Three private colleges in Springfield raise concerns about proposed University of Massachusetts satellite campus in downtown

The three private colleges say they are concerned about potential duplication of programs resulting if the University of Massachusetts opens a satellite campus in the downtown.

SPRINGFIELD -- The presidents of three Springfield-based colleges issued a joint statement on Tuesday, saying they will object to any "duplication of programs" if the University of Massachusetts locates a satellite campus in the city's downtown as proposed.

“In their embrace of a potential University of Massachusetts satellite campus, it is our hope that Springfield’s political and civic leadership, as well as that of the University of Massachusetts, do not ignore or actively undermine our dedicated institutions of higher education which currently call the city home,” the presidents said in the prepared statement.

The statement was released by Anthony S. Caprio, president of Western New England University; Richard Flynn, president of Springfield College; and Vincent Maniaci, president of American International College.

The University of Massachusetts issued a Request for Proposals last week, seeking to lease approximately 25,000 square feet of space in the downtown for classroom and office uses, and with the ability to expand in the future.

Henry M. Thomas, a Springfield native and chairman of the Board of Trustees of the University of Massachusetts, said Tuesday the goal is to work with the private colleges and not undermine them.

“I share their concern and because of that, we intend to do our best not to trip over the private colleges in a way that creates any hardship,” Thomas said. "Nothing is obviously absolute. In some areas, the demand is heavy enough, and there would be nothing wrong with adding a public higher education option to prospective students -- who are the university."

The private college presidents stated that University of Massachusetts officials and other proponents of the proposed satellite campus, “are fully aware of our belief that any duplication of programs already existing in the local private colleges (and community colleges) results in unnecessary and costly replication of what is already being successfully offered.”

“We have spent a century educating Springfield residents,” the presidents stated. “Today, we employ thousands, serving as economic engines in our respective neighborhoods and contributing to the vitality of the city and the region as a whole.”

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This article will be updated as our reporting continues.