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Showing posts from June, 2018

Enfield considers charter changes that could reshape its political landscape

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Charter Revision Commission meeting last week Enfield’s Charter Revision Commission met Thursday for its first in-depth workshop, generating a long list of proposals that could significantly alter how the town governs itself. Ideas ranged from switching to a two-year budget cycle, allowing a budget referendum, and compensating elected officials, or even shifting to a mayoral form of government. Other proposals included banning profanity on signs, locking non-governmental flag restrictions into the Charter, and changes such ending council districts. The meeting was structured as a pitch session, with each commission member suggesting topics for future discussion. In-depth discussions are to take place at subsequent meetings. While many proposals are unlikely to move forward—either because of insufficient support or legal concerns raised by the Town Attorney—the meeting highlighted potential flashpoints for what promises to be a spirited Charter revision process. Mayor Nelson’s Proposals...

MGM is dramatically changing downtown Springfield for the better

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MGM casino view from Main Street.  The developers opted for a style in character with surrounding properties. Note the 1940s-style hotel sign.  Red Rose Pizza to the left. It's not obvious from I-91 that a radical transformation is underway in Springfield's downtown. The view from the highway won't give you a sense of the scale of change. For a better understanding, get off the highway and park near Main Street, and prepare to be wowed.  Springfield has a lot of older commercial buildings that have survived redevelopment. It's fortunate in this respect. The city has retained an urban feel. It just needs the stores, shops and restaurants to make that happen.  MGM could have walled off their casino from the city, much like a shopping mall. But they did the exact opposite. They made this development an integrated part of Springfield's downtown. On the casino side of Main Street, MGM has preserved the facades of the older buildings. This section of ...