Leaders bullish in Easthampton

Gordon Daniels photo Mayor Michael Tautznik: "I can't see how (Nashawannuck Pond) won't be the focal point of the town 20 years from now."

EASTHAMPTON (MARCH 4) - Business leaders in Easthampton are using a new word to describe the town's economic climate: optimistic.

They cite the influx of businesses, the expansion of existing ones and the town's new-found position as a regional player.

On the eve of a series of meetings designed to develop a vision of Easthampton's future, business leaders tout the possibility of using Nashawannuck Pond as a focal point for economic development downtown. They say the collection of businesses at One Cottage Street is a model for reusing its once-thriving but now empty mill buildings.

But despite the up-beat mood, there are hurdles to overcome, including what the mayor calls Easthampton's "pretty bad rap in the Valley."

The Gazette invited business leaders to a round-table discussion last week in Northampton. Attending were: Mayor Michael A. Tautznik; Thomas Brown, a vice president at Easthampton Savings Bank and an Economic Development Commission member; Glenn Guzik, president of Guzik Realty Inc and member of the Cottage Street Stations at Nashawannuck Square; John Dickinson, president of the Easthampton Chamber of Commerce; Robert Reiners, a vice president at Tubed Products Inc; and Will Bundy, co-owner of Eastworks.

Last year the town lost Kellogg Manufacturing Co. when it moved to Ohio, but participants said there are tangible signs that Easthampton is experiencing an economic revival.

There are enterprises such as Eastworks, a multi-purpose commercial development which opened in the former Stanhome building a year ago. Attracted to the town's low rents and taxes, retailers have been filling the downtown's empty storefronts.

Last spring, Easthampton Savings Bank offered a half-million in zero- to low-interest loans so businesses can upgrade their buildings.

Gordon Daniels photo Robert Reiners, a vice president of Tubed Products Inc.: "Our long-term success is based on attracting skilled labor."

They also cited a number of plant expansions, including Tubed Products' consolidation of its New Jersey operations here. Others are JPS Elastomerics, October Co. and Big E's Supermarket.

"I think Easthampton is finally reaping the economic benefits that have been happening around us," said Brown.

Tautznik said Easthampton's acceptance into the Holyoke-based Economic Target Area suggests the town is now being recognized as a regional force. Membership in the ETA, which grants tax breaks and other benefits, will make it easier to attract businesses.

He added the town has also been successful in securing several grants, including funds for economic development, something that has eluded the town in the past.

Moreover, business owners are working together through grassroots organizations. Cottage Street Stations has been sprucing up that section of town while the Economic Development Commission is organizing the vision forums.

Guzik said he feels the business community has grown dissatisfied with the status quo and is ready to start working to improve the business climate in town.

Brown said, "People are willing to devote time and energy on a volunteer basis - and they do this simply because it needs to be done."

Gordon Daniels photo John Dickinson, president Easthampton Chamber of Commerce: "It's important to have someone make connections to attract business and keep business here."

Measuring change

Changing the way the town is run - to a mayoral form of government in 1996 - has a lot to do with this sense of optimism.

Though still new and learning to work as a cohesive unit - "I can't get us to speak with one voice," the mayor said - business leaders say town government has proved more responsive to business.

Dickinson said the new government has helped attract businesses by showing flexibility in the permitting process, such as its decision to allow multi-use zoning for enterprises like Eastworks.

The new mayoral government has also given the town better representation on regional groups such as the Western Massachusetts Development Council and has made government leaders "more receptive to our desires," said Tautznik.

A mayoral form of government shows "you have your act together. It's important to have someone make connections to attract business and keep business there," said Dickinson.

Also, the influx of new businesses has brought people who have a fresh view of Easthampton's assets, which Brown said are often overlooked by people who have lived and worked there for a long time.

They remind us "that this is a pretty good place to work, live and raise your children," Brown said.

Bundy described how inspired he was when he stepped onto the roof of the building he and partner Milton Howard were interested in buying. "I looked over Easthampton I thought what a dynamic and beautiful location," he said.

Gordon Daniels photo Thomas Brown, a vice-president of Easthampton Savings Bank: "I think Easthampton is finally reaping the economic benefits that have been happening around us."

Facing obstacles

But Easthampton must still tackle numerous obstacles before it will realize its dreams of a bright economic future, leaders say.

Tautznik pointed to the need for better public transportation to make it easier for people to get to and from workplaces. Currently, he said the Pioneer Valley Transportation Authority has only two daily bus runs. Another is the lack of parking for downtown.

Participants noted that the town needs to attract residents who shop elsewhere and out-of-towners who are unaware of what the town has to offer.

To do that Tautznik said the town must overcome what he described as Easthampton's negative image in the Valley. That is, he explained, the false perception that, with no Easthampton exit off Interstate Route 91, the town is out-of-the-way and "basically invisible, tucked against the side of Mount Tom."

"Easthampton is a diamond in the rough, the best kept secret (in the valley)," said Brown, adding, "We don't want to be a secret anymore."

Changing the perception that Easthampton schools are not on par with area schools is also an important component in efforts to revitalize the town's economy, said Brown.

"I don't know if (that perception) is real or perceived," said Brown, but if the perception isn't reversed the town will have difficulty attracting business people to move there.

Tautznik expressed hope that hiring a new school superintendent and high school principal plus attempts to focus more attention on the high school's needs will help.

In addition, Easthampton schools will have to meet a growing demand for a larger number of skilled workers to do the complicated tasks involved in Wednesday's business world. "Our long-term success is based on attracting skilled labor," said Reiners.

Gordon Daniels photo Glenn Guzik, president of Guzik Realty Inc.: "Sacrifices have to be made. Everybody has to join together to make this thing happen."

Options

Business leaders pointed to a number of options the town can pursue. To attract more customers, downtown businesses will have to expand their hours and stay open evenings, Tautznik said.

"Sacrifices have to be made," said Guzik. "Everybody has to join together to make this thing happen."

A crucial part of downtown revitalization efforts will be centered on the beauty and location of Nashawannuck Pond, business leaders agreed. Because the eastern shore is privately owned and the western shore municipal property, Tautznik said the pond provides an ideal place for commercial and public development.

"I can't see how that won't be a focal point of the town 20 years from now," he said.

Other factors that will help bring people to Easthampton include Nonotuck Park and the planned bike path, which will run through much of the town.

Bundy pointed to the "important economic model" provided at One Cottage Street where old mill buildings are being put to good use by artists, entrepreneurs and Riverside Industries, which provides services to disabled people. "It shows the synergy (that results) from bringing like-minded businesses together," said Bundy.