more free cash going forward.
Knapik also highlighted the lowered projection of new growth at $200,000 in the mayor’s budget, saying historically that since 2001, new growth averaged $1 million. In his longrange forecast, Knapik said he inserted the number of $400,000 in new growth going forward over the next four years.
In reference to new growth, the only cut from the Finance Committee that did not pass at the meeting was $50,000 to eliminate the new position of an economic development director. The budget had originally included $100,000 for a full-year position, but Knapik said the mayor had cut it to $50,000 for half a year in order to rework the job description and allow time for the hiring process.
During the discussion, Councilor Ralph Figy said he has probably been the loudest voice to put the economic de-
Armbrook named Best
Senior Living Community
WESTFIELD — Armbrook Village has earned the honor of U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 Best Senior Living award in all three categories: Assisted Living, Independent Living, and Memory Care — in the publication’s fifth annual year measuring Assisted Living communities. Best Senior Living Ratings are based on multiple aspects of a resident’s daily life. Considered categories include dining experiences, programming, safety, and the overall value of care given to each resident. As seniors and families search for
the best option to match their loved one’s needs, wellbeing, programming and quality of life are crucial. Out of the 540,000 consumer surveys completed by family, friends, and staff, only the highest ranked communities are given the title of “best.”
Between movie nights, educational lectures, art classes and book clubs, Armbrook Village is known for its engaging social programming. With various brain healthy choices on the community’s menus and an
See ARMBROOK on page 8
velopment position back into the budget. “I’m going to be a no on this reduction, because you look at our new growth, and I think without an economic development coordinator … that number has really drastically reduced, and I think would only be increased if we had this position,” Figy said.
Bean said he was a no vote on the cut in committee, and has also been banging the drum for this position for a number of years. “I think the correlation of new growth, and not having that position filled, and moving the city forward is a big part of it,” he said, adding, “We can’t cut our way out of these things. We have to grow, and we have to be on top of the kind of industry we want and hopefully reduce the taxes that are being paid on the residential side and on the commercial side.”
Harris, who voted for the cut in committee, said she took the opposite position. She said a few years ago, the Boston papers had touted Westfield as a great place to go. ”All the big companies who want to come here, even small companies, they already know about Westfield. They
have their own scouts that go across Massachusetts, and scout out where’s a good position, where’s a good fit for them,” she said, adding that between the mayor and community development, she did not believe the position was necessary.
Councilor James Adams disagreed. He said there are opportunities out there that somebody other than the mayor should address.
“Somebody that actually knows how to bring in business. I don’t know if the mayor knows how to bring in business. He was a captain of a police department. What does he know about bringing in business? He doesn’t. But somebody who’s trained and has done it, knows the little things to do, and it directly has an impact on our budget. We’ve all been complaining about the growth; well, because we haven’t had anybody in there to sell our city,” Adams said.
Knapik said while he initially voted for the cut in committee because the job description had to be reworked, he was going to change his mind and support the position. The vote to cut the $50,000 to pay for half a year
of salary failed, with Harris and Councilors Bridget Matthews-Kane and Kristen Mello in support of the cut. Mello said she believes an advancement person is needed, but it didn’t seem like the city was ready to go forward.
During the meeting, Knapik again spoke to what he believes is the need for a new formula for payment in lieu of taxes by Westfield Gas & Electric, which has been capped for a decade at $530,000 to $550,000. He has requested that the mayor and his appointee on the Municipal Light Board bring WG&E back to the table. “It’s about being fair,” he said.
Knapik ended the meeting by thanking the councilors and saying the mayor and city department heads had been great to work with. “There are some hard decisions in the future that have to be made,” he said, but added, “The great news for this city is we’re not like these other ones that are having those debt exclusions and override votes. There’s a lot of folks along the way that got us into the position where we have some levy capacity … and we’re not facing the cliff right now, so we have some time.”
This unique board game features businesses and points of interest from all over the town of Westfield!
This unique board game features businesses, points of interest and landmarks all over the town of Westfield, Massachusetts.
Westfield-OPOLY Board Games are Available for Purchase, Cash/Credit * , In-Person at:
The Westfield News*
Westfield-OPOLY board games are available at:
181 Root Road, Westfield
Westfield News
Orders available for pick-up at these locations:
181 Root Road, Westfield, MA
Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce
166 Elm Street, Westfield
166 Elm Street, Westfield, MA
Reminder Publishing, LLC
Reminder Publishing, LLC
443 Shaker Rd, Suite B, East Longmeadow, MA Game
Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce
443 Shaker Rd, Suite B, East Longmeadow
Finance Committee Chair Daniel Knapik, second from right, addresses councilors on proposed cuts at a budget reconciliation meeting on June 17.
Photo credit: Westfield Community TV
Fundraiser announced to purchase digital bulletin board
By Cliff Clark cclark@thereminder.com
SOUTHWICK — With the goal of generating Ram spirit and making residents aware of upcoming events, Southwick Regional School administrators and a former School Committee member announced a fundraising campaign to purchase a digital community bulletin board on June 18.
“Building Ram spirit. Building community spirit. That’s the goal,” said Russell Fox, who just completed his service on the Southwick-Tolland-Granville Regional School District School Committee.
“Because years ago — I know I’m getting ancient — basketball games were packed. Every game was packed. People went to soccer games. People went to baseball games. They went to band concerts and plays, and it was always packed,” Fox said
And it wasn’t just the parents, he said.
“It was the people in the community. There was an involvement. We need to bring that back,” he said.
The proposed digital sign will serve as a modern community bulletin board, helping keep residents informed about school
events, student achievements, athletic schedules, community activities and important announcements, Fox said.
In addition, SRS Principal Diana Bonneville said the sign will display inspirational and encouraging messages to students as they arrive at school each morning.
“There are things we would want to change daily or put in motivational things or to wish a team good luck for an event,” Bonneville said during a formal announcement at SRS.
There is also a practical reason for the sign, Bonneville explained.
The current sign at the entrance to SRS must be changed manually.
“It takes 20 minutes to change the sign. With the digital sign, we can do it electronically from our desks and let the whole community know of important things that are going on or celebrate students, as well as whatever’s going on in the community. We could broadcast that to everybody as well,” Bonneville said.
This project is being launched in support of the school’s growing commitment to community involvement and student connection through the Helping Hands program.
The SRS Helping Hands Kindness in Motion program is based on the butterfly effect — the theory that small actions can lead to significant and often unpredictable consequences that can impact history, science and everyday life. For example, a butterfly flapping its wings in one part of the world could theoretically set off a chain of events leading to a tornado in another part of the world.
SRS Assistant Principal Christopher Barbarotta said the program encourages students to build Ram and community spirit, strengthen school pride, and foster meaningful connections between students, staff and the communities it serves.
The goal of the campaign is to raise $35,000 to cover the cost of the new digital sign and its installation. Fox is hopeful the funds can be raised and the sign installed by this fall.
Fox, a proud member of the Southwick High Class of 1975, is challenging other graduating classes, alumni, local businesses, and community organizations to contribute to the project and to help leave a lasting impact on future generations of Rams.
Any additional funds raised beyond the cost of the sign will directly support the Helping
Hands program and its continued efforts to strengthen school and community connections. Fox said the school is asking residents of Southwick, Granville and Tolland — along with staff, alumni, families and local businesses — to consider contributing to this important project and to help them create a stronger sense of community for students. Checks can be mailed to Southwick Regional School, 3 Feeding Hills Road, South-
Armbrook
Continued from page 7
Every week we will provide you with a complete listings of deaths from the preceding week from throughout Greater Springfield. We are doing this as a convenience to our readers in case you miss an obit in the daily paper. We hope you find this useful and that you will refer to it weekly.
AGAWAM
Walter A. Garstka
Stephen M. Martin
Geraldine Schilling-Nordal
FEEDING HILLS
Kathleen Earnest Lombardi
SOUTHWICK
William O. Bellows
Alma W. Benton
Angelina P. Italiano
WEST SPRINGFIELD
Anthony J. Bonacquisti
Virginia Louise “Ginny” Joslin
Vivian F. Kruczek
Kenneth A. Noel WESTFIELD Sylvia Mathilda Kennedy (Vomacka)
Maryann G. O’Brien
wick, MA 01077.
Checks are to be made payable to SRS and include “Community Bulletin Board” in the memo line. Fox added that checks can be dropped off at The Southwick Florist.
“Together, we can build Ram spirit, strengthen community spirit, and create a welcoming and connected environment for our students and community,” Fox said.
enthusiastic dining staff, a fine dining experience is offered to all residents at each meal. Caregivers are available 24/7, ensuring a safe environment for all residents and peace of mind for families.
“Whether seeking an active independent lifestyle or specialized care, U.S. News’ 2026 Best Senior Living ratings help families navigate these options by identifying communities where residents and their families reported the highest levels of satisfaction,” shares U.S. News Senior Living Director Liz Pearce.
A fundraising campaign was announced on June 18 at Southwick Regional School to purchase and install a digital bulletin board at its entrance off Feeding Hills Road. At the announcement were (from left) Shannon North, SRS’s Assistant Principal Chris Kennedy and Christopher Barbarotta,
Bottass),
Reminder Publishing photo by Cliff Clark
STRM: East Longmeadow July 4 celebrations
By Dennis Hackett dhackett@thereminder.com
EAST LONGMEADOW — With the United States celebrating its 250th anniversary this July, East Longmeadow is pulling out all the stops with one of its biggest Fourth of July celebrations to date.
On the latest episode of “So That Reminds Me,” East Longmeadow Rotary Club and 250th Committee members Donna Prather and Adele Hill joined Tyler Garnet and myself to talk all about East Longmeadow’s Fourth of July and 250th anniversary celebrations, dubbed “Celebrating America 250th in 01028 in the USA”.
Hill said people can look forward to “lots of stuff” as a part of the celebration and said it was a group effort with organizations in town.
“Celebrate 250th in East Longmeadow started off as sort of an idea with different groups from the Recreation Department, Rotary Club, as well as the town manager’s office, and it has evolved into this huge amount of coordination for a bunch of different events starting on June 26,” she said.
Hill added that Center Field will serve as the main stage for the events kicking off on June 26, which includes live music and a beer garden put together by East Village Tavern. Beginning on June 26, there will be a car show from 5-7 p.m. with a performance from Just Go With It; on June 27, there will be lawn games, Trivia with Rich and the town’s first ceremonial bonfire, along with live music from Project 267; there will be a cornhole tournament from 3-7 p.m. along with a performance from Aquanett; and on June 29 the Rotary Club will be offering free meals for veterans followed by a performance from Now That’s 90’s. There will also be food available for purchase every night.
Following the additional four days of events this year, the annual carnival kicks off on June 30 at Center Field, which runs every day through July 4. There will also be live music at the carnival
each night starting with Masshats on June 30, Trailer Trash on July 1, the Black Cadillacs on July 2 and 7Roads Band on July 3. Also, on July 3 at Mapleshade Elementary School, Trailer Trash will perform again before the laser light show, which is scheduled for 9 p.m. All the concerts will take place at 7 p.m., and the carnival will run each day from 6-10 p.m.
On July 4, the parade steps off at 10 a.m. from St. Michael’s Church and will continue along the traditional route from Maple Street to North Main Street to Maplewood Street to Elm Street, while the carnival runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. that day. It’s Pat Again will play the last concert that night.
Hill said a new addition to the parade this year is a sensory spot.
“Which will be Elmcrest, which is just at the end of the parade route before the parade route ends at Hanward Hill,” she said.
“The DPW and police, we’re going to set it up so that we have the area cornered off and families can have one-sided parking on that street so they can park close so those with issues with loud noises, loud sounds or loud colors, and lights and such have a more quiet area to actually enjoy the parade.”
Along with the events throughout the week, the club and Historical Commission are still accepting submissions for the time capsule until June 27. There are donation boxes available in town buildings. Hill also highlighted the first business that submitted for the capsule.
“If you look on Facebook, Jeanie’s Weenies gave a hat, so that was actually the first thing donated,” she said.
Hill also said the laser light show, which has replaced the traditional fireworks because of the construction of the new high school, has been a huge success.
“We are guessing we had thousands of people for the laser light show because everybody else in the area canceled their fireworks because they couldn’t set them off,” she said.
Prather said the new location at Mapleshade was also a success.
“We got a lot of great feed-
back also about the location of it because of the way it was set up on the field and people were able to walk to it,” she said.
Hill said that putting all the events together is a community effort.
“It’s great to have so many planners from the town, town officials, as well as with the Rec. Department and Rotarians who have all come together to help plan these different events,” Hill said. “For the July 4 parade, we have a lot of community members who come out and help.”
Prather added that the volunteers are a huge part of organizing the events.
“It’s huge, it goes from word of mouth to someone out there hanging a banner, or setting up chairs for an event, we have high school students that help us, this wouldn’t happen without volunteers, both monetarily and sweat equity,” she said. “It’s enormous how many people come out and help.”
Prather said she was most looking forward to people coming out and having fun.
“It’s really about seeing people happy and having a good time; there’s enough to worry about going on in the world right now so let’s just have some fun,” she said.
The following communities also have plenty of events in store for the holiday and anniversary:
• Chicopee is celebrating America’s 250th birthday from 4-10 p.m. at Szot Park on Friday, June 26. Fireworks will take place on Saturday, June 27, with a rain date of Sunday, June 28, at Szot Park.
• Holyoke’s July 4 fireworks celebration will take place at Holyoke Community College on Friday, June 26, and a rain date is scheduled for Saturday, June 27. The event begins at 6 p.m. There will be food, music and family-friendly activities before the fireworks display at dusk.
Hill joined Tyler Garnet and Dennis Hackett on the latest episode of “So That Reminds Me.”
• On Saturday June 27, the Thunder in the Valley Concert & Fireworks Festival returns. The event is ran by nonprofit Unbroken Wings Inc and the proceeds for the event go to benefit the Children’s Miracle Network at Baystate Children’s Hospital. It is a full day event featuring live bands, food trucks, family-friendly games and activities and a fireworks show to end the night.
• The annual South Hadley fireworks celebration will occur on Friday, July 3, at 5 p.m., with the fireworks commencing at 9:30 p.m. at the Michael E. Smith
East Longmeadow Rotary Club and 250th Committee members Donna Prather and Adele
Reminder Publishing photo by Chris Maza
SOUTHWICK
Former Powder Mill School principal named superintendent
By Cliff Clark cclark@thereminder.com
SOUTHWICK — Erin Fahey-Carrier, the regional school district’s current director of curriculum and former Powder Mill School principal, has been chosen by the School Committee to become the new superintendent.
She will officially take over next June when current Superintendent Jennifer Willard retires.
“I think we get the best of both worlds in the same person,” said Robert Stevenson, the chair of the Southwick-Tolland-Granville Regional School District School Committee, about Fahey-Carrier after he provided the reasons he believed she was the better choice.
On June 15, Fahey-Carrier and Dr. Ginger Coleman, the two finalists to replace Willard, answered seven questions at a special meeting of the School Committee about how they would lead the district.
Fahey-Carrier is currently with the regional school district as its curriculum development director and has been with the district since 2017, which is when she was appointed as principal of Powder Mill School. She also served in leadership roles in the Chicopee and Westfield school districts.
Coleman is the director of student services for Ware Public Schools and has been there since August 2023.
The seven questions covered leadership and vision, budget management and resource allocation, crisis management and problem solving, community relations and communication, equity and student achievement, staff leadership and organizational
structure, and strategic planning and long-term decision making.
Stevenson, mentioning that both candidates knew the questions beforehand, said both did a good job.
“I think one of them stood out to me. [Fahey-Carrier] took advantage of that time to make sure that when she came before us to interview [for] the most important position that they could ever aspire to, [she] was extremely prepared,” he said, referring to Fahey-Carrier’s answers.
He added that both candidates were similar in their philosophies and values, but there was a difference.
“To me, the difference is, why do I want to go with somebody that’s the same thing when I’ve already got somebody that’s got similar traits in a lot of aspects,”
Stevenson said, adding that while Fahey-Carrier was already working in the district, he considered her an outside candidate.
“I think she brings forward outside ideas, even though she isn’t technically an internal candidate. And I think that you can have an outside person that’s been here for eight years that brings a plethora of ideas to the table.”
Committee member Pamela Petschke said Coleman and Fahey-Carrier were excellent candidates, and “represent different things.”
“I think it comes down to what we as a committee most value as we move forward,” she said before making it clear that she “worked very hard to go into this entire process with an open mind.”
Petschke said that Coleman would bring “fresh perspectives and new ideas.”
And then referring to how
each answered the questions, as Stevenson did, she said she was impressed with Fahey-Carrier’s responses.
“I was very impressed with the way that Erin was very strategic in how she dissected the questions, how she answered the questions, and then how she summarized her answers to each question,” said Petschke, who represents Granville on the committee.
She also addressed the fact that Fahey-Carrier was an internal candidate.
“While I understand that there are both strengths and weaknesses when you have an internal candidate, I do feel that Erin genuinely has her finger on the pulse of this district and made it very clear tonight what she thought are the opportunities for growth and improvement were,” Petschke said.
Committee member Jennifer Burkholder, like Petschke, also said Coleman would bring a “different perspective” to the district, which “seems like that is something that people in the town would like too.”
However, she also saw the “strong side” of Fahey-Carrier.
“Which we know already. And I think she’s definitely capable of this job,” Burkholder, who represents Southwick on the committee, said of Fahey-Carrier.
Burkholder also acknowledged Fahey-Carrier’s experience and knowledge, but said one of her “concerns” was that she was an internal candidate.
“I think one of my concerns on the internal candidate is just the current state of the teachers and the administration,” she said without explaining the “current state.”
“No matter who is selected, I would like to see as a very clear goal [and] overall vision for improvement because it does seem like there’s some sort of a disconnect there between … communicating to the staff and faculty,” Burkholder said, referring to the current district administration.
Judy Stanley, who represents Tolland on the committee, also noted how Fahey-Carrier answered the questions and that both she and Coleman were “presenting fairly similar goals and visions of what they would bring to a job.”
She particularly liked Fahey-Carrier’s focus on school culture.
“I did like Erin’s focus on culture because I think it can be very wishy washy and a sort of
term that gets thrown around. But when talking about a culture of appreciation, there are morale and trust issues that can be addressed,” Stanley said.
Committee member Melissa Morrissey also thought both interviewed well.
“I think that both of them are obviously very high energy, have a lot of experience, are both looking to be seen, to listen to others, to be in a leadership role that’s involved in the school, which I think is going to be huge,” Morrissey said.
“I think we need that. We need somebody who’s present in the halls, who’s friendly with the kids, who knows what’s going on,” Morrissey continued. “I
Southwick-Tolland-Granville Regional School District’s Director of Curriculum Erin Fahey-Carrier was interviewed by the STGRSD School Committee on June 15 for the superintendent’s position. She was chosen to succeed current superintendent, Jennifer Willard, when she retires next June.
Reminder Publishing photo by Cliff Clark
See STGRSD on page 11
HILLTOWNS
Blandford announces 250th anniversary celebration
BLANDFORD — The town of Blandford will kick off America’s 250th anniversary celebrations a full week early with two days of fireworks, live music, history, hometown pride, and family fun during “Blandford’s Happy Birthday America 250 Celebration!” on Friday and Saturday, June 26-27, at the Blandford Fairgrounds. The community-wide celebration is designed to bring together residents, families and visitors, connected to Blandford for a festive weekend honoring both America’s birthday and Blandford’s deep Revolutionary-era roots.
Friday Night Fireworks & Fun
Sponsored by the Blandford Historical Society
think they both have that quality.”
Committee member Ryan Korobkov, who represents Southwick, said, like the other committee members, that Coleman would bring a new perspective.
“Our opinions are shaped by our experiences. So, Dr. Coleman, coming from somewhere totally different, not that Erin hasn’t. She’s been other places, [it] could be beneficial as far as new ideas and cultivating and seeing our culture from the outside,” Korobkov said.
“I think they’re both qualified and good in different ways,” she said.
Both candidates were asked
Festivities begin Friday, June 26, from 6-9:30 p.m. at the fairgrounds with an evening of live entertainment, food and fireworks.
The Pitoniak Brothers Band, playing a mix of country and classic rock, will provide live music leading up to fireworks at dusk. Attendees are welcome to bring blankets, lawn chairs and picnics for an old-fashioned summer evening celebration. Food and refreshments will also be on sale including Blandford Fair’s hamburgers, hot dogs, drinks, apple cider donuts and craft beer from Skyline Beer Company.
Saturday Parade & Community Celebration
Sponsored by the Town of Blandford, the celebration
questions about district finances.
Fahey-Carrier said the first step is finding out which financial decisions would have an impact on individual students and groups of students in the entire district.
“We need to be able to communicate when we’re making decisions on what that impact will be to all stakeholder groups so that they’re understanding the underlying decisions behind what we’re doing now,” Fahey-Carrier said.
She then acknowledged that residents don’t always agree with difficult budgetary decisions.
“But people deserve honesty and transparency, and they need to know how decisions were made. So that’s really important. When I look at the entire decision-mak-
continues Saturday, June 27, beginning with the “Then & Now” Parade at 11 a.m.
The parade will travel from Blandford Town Hall to the fairgrounds and feature police and color guards, the Holyoke Caledonian Pipe Band, veterans, fire trucks, historical families and places, elected and appointed officials, animals and local children representing the town’s future.
From noon to 3 p.m. under the fairgrounds pavilion, the community celebration will feature the National Anthem sung by Alyssa O’Neil, music with a DJ, family games, and a free community cookout with hamburgers, hot dogs, chips and drinks.
One of the highlights of the
ing framework, and I pair it with communication, I would follow a pretty strict, straightforward approach starting with fixed and mandated costs, understanding those best, getting a handle on them, and then communicating that to our populations, all of our stakeholders,” she said.
Stevenson said that was one of Fahey-Carrier’s strengths while recognizing the difficult budget decisions that will need to be made next year.
“We’ve already started talking about it now; we’re going to involve the public into more of the budgetary side of this. We are going to hit a 2 1/2% override vote, whether we like it or not,” Stevenson said.
“So the more information
afternoon will be a special miniperformance by the Blandford Historical Society titled “The Ghosts Are Back!” The historical reenactment introduces visitors to a 1776 Blandford patriot and his family as they recall what life was like in Blandford 250 years ago during the birth of the nation.
Town officials will also offer remarks during the afternoon celebration.
Organizers say the event is intended to celebrate not only America’s founding, but also the spirit of small-town community that continues to define Blandford today.
Admission to all events is free.
In the event of inclement weather, check tinyurl.com/ blandford250
and the better that we can educate the public as to what we’re dealing with. And I think it’s exactly what Erin said. We need to figure out what we’re standing for, what do we want, what does the district want?” Stevenson continued.
“And then once we decide that if you have to go into a 2 1/2 % override because you need to be able to provide what the district and the towns have all said that they want, I think that’s an easy vote.
“If you go into a 2 1/2% override and people don’t know what you’re doing, why you’re doing it, or how you’re going to do it, it’ll go down,” he said. With that, the committee voted unanimously to appoint Fahey-Carrier.
that the Servistar Data Center was a done deal. He said since then, he had done some reading, and believed if the moratorium were to be approved, the building inspector and Mass General Laws have the authority at the mayor’s request to suspend or revoke the building permit in its entirety during the moratorium.
Kathy Labrie of Big Wood Drive also questioned whether Servistar is a company, or what she called “a corporate shell that is simply trying to flip a permit to the highest bidder.”
Ray Frappier of Berkshire Drive said he had a question about the moratorium. “Is it just another
STRM
Continued from page 9
Middle School. A potential rain date is scheduled for Sunday, July 5. The evening will include food trucks, vendors, rides and games for kids. There will be a DJ in the parking lot, and the South Hadley Community Band will start to play at 8 p.m.
• Westfield will be home to the annual Wyben Fourth of July Parade, which starts at 5 p.m. on July 4 at the corner of North and Montgomery roads. Westfield will also have a fireworks display at Westfield Middle School on July 2 at 9:15 p.m.
not-my-backyard scenario by the people on the north end, and, if so, after all the projects they canceled because of that, when will they start reimbursing a loss in revenue for taxes to the people on the south side of the river?“
After all the questions were asked, Beltrandi asked for a show of hands from those in support of the moratorium, to which the vast majority in the room responded in favor.
A motion to close the public hearing was made, after which Councilor Daniel Knapik questioned whether the comments taken and written down by the public at the meeting could be considered once the hearing is closed.
Mello and Councilor Karen Fanion, who is currently working on a city ordinance on battery energy storage systems in the Zoning,
• Star Spangled Springfield returns on July 4 from 6-10 p.m. with fireworks to be displayed from the Memorial Bridge.
• Enfield will host its Fourth of July Town Celebration from July 10-12. There will be a 5K at 9 a.m. and parade at 11 a.m. on July 11 along with a car show on July 12 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., followed by the fireworks at 9:45 p.m. Beginning on July 10, there will be live music and family events throughout the weekend.
To listen to the full episode, head to thereminder.com/ourpodcast or search “So That Reminds Me” on your favorite podcasting platform.
Planning and Development Committee, which she chairs, said the hearing was solely on whether to enact the moratorium.
“The intent of the moratorium is for us to investigate the ecological and public health impacts. So their questions about the ecological, and infrastructure, and public health impacts are the entire point… So, of course, Natural Resources will be taking in testimony,” Mello said.
“When we did the moratorium
on the battery storage facilities, the point was just to stop any applications from coming in so that we would have time to write an ordinance; so we just voted on the moratorium, as Councilor Mello was saying, and then we’re taking information now into ZPD to write that ordinance,” said Fanion.
The council then voted unanimously for the moratorium. The second reading and vote are scheduled for the next City Council meeting in July.
EAST LONGMEADOW - THURSDAY, HOOK DELIVERY
144 Papers: St. Joseph Dr., Wisteria Ln., Pembroke Terr., Rockingham Cir., Dartmouth Ln., Partial - Prospect St., Chestnut St., Somers Rd.
129 Papers: Gerrard Ave., Holy Cross Cir., Kingston Ave., Lombard Ave., Nelson St., Roderick Ave., Partial- N. Main St.
166 Papers: Braeburn Rd., Channing Rd., Tufts St., Van Dyke Rd., Wood Ave., Boulder St., Admiral St., Thompson St., Partial-Dwight Rd. (odd side only)
131 Papers: Shawmut St., Mayfair St., Westminster St., Thompkins Ave., Partial-Gates Ave
64 Papers: Anne St., Helen Cir., John St., Vadnais St., Converse Cir.
161 Papers: Burbank Rd., Farmington Rd., Ellington Rd., Oakwood Rd., Partial-Converse St.
174 Papers: Orchard Rd., Pine Grove Cir., Partial-Parker St., Porter Rd., Allen St.
207 Papers: Dover Rd., Birchwood Ave., Benedict Ter., Roseland Ter., Colony Rd.
62 Papers: Magnolia Cir., Primrose Dr., Merriweather Dr., Vanguard Ln., Ridge Rd.
229 Papers: Blueberry Hill Rd., Concord Rd., Green Willow Dr., Tanglewood Dr., Redfern Dr.
LONGMEADOW - THURSDAY, HOOK DELIVERY
83 Papers: Williamsburg Dr., Eunice Dr., Tabor Crossing, Morgan Ridge, Burns Meadow, Churchill Dr., Partial - Converse St.
84 Papers: Chandler Ave., Partial - Longmeadow St.
109 Papers: Birnie Rd., Brookside Dr., Crescent Rd., Longview Dr., Fairhill Dr., Partial - Longmeadow St.
54 Papers: Bliss Rd.
87 Papers: Andover Rd., Ashford Rd., Cranwell Ln., Deerfield Ave., Willow Cir., Williston Dr., Willow Brook Rd., Partial - Frank Smith Rd.
157 Papers: Albemarle Rd., Arcadia St., Barclay St., Chiswick St., Fairway Dr., Franklin Rd., Lincoln Pk., Whitmun Rd., Woodmont Rd.
96 Papers: Brookwood Dr., Kenmore Dr., Knollwood Dr., Partial - Shaker Rd.
99 Papers: Barbara Ln., Quinnehtuk Rd., Village Dr., Pioneer Dr., Partial - Maple Rd., Frank Smith Rd., Wolf Swamp Rd.
100 Papers: Norway St., Nevins Ave., Partial - Maple Rd.
157 Papers: Birch Rd., Yarmouth St., King Philip Dr., Sheffield Ave., Partial-Wolf Swamp Rd.
115 Papers: Hopkins Pl., Hawthorn St., Fairfield Ter., Laurel Ln., Partial-Laurel St.
42 Papers: Lynwood Dr., Duxbury Ln., Elizabeth Cir.
67 Papers: Woolworth St., Woodside Dr., Blokland Dr., Wilkin Dr., Grassy Gutter Rd.
65 Papers: Park Dr., Brittany Rd., Normandy Rd., Partial-E. Greenwich Rd., Colony Rd.
149 Papers: Prynne Ridge Rd., Wyndward Rd., Wildwood Glen, Maplewood St., Partial-Maple Rd.
WILBRAHAM - THURSDAY, HOOK DELIVERY
35 Papers: Arbor Ln., Greenwood Rd., Oak Ridge Dr., Old Orchard Rd.
61 Papers: Gary Dr., Pidgeon Dr., Raymond Dr., Ruth Dr., Sawmill Dr.
228 Papers: Echo Hill Rd., Highmoor Dr., Meeting House Ln., Rice Dr., Ridge Rd., Highridge Rd., Hitching Post Ln., Partial - Mountain Rd., Monson Rd., Tinkham
