[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6222352,"mediaKeyId","3609847-6912c6dc28bcf1fc19484d6a33fe2a81","parentId",3609847,"title","Zoning panel recommends approval for 600‑unit Cabotville mill redevelopment after tax payment agreement and ODRC follow‑up","audioSeconds",385,"startMs",5045000,"endMs",5430000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3609847-6912c6dc28bcf1fc19484d6a33fe2a81&start=5045&end=5430","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3609847-6912c6dc28bcf1fc19484d6a33fe2a81/thumbnail_5045000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6222352/Chicopee-City/Hampden-County/Massachusetts/Zoning-panel-recommends-approval-for-600unit-Cabotville-mill-redevelopment-after-tax-payment-agreement-and-ODRC-followup","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6222352-6258c037f5c7dcb56e8cb7d646fe1698/orig.mp4?Expires=1770427487&Signature=aSGvBXuc-coIEwL0FTwM5MdPWnwxR4AkrcyHexEaQS8va9cQeuEh0sQqmiWEbqAHA793SC3EKe8q2d3fG~UF-DAJ6q1K0WKZquC7KY02LgyPGfwnPCNWxUSVd9qx3iXhbrD1y7GgXD6IzbA-pldU~FchqxwN37Aex18~dB8hp4FQcDQ8zCX1ixqGRHcDJDyfLWYc8VSX5kHnJ3Jtg6XpNF5j0WK3WO7BOJFFoQ8PNA4Poy2AOlYkpFrBbD7w3EsHbQ2dUVKp0ryHe0y8PXrZYiAi7lH8xg-xPQ6aegwKOH3EMgL~NvD7FDaiAddze0N4DAzPYB8ltjGV~Sg680AR5Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Chicopee City, MA","date","2025-05-30T12:45:17Z","article","Developers seeking to convert the former Cabotville mill at 165 Front Street into a residential project that could include up to 600 apartments told the Chicopee Zoning subcommittee on May 28 they had executed a tax and water‑bill payment agreement with the city and addressed many overlay‑review comments; the subcommittee recommended approval and granted three technical waivers.

John Furman, civil engineer of record for the project, handed committee members a response‑to‑comment packet and said the development team had “entered into an agreement with the city for payment of those monies” that had been a major outstanding issue. Furman said many planning and infrastructure comments were construction‑phase items or could be addressed in revised plans and that a small number of items needed additional title or easement work.

City documents read into the record show a signed Tax and Water Bill Payment Plan Agreement dated May 21, 2025. The agreement requires the property owner (4 Perkins LLC) to pay fiscal year 2024 real‑estate and water/sewer arrears on or before July 1, 2025 (approximately $290,783.36 total for FY2024 items listed in the exhibit), to begin an installment plan for 2025 amounts on Jan. 1, 2026, and to pay FY2026 taxes in installments later in 2026. The agreement states that failure to make timely payments will return the property to default status and “a special permit may be revoked.”

Developers also requested three waivers under the mill conversion and commercial center overlay ordinance: (1) limited landscape‑screening exceptions for dumpster enclosures and some meter/transformer areas; (2) a parking reduction (the property alone cannot accommodate the 1,200 spaces that strict single‑family calculations would require; developers said they can deliver 637 spaces across on‑site and remote parcels and pointed to the unit mix — many studio and one‑bed units — as justification); and (3) a waiver on strict noise‑level standards tied to building materials and equipment location.

Furman and the project team said they had supplied title and survey information to address outstanding easement questions; planning staff will require a final set of corrected plans and a satisfactory confirmation from the planning director that Overlay Development Review Committee (ODRC) items are resolved before construction permits issue.

The committee voted to recommend the special permit and approved the three waivers; Councillor Wagner abstained on the final votes. Members stipulated that all conditions of the May 21 tax/water agreement remain satisfied and requested planning‑director confirmation that outstanding ODRC comments are addressed as conditions of any approval.

Ending: The subcommittee’s recommendation moves the project to the full City Council for consideration; the project team and city staff said they will complete final plan corrections, easement recordation and required inspections before construction permits are issued.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","5-28-25 Chicopee City Recreation and Zoning","oneSentenceSummary","Developers presented updated responses to overlay‑district comments and a tax/water payment plan with the city; the zoning subcommittee recommended a special permit and approved requested waivers after receiving a signed payment agreement and committing to planning‑director sign‑off on outstanding overlay review items.","taxTitle","Chicopee City, Hampden County, Massachusetts","taxId",8030,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6222357,"Chicopee zoning subcommittee denies kennel license for 17 Jeanette Drive after health and animal‑control concerns",1189,3531000,4720000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3609847-6912c6dc28bcf1fc19484d6a33fe2a81&start=3531&end=4720","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3609847-6912c6dc28bcf1fc19484d6a33fe2a81/thumbnail_3531000.jpg","/articles/6222357/Chicopee-City/Hampden-County/Massachusetts/Chicopee-zoning-subcommittee-denies-kennel-license-for-17-Jeanette-Drive-after-health-and-animalcontrol-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6222357-d02e4e89a0d0c959b8dbd37267fe427b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770427487&Signature=mbLQb5VQz4dSCK1nrIaz5LL7T7aNz8AircTH3PGfbmvQaTj5qkOpECSQSNTA~l-5bKApgouGbvsMQ6Zvir8AkDlsPjdee7h5kxNR4FA8-5spWfiyTvawC5KP1JdJiB6v6fd7nv9MOky52ZQyq9kcy~T16BUl-GrgYRInebz3SPuOEKTZ1EKr-JZoZ3pnoK7fZfMn1pirk~CPkrZXTgMtLfe5nGj-5d3-XnECO6gtyrlfYRi1IbBl6lboMI9ESTcPIz4BYEHjBPry5gEMiMCVchzQgTImx-OXoHMaJnoeYnIXI1TMDXmO9plB0rwSfOxkIEo26y36ZzfN8U7QA~dQLA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Chicopee Zoning subcommittee on May 28 denied a special permit request to allow more than three dogs at 17 Jeanette Drive, citing animal‑control and public‑health reports, resident opposition and inconsistent information about the number and status of animals at the property.

Applicant Laurie Jerusick told the committee she lives at 17 Jeanette Drive and asked to keep service animals and two pets at the residence. She said several of the dogs are service animals and that one animal recently died; she described medical needs and said the household includes long‑time friends who care for each other.

Planning and building reports in the meeting packet noted that Chicopee code requires a kennel license by special permit when more than three dogs are kept on a single premises (Chapter 275, §52, b(13) as cited in the subcommittee documents). The City Board of Health and Thomas J. O’Connor (TJO) animal‑control staff told the subcommittee they have investigated the address several times. Animal‑control records read at the meeting document citations for harboring a stray without required notice, operating an illegal kennel and interfering with animal‑control officers, and inspectors reported seeing more dogs on the premises than were licensed. TJO officers said the number of animals reported at the home changed during the investigation and that state kennel licensing rules require an inspection before a kennel license can issue.

Several neighbors and other residents spoke at public input. Some said the yard was well maintained and the applicant cared for animals; others, including an adjacent neighbor, submitted a petition and expressed concerns about prior violations, barking and the prospect of a commercial kennel in a residential area.

Health director Lisa Sanders told the committee the Board of Health denied a rescue permit at a recent meeting and planned to bring state guidance to a future session; she also said she was concerned the residence could again exceed any license limit. TJO officers summarized local ordinances and cited Massachusetts General Laws cited by their reports; they advised that an inspection must precede licensing and reported both a $100 citation and later larger fines and enforcement actions tied to earlier incidents.

After discussion, the subcommittee voted to deny the special permit, citing neighborhood concerns, nonconformance with zoning and other Chicopee code provisions, potential for nuisance (noise, smell, possible sanitation concerns) and lack of demonstrated compliance with licensing and inspection requirements. The motion to deny passed; the decision will be forwarded to the full council on June 3.

Ending: The subcommittee’s denial was based on testimony from multiple city departments and animal‑control evidence; staff said inspections and Board of Health review will continue as separate processes.","The zoning subcommittee voted to deny a special permit request for a kennel license at 17 Jeanette Drive after animal control and public health officials reported past violations, fluctuating dog counts, and unresolved inspection concerns; neighbors opposed the permit.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6222362,"Zoning panel approves transfer of Chicopee liquor license at 32 Quincy Street with noise and outdoor restrictions",1358,2079000,3437000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3609847-6912c6dc28bcf1fc19484d6a33fe2a81&start=2079&end=3437","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3609847-6912c6dc28bcf1fc19484d6a33fe2a81/thumbnail_2079000.jpg","/articles/6222362/Chicopee-City/Hampden-County/Massachusetts/Zoning-panel-approves-transfer-of-Chicopee-liquor-license-at-32-Quincy-Street-with-noise-and-outdoor-restrictions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6222362-d76785fbdd041fe39396dd2bb80c57c9/orig.mp4?Expires=1770427487&Signature=LVa~0JKKO0hkHzm0Nz93XaJDzj--MDDQhCZod5ab9OMJIgflOloM1cGRXoAYaaNWFkrfWLxG3QbxKaDlDagi8Z9tp5wYkMgkov~5W-QclplYm3BzARJvz3NrT7Th5LmBoD8klYv~9bhLGOEqwSbWykq5aKBE9jOvYa~0vSdhXTtk2uvLtpmrdZkDUamlj3TQf7oeraDNOPgrsHZl-xf9T6vIsynwR~M5liSUUYyFEp2JTaA3yw8uQj7W1dVGbY9QCOWa3feqAIfbnu6BoV9TdRqwLckfQ6F37uk684fpVzxYzIzaJWGcPdywyfg31wH-JOsERl2hJd~FZmGNkJiTKA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Chicopee Zoning subcommittee voted May 28 to recommend a special permit to transfer an existing liquor license for an eating-and-drinking establishment at 32 Quincy Street — Patty’s 410 — subject to conditions restricting outdoor alcohol consumption, forbidding open flames and imposing a noise curfew after midnight.

Applicant Linda Banas told the committee she planned to operate Patty’s 410 under the transferrable license. The committee read departmental comments into the record: engineering noted no site‑improvement concerns if none are proposed; the fire department noted that interior renovations may require code review and installation of a fire alarm or sprinkler system; planning staff said the proposed use continues a historic nonconforming commercial use and recommended approval.

Multiple nearby residents spoke at public input, citing concerns about hours, outdoor drinking, amplified music, parking and activities spilling into residential yards. Laura Allen, who lives catty‑corner from the bar, asked whether the business had an outdoor service or patio license and said she sees patrons drinking near her home.

Councillors discussed potential conditions and the interaction with the license‑issuing committee. Council members said the establishment does not appear to have an outdoor liquor license and reminded the public that state fire rules prohibit open fires; one councillor suggested adding a midnight noise restriction as a condition of approval.

The subcommittee voted in favor of the transfer and attached the three conditions: a noise restriction after midnight, prohibition on open flames, and no consumption of alcohol outside the premises. The subcommittee vote was 5–0 in favor; the recommendation will be considered by the full City Council on Tuesday, June 3.

Ending: The decision moves the transfer toward final council approval but leaves enforcement of noise and open‑flame rules to licensing and the fire marshal; residents were invited to attend the full City Council meeting.","The zoning subcommittee voted to recommend transferring an existing liquor license for Patty’s 410 at 32 Quincy Street, adding conditions: no outdoor alcohol consumption, no open flames and a noise restriction after midnight; the approval moves to the full City Council for final vote.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6222368,"Broad Street neighbors press Chicopee officials to address noise, safety at basketball court",250,1050000,1300000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3609847-6912c6dc28bcf1fc19484d6a33fe2a81&start=1050&end=1300","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3609847-6912c6dc28bcf1fc19484d6a33fe2a81/thumbnail_1050000.jpg","/articles/6222368/Chicopee-City/Hampden-County/Massachusetts/Broad-Street-neighbors-press-Chicopee-officials-to-address-noise-safety-at-basketball-court","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6222368-31586fd343b6f24386847095cc12eeb6/orig.mp4?Expires=1770427487&Signature=jt-q197o~e-4Agi1DaVjJoieySXUfN-EiUGpRwnUP4LXmaCRySohXG~I2oxsB5OzI9H77I~YYwvxGaOGVuOzFFYaJwdSyeKcsRHYSI4MiAnKajrcfF9YAc0USCo7XW65zMAkNmJUmYEpgNTU41T95baC1~Wkm7pqbcRRvpzOMjYVwlvxyzSXKEpndY~rcjTE7IYLeQ~yMr~zHaaESKU9RUWRhzotC7uLqy0tI2sMbN0~uJ7hISlzVjlYVlIn0z~4qsmduVcXdFA-ojOs1NITvbiOCm-FpUVC35~7BgIxNq~rs1RrHtFHPuUNggsCZmFzUkXH9kiuKc7fwVmehOCdDA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At the May 28 Parks and Recreation Committee meeting, several Broad Street residents described years of disturbance and safety risks tied to a basketball court near Fairview Park and a school.

Elizabeth Goble told the committee she and her husband have lived at 53 Broad Street for 44 years and described “excessive noise, loud music, shouting, yelling, and excessive ball bouncing” that she said often runs late into the evening and early mornings. She asked the city to consider “posting school zone speed limit signs and taking the basketball hoops down” as “an acceptable solution.”

Other residents echoed those concerns. Carrie Wilbois said a person experiencing homelessness has been sleeping in the park and “has frequently relocated around the park,” and she reported instances of urination and feces near playground areas where children are present. Denise Gopal, who lives at 31 Broad Street, told the committee the court should be moved or the hoops removed and suggested removing a nearby parking lot and planting a hedge to absorb noise and block errant balls and people from running into the road.

Rick Ramos, a neighbor, said police respond “numerous times” but the problem persists and said gatherings there have included “7, 8 cars” that park in the lot, play loud music and shine lights into nearby houses. Several residents said they had repeatedly called police.

Councillors on the committee acknowledged the complaints and encouraged residents to continue using city reporting tools. Ben Strepka, the parks department representative, said he would inspect a reported hollow tree stump at Rayash and refer larger removal needs to the city’s forestry division, and he reiterated the department’s limited staffing: “we are budgeted for 21 positions. We currently have 5 of those open.”

The meeting record shows no formal policy change or immediate removal order; committee members said they would explore options, including enforcement, signage and possible relocation of court facilities, and directed staff to follow up on specific maintenance and safety reports submitted through ClickFix.

Ending: Residents asked for short‑term safety steps (school‑zone signage, no‑parking zones) and longer‑term solutions (relocation or removal of hoops); parks staff said projects and changes may be contingent on capital funds, staff capacity and applicable grant rules.","Residents told the Parks & Recreation Committee that an unsupervised basketball court near Broad Street and a school has caused years of noise, trash, safety incidents and at‑times public‑health concerns; they urged removal of hoops, traffic controls and other measures.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6222373,"Chicopee parks department outlines summer projects, staffing shortfall",386,109000,495000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3609847-6912c6dc28bcf1fc19484d6a33fe2a81&start=109&end=495","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3609847-6912c6dc28bcf1fc19484d6a33fe2a81/thumbnail_109000.jpg","/articles/6222373/Chicopee-City/Hampden-County/Massachusetts/Chicopee-parks-department-outlines-summer-projects-staffing-shortfall","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6222373-416d783520cac68d9324d9a951f31749/orig.mp4?Expires=1770427487&Signature=h1AckNH4AqzIRDlvwdQiVdUkA-HRUibpFzGmi2pliIdvg7WTdDxmlYDSkJLgJlstA3K37q6J6r3wwO05ubvkxKauZm1jQGniKDBSklb6Vt1vrHHn0Gx8QDhoI7MRiGcoqE~N5063oiW9Kj~pFouFnPAKF~clF9Ja8QpbFC9wuDNQY16DPoOAF5gSfa~kTS540iu7Su30lBkJVwGTsbQe9ifkqK1lktV1nqDcazGpA6ml4T1b6P5nc4shbPvQqG87HbqulEyClOXp5g3HMCf4UkT-okDC-lU5cagKOpBqNHM39p3frozYXFrdnb2eworD8P256nhCzQbdZLV8ncbV4A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Ben Strepka, a parks department representative, told the Chicopee Parks and Recreation Committee on May 28 that his crews are “full swing” preparing ballfields, pools and splash pads and undertaking several design and construction projects this summer.

Strepka said crews are finishing design work for Sarah Jane Park’s “grama” project, which will include ADA walkways, an inclusive playground, playing-field improvements across three diamonds and a soccer field, skate-park upgrades, new plantings and signs; construction is slated to begin after work at Stefanik wraps up, “early to mid August.”

He described a phased master plan for Zott Park, a nearly 70‑acre site that he called “one of our crown jewels,” noting plans for new accessibility, consistent benches and lighting, field upgrades, a new large accessible splash pad, new parking with stormwater controls and a modernized outfield stadium. Work will be staged so the entire park is not rebuilt at once.

Strepka also said the department is nearing the end of phase one of the Abbe Brook restoration and is designing phase two to reconnect the stream from the former lower dam to the Chicopee River; phase three would address the upper dam.

Other items he listed: submission and revision of the city’s Open Space and Recreation Plan to keep the city eligible for state grants; resurfacing and new pickleball lines at Williams Park tennis courts; playground repairs and replacement of engineered wood-fiber safety surfacing; stone‑dust walking-path refurbishing; and a citywide seeding and fertilization program following an unusually dry late season.

Strepka said the department manages 30 parks and properties and is budgeted for 21 full‑time positions but currently has five vacancies, so “on a good day, we have 16 staff.” He called low staffing and aging equipment obstacles and listed technologies the department is exploring — electric small tools, GPS‑guided robotic mowers, remote pool filters and remote field lighting — that he said could stretch limited staff hours.

He listed upcoming events and timing: pools and splash pads to open in late June when lifeguard staffing is sufficient; Spring and summer programming (baseball/softball leagues, youth lacrosse, soccer clinics); Bridal Fest at Zott Park (June 14); fireworks at Zott Park (June 28, rain date June 29); movie nights (July 11, Aug. 8); National Night Out at Sarah Jane Park (Aug. 6); and the Aldenville summer concert series beginning July 1.

Councillors thanked Strepka for the overview and asked him to follow up on specific maintenance items reported via ClickFix. Strepka said he would refer significant tree problems to the city forestry department and that staff would coordinate with other departments as needed.

Ending: Strepka urged patience as the department balances capital projects, grant timelines and day‑to‑day maintenance with reduced staffing; several projects depend on grant awards and phased scheduling that stretch over multiple seasons.","Parks staff described multiple renovation and maintenance projects — including Sarah Jane and Zott parks, pool and splash pad preparations, and an open-space plan — while warning of staffing shortages and aging equipment that limit work capacity.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Zoning panel recommends approval for 600‑unit Cabotville mill redevelopment after tax payment agreement and ODRC follow‑up

Chicopee zoning subcommittee denies kennel license for 17 Jeanette Drive after health and animal‑control concerns

Zoning panel approves transfer of Chicopee liquor license at 32 Quincy Street with noise and outdoor restrictions

Broad Street neighbors press Chicopee officials to address noise, safety at basketball court

Chicopee parks department outlines summer projects, staffing shortfall