As I write this column the Springfield Jazz and Roots Festival is just a few days away. It will draw thousands of people to downtown Springfield — as long as the weather holds — making a sizable economic development impact on the region through restaurant and hotel use.
The crowd will be, if history repeats itself, large, orderly and appreciative of the talents that will be on display. There will some people who don’t normally come to the city or to downtown there to enjoy the music.
This is the kind of community in which I wish to live: a diverse community with a great history, the potential for a great future and interesting things to do and see.
Yes, I’m bullish on Springfield and Western Massachusetts.
The question that all of us continually face is what kind of community do you want?
Now, this kind of question usually comes up in any kind of election year. Candidates frequently share their vision of what they would like to see in the area they are to represent. There is usually some kind of wish list talking points of projects or changes they deem important.
If elected to office, the question becomes how much of an agenda has been fulfilled. That question usually pops up in a reelection campaign.
I should add that wish lists sometimes have no anchor in the economic reality a community faces. They should, though.
So, let me ask you the first question: what kind of community do you want?
For me, there are several things, including at the top of the list, more housing. If we — meaning Western Massachusetts are to survive — we must close the housing gap. There needs to be more new housing, both market rate and affordable.
Down the street from my house is a new development being built on Central Street in the South End. It’s a group of town houses being constructed on the site of the former Gemini clothing factory, long since demolished. Potential owners must apply through a lottery to buy a unit and the cost of the townhouses has been kept quite low: $170,000 to $220,000.
More housing is going up in the city, but here is my suggestion for this issue. Many communities across the country are debating the construction of “tiny houses.” For me, it makes a lot of sense for seniors and single people. We want seniors to stay in their own homes as long as they can, but many can’t manage the work and expenses that come with a conventional home.
There is city-owned property on my little street that would be perfect for two or three such homes and I’m sure in every municipality in our region there are similar plots. Tiny homes could stretch housing dollars to get much more living space established. They would be less expensive to buy and provide home ownership for people who need it.
I want a community with a tiny home option.
I also want a community where if you don’t have a car you can still get around. In Massachusetts, so much of the mass transit dollars go to the part of the state with the greatest population. I get that, but historically folks in Western Massachusetts need adequate mass transit as well.
To build up ridership — which in turn can build up additional service — there have been suggestions floated to make the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority free or if not free there would be considerable discounts offered. Worcester has experimented with free buses and across the nation more communities have either done it or are considering it.
We need to do it here. I want a community with a better transportation system.
Note to Gov. Healey: could you explain why in your version of the state budget you cut funding levels for the regional transit authorities? Asking for a friend.
Here’s a third idea on my wish list to build up communities: competitive broadband.
I applaud Chicopee, Westfield and Holyoke for having municipal broadband services and now it’s time for every community that has the infrastructure potential to consider it.
Internet access has long been essential to business development and having a competitive marketplace only makes sense. We want to grow new businesses, retain businesses and attract new business affordable broadband is part of the strategy.
I want a community with Internet service people can afford.
How likely is any of this? If you like these ideas (or have ideas off your own) have a talk with your city councilor or select board member. Corner your mayor. Send a note to your state senator and House member. The only way change happens is through your advocacy.
G. Michael Dobbs has worked for Reminder Publishing for 23 years of his nearly 50-year-career in the Western Mass. media scene, and previously served as the executive editor. He has spent his time with the publisher covering local politics, interesting people and events. The opinions expressed within the article are that of the author’s and do not represent the opinions and beliefs of the paper.
