Council approves sign for UMass Amherst Henry M. Thomas III Center at Tower Square

The Springfield City Council approved a special permit to install an accessory wall sign identifying the UMass Amherst Henry M. Thomas III Center at Tower Square, the council decided after a brief presentation by the center's manager.

Wesley Days, general manager for the UMass Amherst Center at Springfield, told the council the sign will be placed on Main Street above the Tower Square sign and will measure about 10 feet by 4 feet. "It's going to be 10 feet long and 4 feet wide," Days said. He said the sign will read "UMass Amherst, Henry M. Thomas the third center."

The council took no public opposition and moved straight to a roll-call vote. Councilor Delgado recused himself from the item; other councilors voted in favor and the permit was approved. Councilor Santanello made a public disclosure that he had been a tenant in the building until last year.

The planning staff's reasons for approval, read into the record by Councilor Curran, stated the site is appropriate for the proposed use and that the project, "as developed, will not adversely affect the neighborhood," with adequate facilities provided for proper operation.

The permit allows the UMass center to place the new identification sign at 1500 Main Street. The center was renamed on Oct. 15, 2024, according to the applicant.

The council did not attach additional conditions beyond the standard findings for accessory signage. The record shows no public opposition at the hearing; Councilor Walsh publicly expressed support, calling the tribute "nice" and saying she was happy to support the item.

The council moved to the next agenda item after the vote.