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The Westfield News Serving Westfield, Southwick, and the surrounding Hilltowns
www.thewestfieldnews.com VOL. 86 NO. 72
“A man can do his best
only by confidently seeking (and perpetually missing) an unattainable perfection.” — RALPH BARTON PERRY
75 cents
TUESDAY, MARCH 28, 2017
Sub-committee discusses potential dangers of crumb rubber By GREG FITZPATRICK Correspondent WESTFIELD – The Westfield City Council’s Natural Resources sub-committee, which features City Councilor’s Mary-Ann Babinski (Ward 1), Mary O’Connell (Ward 4), and Ralph Figy (Ward 2), held a continuation meeting on Monday night to discuss a few items that they are reviewing. The sub-committee’s task on Monday was to have a discussion on the hot-button topic of the artificial turf at the Roots Athletic Facility on Root Road. The artificial turf being used contains infill that is made from recycled tires known as crumb rubber.
This infill has been a concern to residents that it could potentially be a threat to the Barnes Aquifer as well as private wells that residents use that live near Roots Athletics Center. In a report by the Westfield News on March 23, during the Board of Health meeting on Wednesday March 22nd several residents in Westfield voiced their concerns over the use of crumb rubber on the playing surface. In the article from March 23, the owners of Yellow Stonehouse Farm were concerned that their organic crops could be harmed by the chemicals from the crumb rubber if it happens to get into their private well.
More than 30 residents from seven hilltowns attended the meeting in Stanton Hall.
Councilor Babinski stressed the importance of the private wells, but also included the harm it could have on the Barnes Aquifer. “We need to see what potential impacts this could have on our aquifer because we’re already facing a contamination,” said Babinski. The sub-committee also talked about the fact that the neighboring towns and cities that also use the Barnes Aquifer, have voiced their concerns to Westfield city officials. The town of Southampton sent a letter to the Westfield Planning Board recently that the contamination of the crumb rubber could get to their See Crumb Rubber, Page 3
The Natural Resources sub-committee talks about the concerns about the crumb rubber. (Photo by Greg Fitzpatrick)
State Senator Adam G. Hinds visited Huntington on Monday as part of his “Speak up Western Mass” tour.
Senator Adam Hinds visits Huntington By AMY PORTER Correspondent HUNTINGTON – As a part of his “Speak up Western Mass” tour, State Senator Adam G. Hinds (D-Pittsfield) visited Stanton Hall in Huntington on Monday afternoon, for an informal twohour discussion with the more than 30 residents from seven hilltowns that joined him. Hinds said he wanted to meet with people as early as possible in his first term, which began Jan. 4. Hinds took the seat of outgoing Senator Benjamin B. Downing, also of Pittsfield, after defeating Lanesborough Republican Christine Canning on Nov. 8. Hinds said his motivating drive right now is the Governor’s budget, which will go to the House next month before the Senate gets it. He said his main concern is what he calls a “tale of two states,” in which the headines in The Boston Globe about the growing economy have a very different feeling than what’s going on in Western Mass., where the median income is $22$24,000 below the state median. Some of the issues Hinds says he’s hearing about are broadband access, declining populations, the need for more school funding and sparsity aid. He also talked about some state regulations that don’t help in the small towns, for example requiring pre-qualified engineers from a list to look at a bridge before work can even begin. Before going further, Hinds asked people to introduce themselves, and what town they’re from. Most used the introduction as an opportunity to talk about the issues that concern them.
Towns named were Huntington, Chester, Worthington, Montgomery, Cummington, Hinsdale and Middlefield. In addition to the topics already raised by Hinds, health care, cuts to CDBG funding for human services, climate change, funding for the arts, more money for roads, state park closures and access to transportation were all mentioned. Hinds said many of the committees to which he is assigned deal with the same issues. Hinds is co-chairing the Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development, and serving on committees dealing with economic development, housing, mental health and substance abuse, and higher education, among others. In response to the first question, Hinds talked about Channel 22 losing broadcasting to the Berkshires, which were put into the Albany market. Not only don’t the residents get Massachusetts news, but they see the Jets instead of the Patriots during football season. The Western Mass delegation immediately responded to what he said is a federal matter, and asked Sen. Ed Markey to work on it. Hinds said it’s a problem for him communicating with his consituents, too, because 22News is the only one with a statehouse correspondent. Hinds said on Tuesday, 15 senators from around the state would be in Conway to discuss regional planning and rural aid for schools. He said his delegation is laying out a strong case for Western Mass impacts. Regarding high-speed internet, Hinds said there is a new policy, and it’s starting to feel like it’s getting somewhere.
Recently, the Mass Broadband Institute (MBI), who had been holding on to money pledged to help Western Mass hilltowns get connected, agreed to release the funds to the towns for professional services. MBI sent out a Request for Proposal (RFP) in the fall to private providers, asking who could help get the towns connected. He said the grant process for the towns will start very soon in April, with a 30-day turnaround. By the end of the process, he said they will see where the private side is going to land. He said the towns would be hearing more from legislators about this soon. “It’s a positive thing about getting the money out to the towns, but there’s a heck of a lot of work to do,” Hinds said. Andy Myers, chair of the Hilltown Collaborative and finance committee member from Chester, said one real challenge for the towns is the school budget. He said the key is the state not paying 100 percent reimbursement for regional transportation which was promised when the towns were encouraged to regionalize. Hinds said the total cost would be $1.9 billion across the state, but has thought if the state can’t do it all, could they pick up some over five years. He said they’ve also asked for a foundation budget review, which is the amount the state determines each town must pay. The rural aid proposal to pay more per pupil for schools with declining populations, led by Mohawk Regional would cost $22 million, which Hinds said is not a lot of money relative to the budget, and would have a huge impact. He said See Sen. Adam, Page 3
Westfield resident wins big at Mohegan Sun By GREG FITZPATRICK Correspondent WESTFIELD – A Westfield resident had quite the success at Mohegan Sun Casino over the weekend. On Saturday night, Tammy Laraway hit for around $500,000 on a penny slot machine that had a maximum bet of $3. Laraway really couldn’t believe what happened was a reality. “I really thought I was being pranked,” said Laraway, who was with her husband at the time. According to Laraway, the couple spent around two hours on the same penny slot machine, and hit for $344 a short time earlier. They thought that was a big prize, but their success clearly didn’t stop there once they hit for $500,000. “It was just the lucky machine that night I think,” said Laraway. “It’s definitely a life-changing thing.” There is already a set plan in place as to what the money will be used towards. Having four kids in college, Laraway will be using the $500,000 to help her children with their payments for school. “That money is nicely put to good use,” Laraway laughed. Laraway said that she isn’t sure as to when she will receive the money yet.
An image from the Mohegan Sun Casino’s Facebook page shows Westfield resident, Tammy Laraway, standing near the penny slot machine she was playing where she won more than $500,000. (photo submitted courtesy of the Laraway family)
Public input sought on Community Development Action Plan By AMY PORTER Correspondent WESTFIELD – The Annual Action Plan for the city’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program is available for review by Westfield residents. Title I of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act requires that in order to apply for certain U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) Programs, such as CDBG, the City of Westfield must submit an annual action plan. The action plan identifies resources and programs to be undertaken during the program Peter J. Miller, director of year July 1, 2017 through community development for June 30, 2018. the City of Westfield. (Photo “This is the third year by Amy Porter) of our five-year plan for CDBG grants. We have identified programs that we’re going to take on this year,” said Peter J. Miller, community development director. Miller said this year it’s a little more uncertain what will happen with the program. He said that President Trump has zeroed out the CDBG funding for next year and the year after. The previous federal budget set the funds to allocate for this year, but the city has not yet been told how much money they’re getting. He said they based the action plan on last year’s funding amount of $323,000. “It’s definitely an uncertain time if you’re relying on the federal government for any programs. It’s an uncertain time for all of us,” Miller said. CDBG grants fund several different categories of programs. Public service programs, which include the Boys & Girls Club, Meals on Wheels, the soup kitchen and homeless shelter, among others, are being funded at $48,500, compared to $79,000 last year. Miller said the cut is statutory, because they are only allowed to spend 15% of the grant on these programs, and 15% of program income, which is less this year than last year. Other categories being funded include $70,000 for economic development and job creation for people who are looking to open businesses or renovate existing businesses; $100,000 for Housing Rehabilitation, $110,000 for public infrastructure projects, such as sidewalks, and $45,000 for blight removal, the demolition of buildings. Miller said the last amount may be used if needed to help with removal of the bowling alley on Church Street. “This is what we do,” Miller said. “We expect to receive the money for this fiscal year, but all bets are off for the following year,” he added. The draft Annual Action Plan will be available March 27 to April 27, 2017 for review and comments at the Community Development Department, 59 Court Street, Westfield, MA or online at www.cityofwestfield.org. The City of Westfield, in accordance with its Citizen Participation Plan, is holding a public meeting on Thursday, April 27, 2017, 6:30 PM at Westfield City Hall, 59 Court Street, Room 315, Westfield, MA 01085. Comments may be sent in writing no later than Friday, April 28, 2017 to Community Development Director Peter Miller, City of Westfield, 59 Court Street, Westfield, MA 01085 or by email to p.miller@cityofwestfield.org.