Name of Applicant

Location

Grant Request

The City Of Chicopee

The City of Chicopee has designated the downtown block surrounding the Munich Haus, a popular family owned German restaurant located at 13 Center Street to be the TDI District known as The West End - City Center. The West End - City Center will host a tactical urbanism event. This community oriented event will be a spark in a transformative development initiative focused on revitalizing the center of Chicopee and creating a stronger sense of place within the community.

In order to fully support the success of this event, borrowed, rented and purchased resources will be used to create an assorted program of activities that engage the public, develop a joyful experience for all ages, bring attention to and highlight underused and abandoned space, and create a playful and culturally diverse identity for the designated district. A major component to the success of this event will be a strong publicity campaign that will ensure a large, diverse and enthusiastic crowd of attendees. The City of Chicopee is requesting $8,500 to fund this act of tactical urbanism and complete the previously stated programs. This request for $8,500 is further detailed in the Budget Section of this document.

Concept + Goals The City of Chicopee wishes to host an afternoon/evening Summer Block Party on the last Saturday of school break. This placemaking event will create a dynamic public space for a day with the intention of supporting and creating social and financial capital while emphasizing further infrastructure development in the designated district known as the West End - City Center. The overall goal of the Summer Block Party is to establish a relationship between the community and the downtown. Establishing this relationship through sense of place will provide memories and spark an interest in the downtown and its potential as a great civic and economic resource for the City.

A mission of the Summer Block Party is to engage all members of the community and foster an interaction between them that will bridge the gap between cultural and economic populations within the City. A major community outreach program will come in the form of a publicity campaign. In order to create equal opportunity for participation and invite a diverse attendance the Chicopee Planning Department will lead a publicity campaign that focuses on inviting neighborhoods with lower public participation rates to the event. The campaign will be a significant undertaking that aims to use creative, yet specific advertisement techniques to reach all communities of Chicopee and surrounding cities/towns. Reaching out to all youth, neighborhood and cultural groups as well as all schools, churches, councils and local business will be vital to the public’s participation in the event. Increasing linguistically specific advertisement in lower income neighborhoods will ensure equal access to all residents of Chicopee. Establishing the downtown as a place for all walks of life will create a new capacity for communal participation in the well-being and future transformation of the district.

Another mission of the Summer Block Party is to promote the City Center district of Chicopee as a public space with many functions; and to envision a vibrant, bustling future for its streetscape. Hosting this realistic yet short term event will start conversations and be a tactical approach to instigating change. Closing the streets to traffic will allow for many games, activities, creative installations, performances, advertisements, surveys, exhibits, shopping and eating opportunities. Some activities may include but are not limited to, a publicly generated art gallery in the unused historic library; multiple live performances illustrating the many cultures of Chicopee; a chalk drawing contest; local street-food vendors; a desert contest; brownfields exhibits; open shops; a mobile library; light installations on abandoned storefronts; live art and mural painting; local organizations and their exhibits; emphasis on historic buildings and relevant way-finding; dance performances and a craft and farmers’ market.

Creating this ‘better block’ for a day can be the start to a multi-year plan to change vehicular traffic patterns and speeds; create pedestrian-scaled streetscapes; promote physical activity; invest in local businesses; promote smart growth and form based zoning; re-brand the downtown; engage the community; celebrate local history and heritage; and promote art, culture and their value to civic landscapes.

The City sees this tactical urbanism event and process as a way of measuring the downtown district’s potential for success; and as catalyst for creating programs that will work toward the long term goals mentioned above. With a measure of attendance and the amount of public engagement, City participation and local business support, the Planning Department will have hard evidence to support a tactical urbanism committee or program that aims to better the downtown and other underutilized spaces within the City. Through surveys and future events, the City hopes to use this event as an success story example for the District, therefore making it a more marketable place for possible stakeholders and future business owners. Expanding the Summer Block Party to a possible Fall Block Party, or Winter Brewfest or even a Spring Fling could carry on the legacy of this event and spark a revolution within the community to better their public spaces and embrace transformative development initiatives.

Team CompositionLee M. Pouliot, ASLA, LEED Green Associate, City Co-Lead Planning Director– Chicopee Planning Departmentlpouliot@chicopeema.govLee is the City’s representative and one of the three Co-Leads of the Partnership. With a background in Landscape Architecture, Urban Planning and Vision Development, he will focus on developing and evolving the ‘big-picture’ vision of the District while working with partners to advance various aspects of that vision through implementation. As a member of the City’s Planning Department with ties to the City’s Economic and Community Development Office, he will also work to identify funding sources that can be leveraged in support of implementation.William Stetson – District Property & Business Owner – Business Co-Lead Bstetson73@gmail.com Bill is one of the three Partnership Co-Leads and the owner of the Collegian Court Restaurant, located within the District. Bill’s interest lies in implementing changes that increase visibility and thereby increasing activity within the District. He sees an increase in activity as a crucial element of support for existing businesses that will create a unique environment that sparks new downtown investment. Bill will work with other business and property owners and the Chamber of Commerce to broaden the Partnership and garner support to advance projects through implementation. Stephen Huntley - Executive Director, Valley Opportunity Council (VOC) – Non-Profit Co-Lead shuntley@valleyopp.com As the Executive Director of the VOC (a local non-profit organization that supports Chicopee residents with a wide variety of services from Housing Assistance to Education), Steve is uniquely situated to understand the potential opportunity inherent in Chicopee’s Downtown District. The VOC is a property owner within the District, operating a mixed-use commercial/office building in the heart of the District. Steve’s focus is on laying the needed foundation to seed resurgence – one that catalyzes investment throughout the broader neighborhood and securing a new identity and purpose within the District. He will work to broaden the partnership and garner support for catalytic downtown projects and events planned for the District. Greater Chicopee Chamber of Commerce – Eileen Drumm, President: As a Partnership Member the Chamber of Commerce will assist in growing the Partnership and support for District initiatives. Potential roles include the organization of and community outreach for District initiatives. Munich Haus – Patrick Gottschlicht, Owner: With Patrick’s significant investment in a new outdoor Bier Garten and Banquet facilities, the Munich Haus has evolved into a Chicopee brand and local destination. Patrick continues to be a staunch supporter of additional District restaurants and will continue to advocate for such as a means of further catalyzing reinvestment in the District. District Property Owner - Corey Briere: Corey understands the need to brand the District as a destination to attract new activity and business investment. Corey’s will focus on developing event ideas for the District and serving as an additional liaison between the Partnership and Business Community. Elms College: Sister Mary Reap, President: Elms College is located just outside the border of the District and has been heavily involved in past planning efforts. With the completion of the College’s new Science Center, significant opportunities exist to develop connections with efforts in the District while providing students with entertainment and living options off campus.

Budget(Grant Funded)art

marketing

equipment rentals

contract services

MaterialsChalks

Banners, Posters, Flyers

Lighting

Lighting Technicians

Materials/Services

Materials/Services

Materials/Services

$400

$2,000

$200

$500

$500

$200

$1,000

$500

$1,000

$500

$500

$350$350

$8,500

$500

Washable Paints

Radio Advertisement

Tents/Chair Rentals

Performance Technicians

Mural Supplies

Newspaper Advertisement

Performance Gear (microphones, speakers, etc.)

Dance PerformersMusicical Performers

Gallery Supplies

Total Cost

Total Cost

Total Cost

Total Cost

Grand Total

Notes

Notes

Notes

Notes

For temporary art installations developmed during the Summer Block Party.

The Team is proposing a signficant marketing campaign to build interest in the event and attract as many visitors as possible.

Rentals will be determined as final plans for the Summer Block Party are developed by the team.

For professional related services related to entertainment where in-house expertise is not available.

$6,400

$8,500$0 $14,900$6,400 $0

Grand Total

Grant FundedCash Total Project CostIn Kind/Donated Project Income

Notes

Notes

Notes

Notes

Budget(Donated + In Kind)art

marketing

equipment rentals

contract services

Materials/ServicesLocal Artists

Graphic Design Services

Organizaton and Set-Up

Event Photography

Materials/Services

Materials/Services

Materials/Services

$1,000

$500

$500

$200

$300

$800

$1,000

$200$1,000$400$500

Art Instructors

Social Media Advertisment

Cleaning Crew

Mural Spaces

Banners, Flyers, Posters Installation and Distribution

Volunteer CoordinationExhibit and Installation Management

Total Cost

Total Cost

Total Cost

Total Cost

Notes

Notes

Notes

Notes

+ + + =

The Team anticipates attracting local artists to particpate and providing materials - artists to donate time & talent.

The Team will work through the Chamber of Commerce and local businesses to provide additional marketing activites beyond what is paid for through this proposal.

Volunteers to assist with set-up and break-down of the event.

As detailed.

TimelineMay

June

July

19: Attended Placemaking Workshop20: Compose project details and concept20: Project concept confirmed with planning and economic development25: Begin to work out project specifics (brainstorm resources and materials needed)29: Finish proposal for review and edits

05: Submit grant proposal-If grant is received, partners will be contacted and exact cost and qualifications will be assessed-Begin to confirm locations, dates and ability to close roads-Finalize graphic design for the event-Begin to print flyers, hang banners and posters-Advertise at local businesses and public spaces-Begin social media publicity campaign-Begin to write out a program of activities and determine the exact number and roles of volunteers-Determine the exact materials needed and their costs-Determine what materials and services will be bought, rented or donated-Contact local businesses and organizations for sponsorships, volunteers or donations

-Continue outreach to local businesses, community organizations, youth groups, schools, churches, etc.-Create a form for activity/exhibit proposals-Begin taking proposals for activities, exhibits, vendors, etc.-Ask surrounding businesses to stay open past normal hours on the day of the event to accommodate and host guests-Local businesses and organizations will be asked to sponsor the event-Begin to offer and fill volunteer positions-Request for youth groups (Boy Scouts, Girls Scouts, Boys & Girls Club) to volunteer-Contact police to set up detailing to close the intersection where the Block Party will be held-Contact performers and receive cost estimates-Confirm local artists and grant payments for their supplies-Organize and publicize public art entries for the public art gallery

Timeline July

Aug

-Contact lighting and performance technicians and receive cost estimates-Begin to purchase materials for activity proposals, games, and art/chalk-Contact and tent/chair rental services and receive cost estimates-Speak with multiple municipal agencies to get cones, wayfinding materials and banners installed-Find walls that are open for public murals and contact property owners for permission to use them

-Confirm all contracts-Confirm dates of installation and services with contractors-Confirm police details-Confirm all volunteer positions-Confirm the historic library is cleaned and ready for use-Confirm business sponsorships-Confirm all performance acts-Confirm rental services-Receive all submissions for public art gallery-Continue publicity campaign

29: Summer Block Party

Further DetailsThe City of Chicopee is self-insured and will work with the Chamber of Commerce regarding any additional insurance concerns that may need to be addressed prior to the Summer Block Party in August. Security will be addressed through the Chicopee Police Department; the Team will develop a security plan with the Department should this proposal be selected for funding.

�e West End - City Center DistrictChicopee, MA MassDevelopment TDI 11/7/14

Recent Public Investments:

- Streetscape Improvements

- Center & School Streets Repaving

- City Hall/Library Boilers

- Market Square Assessment & Remediation

- Market Square Parking Construction

- Old Library Abatement Project

- Ferris Parking Lot Acquisition

- Canal & RiverWalk Phase I

- Davitt Bridge Reconstruction

- Brown�elds Assessment

Recent Private Investments:

- Ferris Building Acquisition

- Munich Haus Expansion

- Collegian Court Re-opening

- Dress Vault Acquisition

- Ames Privilege Housing

- Ferris Parking Lot Acquisition

- Rivoli �eatre Complex Upgrades

- Kava Press Co�eeshop

District-wide Investments:

- LED Streetlight Upgrades- Easy to Enter Chicopee Center Campaign

- Public Wi-Fi Access (pending)

1

2

2

3

3

4

4

5

5 6

6

7

7

8

8

8

8

81

Primary Hinge Area

Secondary Hinge Area

Secondary Hinge Area

Secondary Hinge Area

1

1

2

2

3

1

2

4

3

3

4

4

5

5

6

6

7

7

8

8

Other Important Elements:

- Canal & RiverWalk Phase II

- Elms College

- Cabotville Mills

- Holyoke Catholic High School

- Other Local Destinations

- Partnership Controlled Property

1

2

3

4

West End - City Center Approximate Boundary

MunichHaus

BierGarten

KavaPress

Rivoli

Theater

Old Library

City HallAnnex

City Hall

Canal & River Walk

Evelyn'sBakery

Quicky's

Kendall Rental Offices

HAP Property Management

VPM Management

Horseshoes &Hand Grenades Tattoo

Chicopee Chamber of Commerce

Rollin RocTavern Herbarium

Lemongrass FitnessReal Living Realty

River ValleyCounseling

Polish NationalCredit Union

Rivoli's Bar

Family

ChiropraticFirst Class

CutsStorage

DiscoveriesExchange Street

Cente

r Stre

et

Springfield Street

Front Street

Front Street

Road closure located at end of theblock at Exchange St & Cabot St

Road closure located at end of theblock at Center St & School St

WilliamsonsClothier

BlockPartyHub

CITY OF CHICOPEECITY OF CHICOPEE

CITY OF CHICOPEE

CITY OF CHICOPEE

CITY OF CHICOPEE

CITY OF CHICOPEE

LegendSummer Block Party Event AreaParcel Boundary

Summer Block Party 2015Chicopee, Massachusetts

Document Path: F:\Maps\Planning\Special Projects\BlockPartyGrantApplication_2015\BlockParty_2015.mxd

/50 025 Feet

1. Aerial Photography courtesy of MassGIS, 2013.2. Parcel data courtesy of City of Chicopee, 2014.

HOLYOKE

SPRINGFIELD

LUDLOW

SOUTH HADLEY

WESTSPRINGFIELD

GRANBY

_̂

Aerial Photograph

Developed by City of Chicopee Planning Department

Notes

June 2015

SAT SEPT. 3

4PM-9PMCENTER STREET2015B

LOC

K

chic

op

ee

pa

rty

Art GalleriesLive PerformancesChalk Drawing Contests Street-Food VendorsDesert ContestOpen ShopsMobile LibraryLight ShowsLive Art + Mural Painting Craft + Farmers’ Market

Art GalleriesLive PerformancesChalk Drawing Contests

Another mission of the Summer Block Party is to promote the downtown district of Chicopee as a public space with many functions and envision a vibrant, bustling future for its streetscape. Hosting this realistic yet short term event will start conversations and be a tactical approach to instigating change. Closing the streets to traffic will allow for many games, activities, creative

Art GalleriesLive PerformancesChalk Drawing Contests Street-Food VendorsDesert ContestOpen ShopsMobile LibraryLight ShowsLive Art + Mural Painting

events

food

musicsponsors