Economic Development
Chicopee once had a well-earned reputation as a pro-business city, a place where opportunity thrived and development was welcomed. But over the last several years, that reputation has been clouded. Developers and small businesses have too often been met with hostility, stalled approvals, and public opposition that discourages investment and tarnishes reputations.
This environment is not only damaging, it’s unsustainable. When we fail to attract and retain businesses, the burden falls on residential taxpayers. That threatens our ability to fund schools, city services, and infrastructure. We need a new approach. One rooted in leadership, smart growth, and a long-term strategy to move Chicopee forward.
My Vision: A Smart Growth Chicopee
I believe we must embrace a smart growth model—welcoming development that fits Chicopee’s identity, enhances our neighborhoods, and strengthens our tax base. To do that, we need proactive leadership, full-time professional staff, and a clear plan.
Key Initiatives and Policy Positions
Hire a Full-Time Economic Development Director
When I first served on the City Council, I pushed for the restoration of this long-vacant position. It’s time we finally fill it. Chicopee deserves a qualified leader who can attract strategic investment, guide development projects, and advocate for the city regionally and statewide.
Acquire the Former Holyoke Catholic / Holy Name School Building for Central Office Relocation
Chicopee Public Schools’ central administration currently operates in leased non-central location. I propose the city acquire the former Holyoke Catholic / Holy Name School and convert it into the new home of the Chicopee Public Schools central office. This move would consolidate administrative operations, end long-term lease dependencies, and bring much-needed stability and foot traffic to the downtown corridor. It would also preserve and reactivate a historically significant property that has sat vacant far too long.
Leverage the City’s Power to Redevelop Cabotville into a Mixed-Use Hub
Cabotville has sat idle for genrations and people of sick of hearing about every failed proposal that has promised to redevelop the property. Chicopee must use every tool — zoning enforcement, permitting leverage, and local/state/federal funding — to push this development forward. The goal: a vibrant, mixed-use destination with market-rate housing, commercial space, and community assets. It is not going to happen on its own and the city must take a more pro-active approach.
Restore Two-Way Traffic Downtown to Support Small Business
Downtown Chicopee’s one-way streets are hurting local businesses. Urban planners and economists agree: one-way street systems reduce storefront visibility, harm pedestrian activity, and discourage local shopping. Cities across North America—including Charleston, Hamilton, Vancouver, and Cincinnati—have seen economic revival after reverting to two-way streets. Chicopee should follow suit.
Restoring two-way traffic will:
Increase business visibility and drive-by exposure
Encourage pedestrian traffic and downtown walkability
Support mixed-use development and “complete streets” upgrades
Reinforce our investments in downtown revitalization
Fill Vacant Storefronts and Support Local Entrepreneurs
We must support the small businesses that define our neighborhoods. That includes façade improvement programs, microgrants, and technical assistance. Strong partnerships with organizations local economic development organizations and quasi state agencies like the Mass Cultural Council are key.
Advance Redevelopment at Uniroyal and Other Underutilized Sites
The Uniroyal site is a transformative project for Chicopee. After sitting on a contaminated site for decades, the clean-up is finally complete. Now Chicopee must incentivize development that addresses the housing issue in our region while also generating economic development that attracts restaurants, breweries, and other entertainment options.
The Bottom Line
Chicopee’s future depends on our ability to grow in the right way, with purpose, with vision, and with equity. I’ve fought for smart development before, and I’ll do it again. With your support, we can make Chicopee a city that welcomes business, respects its neighborhoods, and delivers for its people.
