AGAWAM, MA (WGGB/WSHM) - The Town of Agawam will begin an ambitious project to revitalize part of their downtown in hopes of creating a more intimate and vibrant area of town, and residents have a chance to weigh in.

The town has launched an outreach initiative that will make it easy for everyone to have a voice in shaping the future of downtown Agawam. The town plans to make downtown improvements, to make the area more walkable and connected to the old food mart plaza and Rocky’s Plaza near city hall.

It comes after the town won $135,000 through a community planning grant from the Massachusetts Community Assistance Unit. The grant program awards funds based on the project’s plan to connect the area’s vibrant commercial businesses, and retail district with opportunities for affordable housing.

Ed Borgatti owns EB’s Restaurant on Walnut Street, he’s been working there for forty years and believes the revitalization plan is a step in the right direction, but he feels there’s a bigger problem at hand, “I just don’t want to put the cart before the horse because I really think we need to address these business owners. I just feel like if you’re pretty up around, like, the streets and things, you’ve got to really try to find some grants or something to help some of these property owners bring these properties back to life as well.”

Mayor Christopher Johnson told us in the planning phase now and taking resident input to make sure the project meets the needs of the community, “it would be nice to end up with a development that was potentially first floor commercial, and then, you know, second floor, and potentially second and third floor residential. But definitely Agawam, like every community around, has a need for affordable housing units.”

Agawam residents can visit downtownagawam.com to learn more and participate in fun activities, share your ideas, and give feedback on what you want to see in your community.

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