November 1, 2022
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Gwynne Morrissey, EDIC Chair
gmorrissey@gmail.com
"The EDIC Agrees!" Newsletter Back by Popular Demand!
A message from members of the Economic Development & Industrial Commission (EDIC):
We seek to raise awareness for projects and initiatives we see as benefiting economic and community growth in Easthampton. In that spirit, we present the second edition of "The EDIC Agrees!"
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL RE-USE
Following September’s City Council vote declaring three former elementary school buildings "surplus," City Hall has officially released its RFP (request for proposal) in hopes of determining quickly the future re-use of the schools. Proposals are due on or before February 16, 2023, and interested parties are encouraged to formally register as proposers by contacting the Procurement Officer for the City of Easthampton. Affordable housing has been a top priority for City Hall, and developers are encouraged to think creatively and work collaboratively with the city to determine the best possible outcome for these valuable city sites.
The EDIC agrees… we are as proud of the community working together to develop this RFP as we are excited for the proposals to be opened in February! Can winter come soon enough? Did we really just say that!?!
Learn more about this at: https://easthamptonma.gov/554/Elementary-School-Reuse
SHOP WHERE I LIVE
Earlier this year, the Easthampton Chamber of Commerce introduced "Shop Where I Live" - a new platform bringing local businesses to the online marketplace with a hyper-local focus. Any Easthampton business can join Shop Where I Live free for 12 months, even if they are not a member of the chamber. Shop Where I Live was made possible thanks to a grant received from the State Office of Business Development as a way to help businesses recover and build long-term resiliency after surviving the pandemic.
The EDIC agrees… Shop Where I Live is a great way to connect local people with local businesses and help our economy grow!
Learn more about this at: https://easthampton.shopwhereilive.com/
UNION STREET RECONSTRUCTION
The much-anticipated Union Street Reconstruction project has begun! "Test pit work" - the digging of holes to evaluate ground conditions - started over the Summer along with some preliminary utility work which has continued through the Fall. However, major construction activities are around the corner with highly disruptive traffic work anticipated in the Spring or possibly sooner. If you are reading this, you are encouraged to sign up for project updates by going to the City Hall website and finding "Notify Me," or by clicking the link below!
The EDIC agrees… detours and delays are coming for travelers along Union Street, but this project is a major win for the city! Readers should minimize their frustration and maximize their information by signing up for notifications online: https://easthamptonma.gov/list.aspx
Learn more about this at: https://easthamptonma.gov/661/Union-Street-Project
NONOTUCK PARK IMPROVEMENTS
The Easthampton Parks & Recreation Department is moving forward with plans to upgrade the community pool and surrounding area at Nonotuck park. The department achieved a major milestone in September by winning a state P.A.R.C. grant in support of the project. Plans for renovation include repairing and improving essential pool infrastructure while adding new shade structures, fencing, and an ADA-accessible playground nearby. Nonotuck Park is also in the process of replacing a children's playground after it was destroyed by a severe storm in late August.
The EDIC agrees… Nonotuck Park is a major driver of economic and cultural growth for the city! We feel the community pool is an especially vital piece of park infrastructure and we are excited to see new investments being made in Nonotuck Park.
Learn more about this at: https://www.easthamptonma.gov/628/Nonotuck-Park-Community-Pool-Project
HAMPSHIRE COUNTY TRAVEL GUIDE
The Greater Easthampton Chamber of Commerce is celebrating its fifth year as a member of the Hampshire County Regional Tourism Council! The HCRTC is a partnership effort of local Chambers of Commerce that promotes Hampshire County as a destination spot for tourists. The organization distributes travel guides at key locations such as hotels, information centers, train stations, and many other places, all along the east coast. The HCRTC also offers a travel planner and event calendar that is updated daily on its website. All of this is made possible thanks to funds received through the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism.
The EDIC agrees… tourists are great; they should come to Easthampton! We appreciate that a collective of local Chambers of Commerce is working together drawing visitors to Western Massachusetts and we think everyone should know that Easthampton is a must-visit place for travelers looking to experience the Pioneer Valley.
Learn more about this at: https://visithampshirecounty.com/ and https://www.easthamptonchamber.org/