CHICOPEE — Heading into his fourth term, Mayor John Vieau shared his goals and upcoming projects for the city of Chicopee in a sit-down with Reminder Publishing.
Although he ran unopposed, Vieau said he still felt like he earned some of the public’s trust. “It’s just a wonderful, great honor to serve as mayor,” Vieau said. “I don’t take that lightly. I’m very passionate about Chicopee.”
Vieau said he plans to strengthen his relationship further with the City Council, School Committee, the state and federal delegation, as well as Gov. Maura Healey and Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll.
“I know I can’t do this alone,” Vieau stated. “My goal is to work with everyone and really to build better relationships … and continue to have the great relationships I’ve built over the years.”
Another goal Vieau has, which he said may be the most difficult, is keeping Chicopee affordable.
“There’s many other factors … it’s not just about real estate taxes. It’s about electric rates and quality of life and other reasons,” Vieau explained. “There’s always this balance when we’re talking negotiations for contracts, or we’re considering new projects, that we have to make sure we live with our means, and that’s something I’m really focused on, keeping Chicopee affordable.”
Vieau also said he wants to continue addressing priorities from previous terms, including public safety measures. He highlighted the advanced technology, the use of AI, and the real-time information center as key additions to improving the Police Department and safety of the city.
“If you don’t feel comfortable when you put your head down on your pillow at night, you’re not gonna want to live here,” Vieau said. “I think public safety is paramount.”
Vieau said Chicopee plans to make progress on a few key projects this year. Notably, phase 2 of City Hall renovations are moving forward, and Vieau hopes that the renovation of The Hub at Market Square will continue to provide a tangible community presence.
The city is also executing a purchasing sales agreement to buy the former Westfield Bank Loan Center on Exchange Street and relocate the school administration offices to that space.
The current lease at 134 Dulong Circle expires on Aug. 9. “We’re done leasing and looking to acquire and own our own space, and I couldn’t think of a better location right here in downtown Chicopee,” Vieau said.
One of the biggest projects that Vieau highlighted is the buildout of a new elementary school to replace Anna E. Barry Elementary School. Just recently, the Szetela Early Childhood Center site was chosen as the preferred location.
“I’m going to be asking, within the year, the City Council to approve bonding to move into the intimacies of design and acquiring space by eminent domain for access,” Vieau stated, regarding that project.
Chicopee’s first comprehensive plan, Envision Our Chicopee: 2040, is in the first year of implementation, and Vieau said he is excited to see new ordinances adopted based on the plan.
The nearly 70-page document is a shared vision for Chicopee’s future and a roadmap that guides everyone into getting to where they want together. It includes what new development looks like and where it can happen, how the city can protect environmentally sensitive areas and historic sites, prioritize future investments in community services and better support local business development.
Some other upcoming projects and events Vieau is excited about include the Safe Streets for All grant with the ultimate goal of Vision Zero, a 250th birthday celebration for the United States, and the possibility of advancement at the city’s three mill sites: Cabotville, Uniroyal and Facemate. He also hopes to have a year without any traffic deaths or serious injuries from car accidents.
The city has begun the tax title process for Cabotville, which Vieau called a long, arduous one.
“We don’t want to take property by tax title, so that’s just the beginning of the process,” Vieau said.
He added that he hopes the tax title process encourages the current owner to find a buyer to handle the property or redevelop the property because “it has so much potential and really is a key component to our downtown.”
“Good things are happening,” Vieau said, referring to Chicopee’s outlook this year.
