Housing

Western Massachusetts is facing a serious housing stock shortage and Chicopee is no exception. The lack of available, quality housing is holding back our city’s growth and limiting opportunities for working families. For Chicopee to thrive, we need more housing, and we need to build it the right way.

We must strike a careful balance between affordable and market-rate housing. Concentrating needs based housing only deepens economic challenges. A healthy housing strategy supports mixed-income neighborhoods that foster stability, economic development, and long-term investment in our city.

Key Initiatives

Unlock Major Redevelopment Projects
I will focus on transforming the Uniroyal administration building and the Cabotville Mill into vibrant residential communities, bringing more than 1,000 new housing units online. These long-dormant sites represent Chicopee’s greatest opportunity to increase housing supply and attract new residents and businesses.

Clean and Lien Blighted Properties
I will push for aggressive use of the city's “clean and lien” authority to improve blighted properties where owners are unwilling or unable to act. This not only revitalizes neighborhoods—it adds to the tax base and improves quality of life for nearby residents.

Strategic Use of Tax Title Takings
I will encourage the city treasurer to proactively pursue tax title takings for abandoned or derelict properties, ensuring they are cleaned up and returned to productive use. Importantly, we must pair this with support and protections for any residents impacted by these actions, to ensure people aren't displaced without options.