Springfield, the City of Homes, in danger of losing that status

By Republican Editorials |Springfield Republican| August 3, 2011

For nearly a century, Springfield has proudly touted its reputation as the City of Homes.

But it’s not a name the U.S. Census Bureau might attach to the Bay State’s third-largest city after a decade of rising housing foreclosures made worse by an unrelenting recession.

According to the latest census date, the number of vacant homes in Springfield rose to 4,954 in 2010 – up 22 percent from 2000. The figure includes single-family homes, condominiums and apartments.

The numbers are alarming enough, but they don’t reflect the number of homes and apartments lost in the June 1 tornado. Some 220 tornado-damaged structures, including 179 single-family homes, have been condemned, meaning they are unsafe for living.

What the city is facing is a perfect storm of a housing crisis. Springfield is not unique among older New England cities. Vacancies are also rising in Worcester,

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Tornadoes that touched down in Springfield devastated many historic properties and neighborhoods.

Preservation Massachusetts’ new list of most endangered historic properties to focus on tornado-damaged communities

By Peter Goonan|Springfield Republican| August 2, 2011

SPRINGFIELD – A statewide historic preservation organization, currently compiling its annual list of “most endangered” historic properties, has decided to focus its attention this year solely on the communities affected by the June 1 tornadoes that swept through Hampden and Worcester counties.

Preservation Massachusetts, a nonprofit group, announced last week that it is accepting nominations for its 2011 “Most Endangered Historic Resources” program. However, it is limiting the selections to the tornado-damaged communities including…

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For Immediate Release
August 1, 2011

Contact:
Jim Igoe or Erin Kelly, 617-723-3383
Michele P. Barker, 617-999-3256

Preservation Massachusetts to hold “Ask the Expert” day in Springfield
August 11th session at Springfield College to feature guidance and resources for historic properties and landscapes damaged by tornadoes.

Boston – Preservation Massachusetts announces plans to hold an “Ask the Expert” day on Thursday, August 11 at the Judd Gymnasium at Springfield College. The purpose of the event is to bring guidance and resources for the repair and rehabilitation of historic resources damaged by the tornadoes of June 1. The event will run from 3-7 pm and open to the public from Springfield and surrounding communities.

Since the storms hit, Preservation Massachusetts issued a call for volunteers to assist the affected communities in the aftermath. The call was answered by nearly 100 professionals and others wanting to help.

The “Ask the Expert” day will feature a number of professionals with expertise in a variety of areas, like architecture and construction that can be of guidance to owners and stewards of historic properties. Other information, such as resource guides will also be available, along with staff from Preservation Massachusetts and other organizations.

Preservation Massachusetts has been working with local partners, like the Springfield Preservation Trust, to identify ways in which to be of active support and assistance to cities and towns that sustained damage to historic properties and landscapes during the tornadoes. Through on the ground efforts of Preservation Massachusetts staff and organizational collaboration with a number state and local agencies, this “Ask the Expert” day concept was identified as a key way to get important information to property owners and those concerned about restoring tornado damage. A similar event is also being planned for nearby Monson.

About Preservation Massachusetts:
Founded in 1985, Preservation Massachusetts is the statewide non-profit organization that actively promotes the preservation of historic buildings and landscapes as a positive force for economic development and the retention of community character. Preservation Massachusetts leads the way for the Commonwealth through legislative initiatives, reaching out across the State, educating our partners, building partnerships, networking, and events.

Contact PM staff for more information on the Ask the Expert Day.

Directions to the Judd Gymnasium at Springfield College are available at www.spfld.edu/home.nsf/welcome/visit/directionsc . (This page also has a link to a campus map, and the Judd/Sitzer YMCA building is on the corner of Alden and Wilbraham Streets, number 26 on the campus map)

Preservation Massachusetts’ 2011 Most Endangered Historic Resources Program
Special Edition: Tornado Damaged Communities of Western Massachusetts

2011 Most Endangered Nomination Form

The Most Endangered Historic Resources List for 2011 will be a Special Edition focusing only on the communities of Western Massachusetts hit by the damaging June 1st tornadoes and storms. For this reason Preservation Massachusetts will only accept nominations from the Western Massachusetts areas negatively affected by the storms:

Agawam, Brimfield, Monson, Springfield, Southbridge, Sturbridge, Westfield, West Springfield, and Wilbraham.

PM feels strongly that in order to continue our commitment to the needs of the western Massachusetts constituency, it is imperative to keep the spotlight on the areas devastated by this spring’s natural disaster. PM’s Most Endangered Historic Resources List will be an opportunity for continued advocacy and education about preservation in these communities as they begin to rebuild and restore.

This year’s form has been modified for ease of use and time efficiency. Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact Courtney Whelan via email at cwhelan@preservationmass.org or in the office at 617-723-3383.

Please download the nomination form and have an electronic and physical copy to Preservation Massachusetts by close of business Friday, August 5th.

Should you need a nomination form printed and mailed to you please contact PM’s office.

Preservation Massachusetts
Old City Hall
45 School Street
Boston, MA 02108
Re: MER 2011

617-723-3383
cwhelan@preservationmass.org

The June tornadoes that devastated communities in Western Massachusetts and the ensuing preservation efforts were highlighted in a recent edition of Preservation Online from the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Check out the online article today!