Chicopee’s first-ever comprehensive plan wins state award
CHICOPEE — The city's first-ever blueprint for the next two decades has been recognized by the state's chapter of the American Planning Association .
The association awarded Chicopee its Comprehensive Plan Award for its "exceptional quality, innovation and impact," according to a statement from the city on Thursday.
This plan is the first comprehensive plan in the city's history, marking a major milestone. The idea was first launched in 2019, and the process of creating the city's forward-thinking goals unfolded during unprecedented times, like the COVID-19 pandemic, with its accompanying wave of social change and challenges for public engagement, the statement said.
The city being recognized for its plan is "gratifying," Chicopee Mayor John Vieau said in the emailed statement.
The plan, he said, "will improve the quality of life in our community and keep us affordable."
The plan, titled "Envision Our Chicopee: 2040,″ is the result of the efforts of residents and stakeholders, city officials and a volunteer steering committee.
"Chicopee now has a vision for its future and a roadmap of priority projects to ensure that vision is realized," said Lee Pouliot, planning director for the city, in the statement.
The chapters of the plan address everything from how to govern and transportation to education and health and wellness. It also discusses bettering municipal relations with residents and improving housing for all.
The association's comprehensive planning award is annually distributed. Projects eligible for the award include master plans, goals for housing or capital improvements, plans for sustainability, economic development, or rail-trail initiatives, the statement said.
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