Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, along with Police Commissioner John Barbieri, Chief Development Officer Kevin Kennedy, Executive Director of Parks, Buildings and Recreation Management Patrick Sullivan, Chief Administrative and Financial Officer TJ Plante, Director of Capital Asset Peter Garvey, MGM Springfield President Michael Mathis, and Related Companies Vice Chairman Jeff Brodsky announced today the locations for the new downtown police substation and police kiosks.
The new police substation will be located at 75 Dwight Street. The property is owned by Related Companies. The approximately 40 officers and supervisors assigned to the Metro Unit will report to and deploy from the substation for their shifts. The substation will include offices, work stations and locker facilities, as well as a conference area to be used for E3, C3 and community meetings.
The lighted police booths will be stationed at Main and Taylor Streets, Main and Morris Streets, and at Riverfront Park. Each will be staffed with a police officer, ensuring that residents and visitors can easily approach for questions, reports and general information.
These public safety additions to the metro area are part of Mayor Sarno’s Enhanced Neighborhood Policing plan to increase police presence in the downtown area, to compensate for with an increase in foot traffic from the openings of MGM Springfield and Union Station, while also expanding officers on patrol in each of the city’s neighborhoods. Mayor Sarno and Commissioner Barbieri announced the plan in March of 2016. The entire presentation can be found here: https://www.springfield-ma.gov/planning/index.php?id=home.
Funding for construction and maintenance of the projects derives from MGM Springfield as indicated in the Host Community Agreement (HCA). A Request For Proposals (RFP) will be released in the near future for construction of the kiosks.
Mayor Domenic J. Sarno stated, “These strategic public safety visibility moves will not only enhance our downtown visitation areas, but also our neighborhoods too. Working together through this public-private partnership with Commissioner Barbieri, Pat Sullivan and Related Companies (Chestnut Towers) Vice Chair Jeff Brodsky, the location of the substation will play a pivotal role in reinvigorating Pynchon Plaza and reconnecting it to our magnificent Museums and Library Quadrangle complex – especially timely with the opening of our new Dr. Seuss Museum. This has been a great collaboration of all entities involved and I am so appreciative of everyone’s efforts. We continue to review this plan, with possible additional public safety steps to follow.”
Police Commissioner John Barbieri said, “Deputy Chief William Cochrane, Captain Trent Hufnagel and I along with other members of the public safety team responsible for policing the metro area, have developed a plan for a highly visible police presence, utilizing C3 methodologies, in our vital economic development zone. With the support of Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, police staffing levels have been increased in order to provide the required staffing for the metro area, while also providing more officers to patrol neighborhood sectors. As the process moves forward, we will continue to plan and adjust as needed in order to fulfil our public safety mandate of assisting with economic development while simultaneously working to best serve the residents of Springfield.”
Chief Development Officer Kevin Kennedy said, “This is an important step in our comprehensive effort to restore vitality and positive activity throughout our downtown and surrounding neighborhoods. The location of the substation is key in the connection between downtown and the Springfield Museums, and along with the kiosks will be a significant asset for residents, businesses and visitors. When the MGM Springfield project was negotiated by Mayor Domenic J. Sarno and his administration, it was the highest priority to enhance public safety both in our downtown and throughout our neighborhoods, which this plan achieves. Much of our economic development effort in this district is focused upon the concept of encouraging visits to multiple attractions, and visible public safety is crucial for that to occur. We look forward to the addition of these facilities and the ongoing redevelopment efforts that are going on throughout the district and the city.”
Patrick Sullivan, Executive Director of DPBRM, stated “The siting of the new Police Substation will provide the opportunity to renovate Pynchon Plaza and enhance the opportunities to ensure this site once again serves as a gateway to the Museums and to our downtown. The Mayor has set aside $30,000 in CDBG funding to commence the design study for this park. We look forward to partnering with the Springfield Police Department, Related Companies and the Springfield Museums in developing a long term strategy that will enhance the quality of life for the residents of downtown and visitors to our city.”
Michael Mathis, President of MGM Springfield, said, "Today's announcement is another step to making our community a lively, safe and welcoming place for all. The unprecedented economic development occurring in the city will soon bring new visitors, customers and residents to downtown. We applaud the Mayor for prioritizing a modern public safety program to complement Springfield's revitalization."
Jeff Brodsky, Vice Chairman of Related Companies, said, “Related Affordable and Related Beal are proud to be investing in the revitalization of downtown Springfield and are extremely impressed by the commitment to public-private-partnership that has been so evident in our collaboration with Mayor Sarno and leaders across his administration. The optimism we have heard from all Springfield stakeholders has been contagious and we are pleased to be playing a role. We recognize the value of the new police substation and the revitalization of Pynchon Park as the keystone gateway linking downtown to the cultural center of Springfield that is the Museum Quad, and we are looking forward to continuing to work with the City and Springfield Museums to bring this neighborhood back to life.”
