Mayor Domenic J. Sarno visited the city’s Housing Department at 1600 East Columbus Avenue this afternoon to bring greetings at the first meeting of the Springfield Housing Plan Steering Committee. The Committee is led by the city’s Housing Director Geraldine McCafferty who convened key stakeholders to start a robust conversation around Springfield’s housing opportunities and challenges, and to make a plan to move from discussion into action.
Today, Mayor Sarno and the Committee were also introduced to planning consultant Charles Buki. Mr. Buki will work with the city to create Springfield’s first comprehensive housing plan. Steering Committee members tapped to provide their expertise include:
Springfield City Council President Tracye Whitfield, Springfield City Council Vice President Jose Delgado, Chair of the Board of Assessors Jessica Guerra, City Treasurer Steve Lonergan, Building Commissioner Steve Desilets, Planning & Economic Development Project Manager LaToya Smith, Director of Community Planning Andrew Strniste, Economic Development Council of Western Massachusetts President Aaron Vega, Director of the Springfield Housing Authority Denise Jordan, MassINC Greg Torres Senior Fellow and retired Judge Dina Fein, Way Finders President and CEO Keith Fairey, Andy Crane from Home Builders & Remodelers Association of Western Massachusetts, Brian Sears of Lamacchia Real Estate, David Maynard from New Valley Bank, Jeb Balise from Balise Auto Group, Jose Claudio of the North End Housing Initiative,
Joy Martin from Davenport Companies, Kim Robinson from the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission, Maddy Landrau of the MassMutual Foundation, and Samantha Hamilton and Rusty Polsgrove from the Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts.
Mayor Sarno states, “Housing continues to be a top issue for Springfield. As we all know, in our state and our City of Springfield, there is a desperate need for more housing options. My administration remains committed to proactive programs to both improve existing affordable housing and add more quality housing for our Springfield residents. We also remain committed to working with local women and minority owned development and contracting firms to get these projects done. I am grateful to my city team, including Chief Development Officer Tim Sheehan and Housing Director Gerry McCafferty, our partners, and all those who are involved in the Steering Committee for your commitment and efforts to strengthen and increase our housing stock and ensure accessible and affordable options are available.”
Project website coming soon!
