time, we’re always looking. Businesses come to us because of the location, we are the crossroads.There is all that traffic coming through so they know it’s easy to get to here in West Springfield, and if there’s space available, it’s usually filled.” Reichelt also expresses long-term concerns about retail’s future amid e-commerce growth, emphasizing the need to maintain West Springfield’s appeal to commercial ratepayers. “We need as a community to be ready, if we see a downturn in physical brick and mortar retail, what are we going to do as a community to respond to that? This is why I was a big advocate of pushing in favor of retail marijuana. We can’t be saying no to business opportunities,” he stresses, citing commercial ratepayers as the tax base backbone. Community investments complement this strategy. The Boys & Girls Club’s expansion and Riverfront Park’s bike paths, which will eventually connect to regional trails, enhance quality of life. Local organizations like the Rotary, Lions Club, and West of the River Chamber further strengthen civic ties. “They’re huge supporters,” Reichelt says, underscoring their role in preserving community character. CULTURE AND TOURISM West Springfield’s cultural crown jewel remains The Big E, New England’s largest fair that draws 1.5 million visitors annually during its 17-day run. “It’s not your usual state fair,” Reichelt remarks.“It’s a state fair on the most expensive steroids you can get.” The fairgrounds host year-round events including dog shows, horse competitions, and trade expos, sustaining the city’s 20 hotels beyond the September spectacle.“At the same time, West Springfield being right in the center, things that are happening in the other cities are attractions too, so it’s easy to come to West Springfield and stay in West Springfield,” he adds. Local traditions like Taste of Westside, recently 225 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 05 WEST SPRINGFIELD, MA
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