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The Westfield News Serving Westfield, Southwick, and the surrounding Hilltowns
www.thewestfieldnews.com THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2015
VOL. 84 NO. 083
Supporters of state film tax credit pack Statehouse By BOB SALSBERG Associated Press BOSTON (AP) — Supporters of the state’s film tax credit packed a Statehouse hearing Tuesday to argue against Gov. Charlie Baker’s proposal to do away with the decade-old tax break for movie and TV production in Massachusetts. Baker wants to use the money that would be saved to double the state’s earned income tax credit for low-income families. Administration officials said the film credit has had an overall “negative impact” on the state’s economy, an assertion that was strongly disputed by production companies, labor leaders and small-business owners who appeared before the Legislature’s Revenue Committee. Citing a recent report from the state Department of Revenue, Secretary of Economic Affairs Jay Ash said for each dollar in tax incentives for the film industry from 2006 to 2012, the state received 13 cents in offsetting revenue.
CARA MONTORO It’s not right for the state to give it (tax credits) out.
JENNI NAVES I say, thanks for coming to our state, but no tax breaks or credit.
See Tax Credit, Page 3
Police, Team Justice join forces for annual breakfast and egg hunt By HOPE E. TREMBLAY Staff Writer SOUTHWICK – The Southwick Police Association and Team Justice Racing is hosting its annual Pancake Breakfast and Easter Egg Hunt this Saturday. The event begins at 7 a.m. at Moo-Licious Farm, 285 Feeding Hills Road, with the egg hunt taking
ROBERT MAYNARD I have no opinion on that subject.
ELIZABETH McROY The state shouldn’t be giving tax credits or breaks. Hollywood makes money off their movies so why shouldn’t we.
JOHN KEARNS I don’t think they should. I think they should get rid of all tax subsidies.
See Egg Hunt, Page 3 PHOTOS BY FREDERICK GORE
Mail carrier charged with theft gets case continued
Ronald Deedy, a volunteer cook at MooLicious, flips the pancakes during the Southwick Police Association Pancake Breakfast fundraiser. (Photo by chief photographer Frederick Gore)
WESTFIELD (AP) — The case of a mail carrier charged with stealing thousands of dollars in cash and gift cards intended for residents along her route in Westfield and Southwick has been continued without finding. The Republican reports that charges against 40-year-old Kerry Friend will be dismissed after a year if she meets conditions of her probation and is not charged with new offenses.
the last of anything.” — EUDORA WELTY
75 cents
ON THE STREET “Should the state continue to give Hollywood filmmakers tax credits for filming in the state?”
DEB DANIELS I think the state should continue. It brings jobs to businesses and helps boost the economy.
“Never think you’ve seen
She also agreed to pay $236 in restitution. Authorities say between August 2013 and October that Friend stole mail worth at least $2,000 from her U.S. Postal Service route, although the actual amount is believed to be much more. Police say she was caught on surveillance video using a stolen gift card at a store. She was charged in February with larceny.
Lamson & Goodnow seeks tax break By DAN MORIARTY Staff Writer WESTFIELD – The oldest manufacturer of kitchen cutlery in the nation is seeking to relocate in this city as it recovers from the ravages of the Deerfield River, which overflowed its banks in 2011 during Tropical Storm Irene and destroyed the company’s plant it Shelburne Falls. The petition is being submitted tonight to the City Council. Lamson & Goodnow was established in Shelburne Falls, in 1837, and rapidly became the premier cutler in the United States. The company was forced into Chapter 11 bankruptcy and sold the Shelburne Falls property to pay creditors. JOE City Advancement Officer Joe Mitchell said MITCHELL that Lamson & Goodnow is seeking a Special Tax Assessment (STA) agreement to move its manufacturing facility to Mainline Drive, bringing its equipment and half of its workforce to Westfield. Members of the City Council are uncomfortable with embracing STA agreements because the five-year package starts with a 100 percent tax break for the entire property where the building is located. That tax relief drops by 20 percent each year of the agreement, so it will be 80 percent in year two; 60 percent in year three; 40 percent in year four and 20 percent in year five. The City Council is typically more receptive to Tax Incentive Financing (TIF) agreements which provide tax relief only for new construction and new equipment investments, while the rest of the property is taxed at the commercial rate. Mitchell said the STA is needed because there will not be new investment at the Mainline Derive building. “There’s not much there in terms of investment. They’re renting the building and are buying one new machine and moving their equipment from Shelburne Falls to Westfield,” Mitchell said. “They’re bringing 15 of their current craftsmen and artisans and plan to add another 15 manufacturing jobs during the STA to get back up to the full labor force of 30.” See Tax Break, Page 3
Theatrical collaboration a ‘win-win’ for Westfield State and WVTHS WESTFIELD – Westfield State University and Westfield Vocational Technical High School (WVTHS) have teamed up for the third consecutive year, this time to produce sets pieces for the university’s upcoming spring production of “Avenue Q.” The collaboration dates back to 2013 when Ernie Iannaccone, technical director of Dever Stage, approached Westfield Voc-Tech in search of a place to construct the large set for the music department’s production of “Cabaret.” Westfield Voc-Tech Principal Stefan Czaporowski approved the partnership allowing Westfield Voc-Tech students to construct the sets for Westfield State Department of Music productions at the high school. “I agreed because it exposes students in our Graphics and Construction Technology departments to other aspects of their respective trades,” Czaporowski said. “It also exposes WVTHS students to art and music, both of which we are not able to offer our students.” Iannaccone said teaming up with the high school offered an ideal solution. “The partnership is mutually beneficial,” Iannaccone said. “We get access to a carpentry shop big enough to build the sets and a skilled
labor pool.” Westfield Voc-Tech juniors and seniors, under the guidance of Brian Falcetti, lead teacher of construction technology, followed a design plan written by Iannaccone. The building process took six weeks in total with the juniors working for four weeks and the seniors for two. Students worked in pairs to cut and build each section. The juniors did the majority of the framing for the upper and lower floors and the seniors were involved with the exterior design and the installation of the trim and brickwork. Falcetti said students were able to closely follow Iannaccone’s plan with few questions. “The students and I enjoy working with Ernie and feel that he has great knowledge of his production abilities and we can add our construction skills as well,” Falcetti said. Timing is key, and the production schedule of the Westfield State music department shows coincides with the slow construction season. Generally, Westfield Voc-Tech construction technology students travel to job sites to build houses and garages, but they are not always able to do so during the winter. Westfield Voc-Tech students connect the set pieces for “Avenue Q” on Dever Stage at See Collaboration, Page 3 Westfield State.