WESTFIELD, MA (WGGB/WSHM) - The group behind a proposed re-entry facility in Westfield has announced that they will not be moving forward with the project.

In a statement, Deborah O’Brien, president of Community Resources for Justice, said they will not continue with the Southampton Road project, despite state law allowing such programs as theirs to be sited without local approval.

The decision comes several weeks after community members expressed concerns of the facility’s location, which would have been less than 1,000 feet from two Westfield schools.

O’Brien explained that site construction has “slowed” while they determine how the location may be best used for programming and services. She added that they look forward to working with city officials to “find an appropriate use for the property” that will add jobs and revenue to the city.

Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchi said in a statement that, while he was not directly involved in the proposed facility, his department is “pleased to see that the organization listened to the concerns of residents and recognized that this location was not the right fit for a residential re-entry facility.” He added that protesters made it clear to him a few weeks ago that that they supported the services, but were opposed to the site. “Today’s announcement reflects that feedback,” he explained.

The Office of State Senator John Velis, who represents Westfield, added, “From the start, the concerns raised about this proposal have never been about the value that structured community-based reentry programs play in promoting long-term public safety. They have been focused on the extremely poor choice in location for a reentry facility, only steps away from two local schools, and the absence of early and substantive engagement with our community.”

Western Mass News will continue to follow this story and will have more information as it becomes available.

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