On Tuesday, May 15th, Harmony House Board Members and volunteers toured the project with Mayor Kos, Gina Kos, and City Councilor Gary Labrie.   The City has provided $7,000 in pre-development funding for a feasibility study that will guide the redevelopment of the property.
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The first session of the Rental Property training was very well attended.  Over 50 Chicopee residents attended to learn the ins and outs of rental agreements, leases, and tenant selection.  The next session will be held on Tuesday, May 15th at 6pm.  If you haven't registered, please do so to klingenberg@chicopeema.gov.

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Rental Property Owner Workshops

The Office of Community Development is sponsoring series of three rental property owner sessions.  The sessions will be held on consecutive Tuesday evenings, May 8th, May 15th, and May 22nd.  The workshops will cover:

Workshop1. The rules of the Game.

Topics: Creating a tenancy.  The difference between a lease and  rental agreement, and why it's important to know them.  How to avoid choosing the wrong tenant.  Fair housing compliance and when and how to make a reasonable accommodation.

Workshop 2.  Avoiding Code Problems.

Topics:  The Implied Warranty of Habitability. Complying with : the State Sanitary Code, other building codes, rental subsidy requirements and Housing Quality Standards, Massachusetts lead paint requirements and the federal Repair, Renovation and Painting (RRP) requirements.

Workshop 3. Tenant Rights, Tenant Responsibilities and Evictions.

Topics:  Rental property as a business.  What your tenant should expect from you; and what you should expect from your tenant. Evictions and dealing with problem tenants.  Other sources of information and support for rental property owners.

The sessions are free to Chicopee owners.   To register call the Office of Community Development at 413-594-1490 or electronically to klingenberg@chicopeema.gov. Wile pre-registration is not required, all pre-registered attendees will receive a free copy of the Property Management Manual for Massachusetts Rental Owners (6th Edition)

Housing Development - Maple Street - March 2018

The federal HOME program provides financing to develop affordable housing.  This duplex under construction on Maple Street will not only provide safe housing but will increase the City's tax base.  Project is slated to be completed late spring.
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Non-Profit Facility Improvement Program - February 2018

Mayor Kos joined Chicopee Boys and Girls Club Board members and staff for a tour of the recent renovations.  The Club has created new programming space and renovation of bathrooms.  The project was supported with Community Development Block Grant funds under the Non-Profit Facility Improvement program with labor provided by the Job Corp.
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Action Planning-January 2018

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Every Year, the Office of Community Development must complete an Annual Action Plan in order for the City to review CDBG and HOME funds.  These funds total nearly $1,250,000 and are used to support projects such as Park Improvements, First Time Homebuyer Programs, and After-School programs.  We are asking for your input in the Planning process.  Can you take a few minutes and complete this SHORT survey?  https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/chicopee-ap-2018.  We would greatly appreciate!  Results of the survey will be posted at the end of March.

 

Business Assistance - Grand Opening - January 2018

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On January 30, City Officials, Downtown Business Owners, family and friends joined to celebrate the opening of Good Works Coffee shop located at 46 Center Street.  The business was assisted with financial support from the Community Development Block Grant program, and technical expertise from the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center.  GoodWorks Coffee House is a family owned coffee shop offering fair trade and locally sourced products.  The business is open weekdays from 7am-2pm as well as Sundays from 2:00-9:00pm.  On Thursday nights the coffee house is open form 6-9pm as GoodWorks opens their doors to aspiring local artists such as musicians, poets, authors and painters where they can showcase their talents in the coffee house.

Buy Chicopee Now - Realtor Event - January 2018

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Julie Dias of the Office of Community Development presented information on the City's Homebuyer programs at the Realtor Association of Pioneer Valley.  On January 24th, nearly 70 realtors attended the event that promoted the City's Buy Chicopee Now program.  More information on the Buy Chicopee Now can be found at www.buychicopeenow.net .

The City is pleased to be part of the partnership that promotes homeownership throughout the City.  The Community Development office has federal funds available to assist with down payment and closing costs for eligible buyers!


 


Housing Development - Maple Street - December 2017

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Snow? Bitter Cold?  Nothing is stopping the Waycon Inc. from the construction of this duplex on Maple Street.  The project sponsored by the Valley Opportunity Council will provide affordable housing to two Chicopee families.  The City provided financing under the HOME Investment program to support the project.  Completion is expected late Spring.  Rental Information is available through the VOC, 413-552-1554.


Park Improvements

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Jane Sherman Park - August 2017

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Round and Round, she goes!  This young lady is all smiles as she enjoys the beautiful summer day at Sarah Jane Park.  The City utilized Community Development Block Grant funding to complete improvements to Sarah Jane Park.  Improvements included an ADA Orbit instillation, new skate park elements, a Pavilion, and improvements to a Comfort/Care Station.