(rshsdepot) Springfield, Massachusetts

["James Dent" <james.dent_@_itochu.com>]

=46rom the Springfield Union-News....

Council vote on station said critical
Thursday, June 14, 2001
By PETER GOONAN

SPRINGFIELD   =97   City officials who are overseeing the planned $115 mi=
llion
Union Station redevelopment project say it faces a critical vote from the
City Council next week.

The council has a special meeting Monday at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall, to
consider amending the Court Square Urban Renewal Plan to include the full
Union Station development area and related land acquisitions.

Mayor Michael J. Albano and Gary A. Shepard, administrator of the Pioneer
Valley Transit Authority, the project coordinator, urged the council to b=
ack
the project by strongly supporting the amendment. The project involves a =
mix
of private and public funds, including federal funds already committed an=
d
being pursued, officials said.

"The vote Monday by the council will send a message to Congress that the
city is serious about this project moving forward," Albano said. "If this
were to be delayed or sent to committee, or if the city blinked in any wa=
y,
it would send the message that we are not serious."

Under the project, the long-dormant historic Union Station will become an
intermodal transportation center for trains, buses and other forms of pub=
lic
transportation. The plans also call for cinemas, restaurants, retail spac=
e,
offices, educational and cultural facilities, and an adjacent hotel on th=
e
former Hotel Charles parcel.

The amendment will expand the Court Square Urban Renewal Area to include
several properties needed for the Union Station project and will allow
acquisition of properties near the station through negotiated agreements =
or
by eminent domain, officials said.

City councilors polled this week said they strongly support the project,
believing it will help revitalize downtown and the city. However, some
members said they will seek additional information about the amendment at
Monday's hearing.

Shepard said that with government cutbacks on funding and a tight timetab=
le
for the project, "It is essential that we show strong community support a=
nd
momentum for this project."

The amendment details the proposed acquisition of six parcels on Liberty
Street and Frank B. Murray Street, including the Peter Pan Bus Lines
maintenance garage at 11 Liberty St. and the Roy's Towing car storage lot=
 at
331 Liberty St. The purchase of properties will allow the construction of=
 a
bus ramp to the second level of the station, as well as an off-ramp,
officials said.

Councilors Timothy J. Rooke, Domenic J. Sarno and Daniel D. Kelly said th=
at
federal legislators representing Springfield, including U.S. Rep. Richard=
 E.
Neal, D-Springfield, worked hard to secure funds for the project, and are
trying to obtain additional money. The three councilors said they plan to
vote for the urban renewal plan amendment.

"It's a no-brainer," Sarno said. "I am in full support of it. I think it'=
s
very exciting for the city of Springfield."

Rooke said that any hesitation in showing full support for the project
"would more than likely have a detrimental effect on federal money in pla=
ce
for the project."

Albano and several councilors said the Union Station project will serve a=
s a
strong tie to other projects, including plans for a convention center
downtown and the Basketball Hall of Fame riverfront development project.

Council President Angelo J. Puppolo Jr. joined in saying that Union Stati=
on
is exciting for the city. Puppolo said he believes there is a need to mov=
e
cautiously, and wants to make sure land takings are necessary and proper.

Albano and Shepard said all councilors received detailed reports regardin=
g
the urban renewal amendment.


=A9 2001 UNION-NEWS. Used with permission.

------------------------------