A proposal to use $375,000 in Community Preservation Act money to create four units of affordable housing was withdrawn from the Town Council without prejudice.
WEST SPRINGFIELD – The Town Council Monday approved using more than $300,000 in Community Preservation Act money to benefit the Josiah Day House, a housing project at the former Brightside campus and Mittineague Park.
In all, the council authorized using a total of $337,950. Of that $17,950 will be used to pay for a new roof at the Josiah Day House, $100,000 will benefit a 36-unit affordable housing project at the former Brightside campus proposed by the Sisters of Providence and $220,000 will be used to spruce up Mittineague Park.
Town Councilor Lida M. Powell, who seconded the motion by Town Councilor Brian J. Griffin to spend money on the park, spoke in favor of the Mittineague project. Powell said she is pleased the project will increase access to the park for handicapped people and commented that bringing more people to the park will cut down on crime there.
The council did not take action on a proposal endorsed by the city’s Community Preservation Committee to spend $375,000 to create affordable housing on Elm Street and $207,000 to buy open space abutting the town’s well fields in Southwick.
John P. Weiss of Heritage Lane spoke out strongly against the proposal to create four units of affordable housing at 870 Elm St. during the public speakout portion of the meeting. Weiss said he opposed the city adopting the Community Preservation Act because he believes the way it assesses a surcharge on property taxes is “just another tax.” Weiss said he and many people he has spoken to around the community oppose the Elm Street project. The project was proposed by Pensco Trust Co. for the benefit of Joseph J. Esile III, who owns Affordable Glass at 806 E. Elm St.
“I don’t think the CPA funds should be used for for-profit enterprises,” Weiss said.
Paul H. Boudo, chairman of the Community Preservation Committee, then spoke briefly after Weiss was finished. Boudo said that Esile was withdrawing his application without prejudice. Plans called for converting the shell of a commercial building into housing.
The council also did not act a $207,000 request to buy open space abutting the town’s well fields in Southwick pending getting more information from the state, according to Town Council President Kathleen A. Bourque.
Community preservation money may be used for only projects involving open space, historic preservation, recreation and affordable housing.