JOE MITCHELL
WESTFIELD – The Elm Street Urban Renewal Plan is continuing to take steps forward. On Feb. 7, the Westfield News reported that the Westfield Redevelopment Authority (WRA) acquired four different properties for the project.
For a plan that has been in place for several years, the City Council supported the decision by approving $509,000 that would help fund the acquisition of the properties. It has been a long-time coming and WRA member and City Advancement Officer is pleased that the project is moving forward.
“We’re very happy that we’ve achieved this milestone of acquiring the final properties of the Elm Street Urban Renewal Plan area,” said Mitchell.
There are two parcels on this Elm Street property that have also been acquired for the parking garage. (Photo by Greg Fitzpatrick)
The properties acquired were 0 Church St., 11-13 Church St., 56 to 58 Elm St., and 64 to 66 Elm St. According to Mitchell, he was given keys to the remaining buildings on those properties on March 6.
The 11-13 Church St. properties had been owned for decades by the Romani Family and since the WRA sought the properties on Feb. 7, there has been a good relationship between the two parties resulting in an easy transition.
“We’ve worked very well with the Romani Family since that time,” said Mitchell.
Mitchell also noted that the Romani Family has spent the last few weeks removing any personal property in their buildings that has value.
As reported by the Westfield News, the property owners would be compensated for the acquisitions based on a value dependent upon the appraisal being done by the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development.
As the process continues to move forward, Mitchell says that he is currently in discussions with a consultant to identify and take care of any asbestos and hazardous materials that may be revealed.
One of the properties that has been acquired, used to be a bowling alley owned by the Romani family. (Photo by Greg Fitzpatrick)
The WRA is also working with an engineer so they can collect bids on which contractor will demolish the properties.
“We are well poised and look forward to the next steps of demolition and site preparation,” said Mitchell.
Once demolition is complete, the plan is to have a multi-level parking garage in the same area of 11-13 Church St. and 0 Church St. adjacent to and adjoining a building designed for mixed-use on Elm St.
Demolition and site preparation of the properties should begin by late summer.
