By Paul Tuthill
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wamc/local-wamc-965259.mp3
Springfield, MA – As the city of Springfield, Massachusetts struggles to recover
from the recession and reduce an unemployment rate stuck for months in
double digits, it is losing its economic development point person.
WAMC's Pioneer Valley Bureau Chief Paul Tuthill reports..
After less than two years on the job, John Judge is resigning as
Springfield's chief development officer. Judge says he notified
Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno that he did not wish to renegotiate his
contract with the city because he wants to pursue other opportunities...
Judge, who came to Springfield from Boston where he operated his
own real estate development company said he was proud of his track
record in Springfield. He cited tax deals he negotiated to keep a
company with 100 manufacturing jobs from leaving the city, and to add
250 jobs at another manufacturer. He said other accomplishments
included reducing housing density and blight in some neighborhoods,
launching green initiatives, and crafting a new marketing campaign.
City councilor Timothy Allen, who chairs the council's committee
on planning and economic development said he was sorry to see Judge go.
He believes some good things had occurred during Judge's tenure...
Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno also praised Judge. The mayor
credited Judge with helping move the redevelopment of Union Station into
a regional transportation hub closer to reality than any time in
decades. But Sarno acknowledged Judge was unable to make much progress
on several other projects the city has long identified as priorities...
A long time city development official, Christopher Moskal, will
become the interim development director. Mayor Sarno says he is having
a consultant do a review of the city's entire economic development
organizational structure...
Springfield city councilor Michael Fenton says the position
needs to be filled as soon as possible, because the city needs a point
person for its economic development activities...
Judge's departure comes at a time when Springfield, like most
municipalities, is struggling to balance its budget. City officials say
property tax growth is stagnant because there has been little new
construction.
Reporting from Springfield, I'm Paul Tuthill WAMC News..