In a surprising twist, Springfield College is once again advocating for the closure of a portion of Wilbraham Avenue, despite strong opposition from the local community. This contentious issue has resurfaced after a student suffered injuries from a vehicle collision this year, prompting college officials to frame the proposed closure as a critical safety measure.
However, city council members are expressing valid concerns that such a closure could create challenges for residents living in the Old Hill and Upper Hill neighborhoods, who previously voiced their disapproval when the college floated this idea two and a half years ago. "I participated in several community meetings in Mason Square, and the consensus was clear: residents were not in favor of this change," remarked City Councilor Justin Hurst.
Springfield College’s proposal aims to close the stretch of Wilbraham Avenue located between its intersections with Hickory and King streets. Kevin Roy, the director of facilities at the college, pointed out that a recent study highlighted frequent traffic accidents at the intersection of Wilbraham Avenue and Alden Street, leading to the conclusion that shutting down this road segment could significantly enhance safety.
On February 2, the city council unanimously agreed to refer the matter to its general government committee, although no specific timeline for further deliberation has been established yet. It's worth noting that just a few blocks north of the proposed closure, Wilbraham Avenue merges with Wilbraham Road, which remains unaffected by these proposed changes.
The Board of Public Works in Springfield has reviewed the closure request and has recommended its approval. Should the closure proceed, the road would be transferred to Springfield College, as the institution owns both sides of the roadway, although utility easements would still be necessary to accommodate infrastructure running beneath it.
Roy assured that the college is committed to maintaining the storm drains and sidewalks in the area, ensuring safety for both students and local residents who frequently traverse the campus grounds. In a letter addressing the proposal, the BPW emphasized that closing the road would bolster public safety overall.
During the council meeting, college president Mary-Beth Cooper recounted a distressing incident where a student was struck by a car while attempting to cross at the dangerous intersection of Wilbraham and Alden streets, resulting in serious injuries that required hospitalization. "Each morning, I navigate that street on my way to the gym, and honestly, it feels like the riskiest part of my day," she shared.
Cooper clarified that the college does not plan to pursue the closure of any segments of Alden Street. When Hurst suggested that the issue be forwarded to a subcommittee for deeper investigation and to allow community feedback, Cooper expressed her agreement but cautioned that every day the street remains operational, the associated risks persist.
Other council members echoed Hurst's sentiment, recognizing the importance of involving the neighborhood in discussions about this matter, especially given their previous concerns regarding the same proposal two years ago. Residents had voiced apprehensions about losing a vital route.
"As far as I'm aware, there's an overwhelming consensus of ‘absolutely not’ among residents in the community," stated City Councilor Malo Brown, who represents the affected area. He assured that there is no support for the closure from local constituents. Brown noted that this proposal seems to resurface periodically, yet it consistently fails to gain neighborhood backing. Two years prior, local residents were vocally against it, a stance supported by state Representative Bud L. Williams, who also represents the area.
City Councilor Zaida Govan concurred that further examination of the proposed closure is warranted, suggesting that it could serve as an opportune moment to discuss the broader topic of payments in lieu of taxes. The city is currently advocating for colleges, healthcare facilities, and various nonprofits—entities that typically enjoy property tax exemptions—to voluntarily contribute funds to help alleviate some of the financial burdens faced by local residents.
