During a visit by Massachusetts Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito Thursday, Springfield officials announced initiatives to create a downtown dining district.
Mayor Domenic Sarno unveiled plans to renovate Stearns Square Park and a connecting plaza and announced the creation of a $1.5 million low-interest loan fund to attract full-service restaurants to the area.
"We have a vision," said Sarno. " We feel we can build on bringing empty-nesters, Baby Boomers, and young professionals not only to work downtown and stay downtown after work, but to move downtown."
Lt. Gov. Polito praised the city’s plans.
The state has already invested in renovating a nearby building to serve as a center for start-up entrepreneurial businesses. MassDevelopment is renovating a building for lease that overlooks Stearn Square Park.
