Southwick EDC Advances TIF Policy, Social Media Contract, and Complete Streets Grant Plans

SOUTHWICK -- May 20, 2026, Southwick Economic Development Commission advances TIF policy, social media deal, and grant strategy at May meeting. The three-member quorum, Chair Greg Diley, Ben Affuller, and Greg Samuelson, declared two master plan goals complete, including a business directory and the EDC website, with completion documentation to be submitted to Master Plan Implementation Coordinator Narn Cheever before month's end. A proposed month-to-month social media marketing agreement at $75 per month with a Maryland firm was referred to the Select Board for approval at its June 1 meeting after the Town Administrator determined the arrangement required board sign-off. The commission's budget for the coming fiscal year was set at $1,800 by the Finance Committee, down from the $3,000 requested, leaving grant funding as the primary revenue path for major initiatives. Diley identified the state's Complete Streets program, offering up to $1 million in construction funds, as a priority target, with Point Grove Road cited as the strongest candidate given more than 300 residences within a half-mile and proximity to five restaurants, the public boat ramp, and the rail trail, and the November-to-January application window as the deadline the commission must not miss. Town Planner Alvin Allen reported meeting with WGI the day of the meeting regarding preliminary plans for a new 60,000-square-foot building adjacent to their existing Hudson Drive facility, following the town's approval of a TIF for the company at the prior evening's Town Meeting.