Mayor Domenic J. Sarno was honored to join to bring greetings during MassINC Policy Center’s Reclaiming Vacant Property Conference that was held at the MassMutual Center on Tuesday. This morning’s conference agenda included discussions with the state Housing Secretary Ed Augustus, MassINC Fellow Judge Dina Fein, and the City of Springfield’s Housing Director Gerry McCafferty. Program Director for the Gateway Cities Innovation Institute André Leroux also spoke.
The conference offered valuable insights for municipalities, developers, and stakeholders interested in using strategic tools to combat blight and promote affordable housing opportunities. This important event is dedicated to addressing vacant and distressed properties and exploring innovative solutions for revitalizing neighborhoods.
Mayor Sarno states, “Thank you, to MassINC Policy Center for hosting this informative event here in our Springfield. Shout out and thanks to MassINC Torres Sr. Fellow Judge Dina Fein for your ongoing advocacy. I am also grateful for the continued collaboration from Governor Maura Healey, Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll, and Housing Secretary Ed Augustus and team as we face an ongoing housing crisis throughout not just Massachusetts, but the entire country. We are always looking to use every possible tool in the toolbox to address our critical housing and redevelopment needs, and focusing on practical solutions. We will continue to work toward keeping people safely in their homes, building more housing, both market rate and workforce, promoting homeownership, and helping stabilize our housing stock and housing costs. My administration will continue to work cooperatively with the state, and both our private and public partners in dealing with housing needs and problems. Thank you to my Chief Development Officer Tim Sheehan, Housing Director Gerry McCafferty, and team for your continued dedicated efforts to be part of these important housing conversations."
