PRESS RELEASE
THE CITY OF CHICOPEE RECEIVES $1.3 MILLION FROM MASSWORKS INFRASTRUCTURE GRANT PROGRAM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CHICOPEE – Last week, Mayor Richard J. Kos received notice of $1,296,000 in state funding for infrastructure enhancements was being awarded to the City of Chicopee. This funding is in support of a mixed-use redevelopment project in Chicopee that will focus on the Massachusetts Turnpike Interchange (Exit 6), and the intersections on Interstate 291/Burnett Road and First Avenue.
“Infrastructure grants benefit this project and benefit our city,” stated Mayor Richard J. Kos. “I thank the Baker-Polito administration and our legislative delegation for this grant program and their support and continued investment in the City of Chicopee.”
The funding is made possible through the MassWorks Infrastructure Grant program, which is administered by the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development (EOHED). MassWorks funds are authorized by the legislature and awarded by the Governor through the EOHED. The MassWorks Infrastructure Program provides flexible capital grants to municipalities in the Commonwealth to support public infrastructure improvements aimed at unlocking housing production, job creation, and private developments.
This project will reconstruct approximately 0.25 miles of roadway and the following scope of work: design and construction of crosswalks, driveway access, intersection reconfiguration, pavement markings, road resurfacing, sewer upgrades, sidewalks and curbing, street lights, traffic signals, utility connections, and water upgrades.
The proposal includes roadway construction to alleviate traffic congestion and improve accessibility to a planned large-scale mixed-use development site. Additionally, water and sewer infrastructure expansion within the corridor will be completed to extend systems to the private development site. Extensive roadwork is proposed to include a mill and overlay in the project area.
A local private Developer is preparing to execute a development with an estimated value of $22 million to support an immediate need in the community.
The Developer has designed this property to create a campus-style feel, with a 4-story hotel, two (2) restaurants, a coffee shop, and a gas/fueling station all within the same area.
With the support of the MassWorks Infrastructure Grant, the Developer intends to begin construction as soon as a “break-in” access permit is issued by MassDOT. This has been under discussion with MassDOT since November 2018 and is required prior to beginning construction.
In a recent press release, the delegation noted their partnership with, and thanked, the Baker-Polito Administration on behalf of the City of Chicopee.
“These funds will assist the city in mitigating traffic issues while helping to expand the City’s tax base,” said Representative Thomas Petrolati (D – Ludlow).
“The MassWorks program has funded many projects in the City of Chicopee,” Representative Joseph Wagner (D – Chicopee) said. “This award to the City will support private investment and job creation at one of Chicopee’s most important gateways.”
“These funds will unblock and transform a key transit point at one of the busiest intersections in all of Western Mass. Not only will the project allow people to travel more easily, quickly and safely, but it will also help create a new hospitality hub in Chicopee, leading to new jobs, new development and new opportunities for our community,” said Senator Eric Lesser (D – Longmeadow).
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