SEPTEMBER 2018
Welcome to September's Pioneer Valley Progress Report! It's been another busy month here at the planning commission, where we've been advocating for, and helping local communities implement programs and policies that make our quality of life better.
 
As you read through this month's newsletter, you're going to notice a frequent theme - we are looking for your input. Whether it's our communities' walkability, the impact of having Westover Air Reserve Base in the heart of the Valley, or just thinking through the what ifs of a natural disaster in Plainfield, we can't do our job without all of you.
 
We are so excited to present some of our best accomplishments over the last month on behalf of the 43 cities and towns of Hampden and Hampshire counties.
 
-Team Pioneer Valley Planning Commission
Working with Westover

The PVPC continues its work with Westover Air Reserve Base and its neighboring communities as we strive to develop a joint land use plan that will ensure everyone's interests are taken into account when proposing future development.

Come share your thoughts and learn more about the base's current and planned operations at two public forums in Chicopee and Granby next week. 
Weigh In for Walkability's Sake!

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation has released the Draft Massachusetts Pedestrian Transportation Plan for public comment, which recommends policies, programs, and projects that guide decision making and capital investments, and includes guidance to local municipalities on improving walkability.
 
The public comment period for the draft Final Plan is open until October 17, 2018. 
Reading Success for 4th Grade a Success!

PVPC was so proud to be a part of citywide summer reading project, Springfield Reads to Build a Better World's major increase in participation by Springfield children who read more than 778,250 minutes this summer - an increase of 541,520 minutes from 2017.


A Day Without Water 

The average American uses 64,240 gallons of water in 1 year. We often take water for granted. PVPC urges you to join us on October 10th to Imagine a Day Without Water.

You can join this awareness campaign, by signing up your organization here.
An Agenda for our Region's Transportation System

PVPC is a proud member of Transportation for Massachusetts who recently was on NECN to discuss our coalition's transportation revitalization and reform proposals.

Check out the segment with T4MA's Chris Dempsey and read more about our agenda at  http://www.t4ma.org/agenda.

As he notes during the interview, Massachusetts is #1 in education, #2 in health care, and #45 in transportation. We can and we must do better here in the Commonwealth.
Planning for Plainfield

The PVPC and Plainfield town officials will be undertaking a planning process over the next several months to assess the risks faced from natural hazards, identify action steps that can be taken to prevent property damage and loss of life, and prioritize funding for future mitigation efforts.

Local residents, business owners, and other stakeholders are encouraged to join us on Wednesday, October 10th or participate in our online survey.
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