Pioneer Valley
Planning Commission

Eric Carle Museum, Amherst, MA

Media Release

CONTACT: Jessica Allan, PVPC Seniorl Planner (413) 781-6045
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 15, 2010

Public Viewing and Voting for Smart Growth Competition Submissions

Concept designs for the redevelopment of a mill building in Palmer, the historic town center in Southampton, and a commercial site in Hadley are currently on display for public viewing and voting for a People’s Choice award, as part of the Smart Growth Design and Reuse Competition.

Following review by a panel of jury members in early March, the design concepts are now on display at the Palmer Public Library at 1455 North Main Street in Palmer, Edwards Public Library at 30 East Street in Southampton, and the Hadley Senior Community Center at 46 Middle Street in Hadley. The public is encouraged to review the submissions and vote on their favorite concepts.

Winners of both the jury awards and the People's Choice awards will be announced at a free public event Monday, April 26, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Kittredge Center at Holyoke Community College. All submissions will be on display at the event and jury members will provide feedback on winner selection. Town officials from the hosting communities will also speak about the winners of the People's Choice awards.

The Smart Growth Design and Reuse Competition is sponsored by the Valley Development Council in collaboration with the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission and the Western Massachusetts Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, with the goal of creating a local example of sustainable development and redevelopment and to provide a model of how communities in the region can use smart growth tools and techniques.

For more information, please visit the competition website at www.valleyideas.org or contact Jessica Allan, Senior Planner at the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission, at (413) 781-6045.

Competition Sponsors:
Valley Development Council, Western Massachusetts Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, Pioneer Valley Planning Commission

Supporting Sponsors:

Realtor Association of the Pioneer Valley, Home Builders and Remodelers Association of Western Massachusetts, Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc., Heritage Surveys, Jim Boyle Real Estate, Canon Real Estate, Arvanitis Phelan & Molta PC, Massachusetts Chapter of the American Planning Association