On March 24, at a public presentation at CityStage, Springfield officials set the clock two years ahead. The talk, titled “Vision 2017: The Right Direction” and led by city Chief Development Officer Kevin Kennedy, took an audience of 300 people on a journey through a future version of the city — much of it focusing on how the MGM casino, now under construction, will impact Springfield.
“At the end of 2017, it is going to be a completely renovated city,” Kennedy said.
That’s a big promise, and we should hold the city and MGM to it. Rip out this list summarizing Kennedy’s talking points, stick it to your refrigerator, and check it again in two years for signs of progress.
Underway
- Construction of the MGM Springfield casino complex (expected completion date is late 2017)
- Spend $50 million on products the casino will need annually to operate, for the most part, locally
- Construction of the CNR Changchun Railway Vehicles Factory (expected 2018)
- $84.5 million renovation of Union Station (expected fall 2016)
- Renovation of the Silver Brick Lofts at 15 Taylor Street (ongoing; expected completion 2017)
- Improvements to the I91 corridor (ongoing)
- Construction of the Springfield Innovation Center on Bridge Street (expected January 2016)
- Construction of the Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum at the Springfield Museums (expected 2016)
- Conversion of the vacant six-story building at 13-31 Elm St., Court Square into a boutique hotel (completion date TBD)
- Construction of the “Blue Zone” shopping area south of Union Street next to the casino, to accommodate overflow demand for retail (expected 2017/2018)
- Construction of a casino trolley line, to run throughout the downtown area from Union Station over to the Basketball Hall of Fame, and from the museums down to the river walk (expected late 2017)
Dreaming big
- A baseball stadium on Main Street
- The creation of 3,000 permanent casino jobs
- Enhanced commuter rail service up to Greenfield and out to Boston
- A new Civic Center parking garage at Pynchon Park
- Public improvements to Stearns Square and Apremont Triangle
- Bike lanes on Dwight Street
- An apartment complex in the Willy’s Overland Block on Chestnut and Winter Streets, developed specifically for public school teachers
- A revamped Worthington Street Dining District, with increased outdoor seating
- High-rise, market-rate condos along the downtown section of the Connecticut River
- More shops and pedestrian/bike friendly sidewalks in the “north blocks” toward Union Station
- A revitalized commercial area around Steigers Park, including more outdoor seating and a supermarket on Main Street
- A renovated Paramount Theatre
- Improvements to Riverfront Park, with a terraced stair replacing the old flood wall, revamped walkways for running, walking, and biking
If you’re reading this in 2017: Congratulations! We weren’t sure you’d take us up on the challenge to hold onto this list and hold officials accountable, so we appreciate your commitment to the project. Now, mark off on this checklist what has actually come to pass in 2017. How did Springfield do? Any concerns, regrets, or unfulfilled dreams? If so, please share your feelings with the Office of Planning & Economic Development by writing to 70 Tapley St., Springfield, MA 01104, or by calling (413) 787-6020.•
