Amendment #114 to H4165

feasibility study of the Court of Dreams project at the former York Street Jail property

Mr. Swan of Springfield moves to amend the bill by adding after item 7003-0605 the following new line item:  7003-XXXX Provided that not less than $250,000 shall be expended for a feasibility study of the "Court of Dreams " Project, at the former York Street Jail property, for an 8-10 basketball court facility to host basketball tournaments year-round and host AAU and CYO teams.

This will determine the potential designs, scope, and funding opportunities both private and public. The project will provide economic development to the City of Springfield and the surrounding area by attracting over 100,000 visitors annually to Greater Springfield.

The multi-court basketball facility will be the site to stage numerous basketball tournaments throughout the year. It will attract visitors requiring various hospitality needs and permanent jobs to stage the events. Further, it will continue to expand the Riverfront development. As the City of Springfield and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is the Birthplace of Basketball and the Official Sport of the Commonwealth, this project will further solidify our area as the Mecca of Basketball and further benefit economically through the growing sport of Basketball worldwide.

The project, will emulate "Field of Dreams" in Cooperstown, New York at the Baseball Hall of Fame Museum; which generates over $11 million per year.