WESTFIELD – The City Council voted unanimously last week to approve a junk dealer’s license petitioned by the Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity to operate a retail store at 301 East Main St.
A junk license is required by city ordinance to resell any used materials. Habitat is planning to open a retail facility called Restore which will sell used home-construction materials and furniture. The Restore store is a brand name owned by Habitat for Humanity.
The council’s License Committee Thursday night gave the junk dealer request a 3-0 positive recommendation after meeting Wednesday with representatives of the organization.
Much of the committee’s discussion focused on concerns of City Council members about litter and trash at the Restore donation drop-off area. License Chairman Christopher Crean said Habitat officials presented their plans to address that concern and maintain an orderly site.
The City Council held a public hearing at its Jan. 5 special meeting on the Habitat for Humanity junk dealers permit. Proceeds from the sale of used construction materials and furniture will be used for Habitat housing projects.
Habitat for Humanity, represented by Jason Tsitso, a board member and chairman of the Restore Planning Committee, spoke at the public hearing.
“We’ll be selling donated goods, construction items, furniture,” Tsitso said. “We will have a donation site in the fenced area on the side of the building,” Tsitso said. “The store will be accessed through the side because there will be a retail area in the front of the building.”
Several council members asked about items being dropped off during the hours when the store is not staffed.
Council President Brian Sullivan asked how the staff “will monitor the drop-off area so it doesn’t become a dumping area.”
“We’ll have a dumpster on site to dispose of trash items,” Tsitso said. “We want to be good neighbors and hope it will not get out of hand.”
City Advancement Officer Joseph Mitchell said the Habitat for Humanity Restore facility is based on a nationwide model and that the East Main Street building reuse is “very similar to what was there when it was the Grossman store. It’s a good fit and the profit goes into building homes.”
One resident, Mary Ann Babinski, spoke at the hearing in favor of the Restore concept that focuses on reclaiming construction materials, such as windows, door, shelving and countertop materials, and recycling those materials for a new use rather than sending that material as trash to landfills.
“Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity is thrilled to have the opportunity to serve more families in Hampden County, particularly in Westfield and neighboring communities,” said Jennifer Schimmel, Executive Director of the local Habitat affiliate. “The new ReStore gives us more opportunities to serve families, from receiving donations and selling good used items to our neighbors, ultimately to building more houses in partnership with families in need of simple, decent, affordable housing.”
