Greetings from Ward 2
When will spring arrive? This is the question everyone wants answered. Like most of you, I am done with winter. I need some warmer weather and a lot of snow to melt. I hope everyone had a great St. Patrick’s Day. Congratulations to fellow City Councilor, Jimmy Adams, Westfield’s Parade Marshall, an honor well-deserved. It looks like another cold day for the parade in Holyoke, but I am sure a good time will be had by all who attend.
As spring approaches, things are beginning to start up in Westfield and particularly in Ward 2. The long-awaited restoration of the Red Cross building is set to begin in the near future. All of the preliminary work is completed and Domus anticipates construction will begin in the near future. Once construction begins, completion is estimated to take five to six months.
The Model School continues to plod along. The National Park Services has approved the use of land on Ponders Hallow Road as a substitute for the lost ball field on Cross Street. The window of filing an appeal is closing so hopefully the legal challenges are over. The amount of time and money spent on this project is rapidly adding up. These funds could have been put to better use on other city projects. It is too bad that we need to continue to lease property to educate the city’s children. Leasing is not cost-efficient when Westfield could have had a new school in place to educate our students. The students in Wards 2 and 3 deserve a building that is comparable to the other elementary schools in the district. They have received an excellent education in spite of being in substandard facilities. My hat goes off to the staff at both Abner Gibbs and Franklin Avenue schools for a job well done.
The senior center continues on the road to completion. The electrical, HVAC, and plumbing is being completed, as of this writing. Next up will be the finishing of the walls, floors and equipping this facility. This will definitely become one of Westfield’s crown jewels.
Things continue to progress at Westfield Vocational Technical High School. Senior projects in culinary are occurring with buffets. This week’s buffet was an Italian delight. The quality and variety of items presented was truly impressive and quite tasty. The annual plant sale in horticulture is scheduled for May 4-9. Please plan on attending early as the best plants go quickly. This is one of the best-kept secrets in Westfield. Windows in the gazebo have been installed. This was accomplished as a result of our mayor training and certifying the juniors in OSHA safety procedures. A big shoutout is in order as this is done at no cost for the students. Doors and siding are up next and it is hoped that this project will be completed before school ends this year. On April 8 at 6 p.m, the first annual College and Career Night will be presented. This will be an opportunity for parents and students alike to learn more about the college application process and career opportunities for students attending or thinking of attending Westfield Vocational Technical High School. Over 50 percent of last years seniors went on to College. This is the biggest fallacy surrounding WVTHS. WVTHS is preparing students to continuing their education. I would like to encourage any interest citizen to attend this informational evening to acquire a better understanding of this institution.
The annual New England Sled Hockey Tournament will once again be held at the Amelia Park Ice Arena on April 17, 18 and 19. This is a free event for the public and for the participating teams. A group of dedicated volunteers make sure that this events continues to be the highlight of the participating teams season. I cannot emphasize enough how inspiring this event is. It is incredible to watch these athletes play hockey with such enthusiasm and skill. It is hard to believe that they are physically impaired. There will be teams from all over the United States and Canada with members of the Paralympic teams. Even if you are not a hockey fan, come and watch a game or two. I guarantee you will not have wasted your time.
In conclusion, I would like to thank the citizens of Ward 2 for allowing me the honor of being your City Councilor.
Ralph J. Figy
Ward 2 City Councilor
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this column are those of the author and not the staff, editor, or publisher of this publication.
