Downtown's future is bright

by | Feb 13, 2007 | Urban Compass

Update: The study (PDF) referenced below is available online, along with three attachments: target market descriptions (PDF), target market tables (PDF), and a detailed downtown map (PDF). At today’s Finance Control Board meeting, Laurie Volk of Zimmerman/Volk...

Pearl of the city: memo from Mike Tuckey

by | Feb 14, 2007 | Urban Compass

The January newsletter of the Armoury-Quadrangle Civic Association included a brief message from its newly-elected president, Springfield native Mike Tuckey, Sr., who wrote, "The city of Springfield has faced some very difficult times recently. It’s time to...

Where's the love?

by | Feb 14, 2007 | Urban Compass

Last fall, Springfield’s WGBY aired the first of a planned series of hour-long episodes of "The State We’re In" focusing on "saving" western Massachusetts cities. The first episode examined municipal finance. Springfield Mayor Charles...

Construction permits up 43 percent in 2006

by | Feb 15, 2007 | Urban Compass

The Office of Planning and Economic Development released a statement today saying that Springfield saw a 43 percent increase in total construction permits in fiscal year 2006. This trend surpasses the 31 percent increase in the previous fiscal year, the office said,...

City under a microscope: the Pioneer panel

by | Feb 16, 2007 | Urban Compass

Last week, a three-person panel representing Springfield sat before an audience on the 14th floor of Boston’s Omni Parker House Hotel at an event hosted by the Pioneer Institute. Their task was to reflect on what lessons we might draw from Springfield’s...