Connecticut Bank to Acquire Westbank

WEST SPRINGFIELD — NewAlliance Bancshares, a Connecticut bank, recently announced plans to acquire West Springfield-based Westbank for $116 million in cash and stock. The institution to emerge from the transaction will have about $8 billion in total assets and 87 branches in Massachusetts and Connecticut. Westbank president Donald Chase said the sale to NewAlliance will bring new products to the bank’s customers. Chase also said that NewAlliance has indicated that it will retain as many of Westbank’s 187 full-time equivalent employees as possible. The planned acquisition, expected to close early next year, is subject to regulatory approvals.

SBID Executive Director Set to Retire

SPRINGFIELD — With solid programs across the downtown area in place, Robert L. Turin, executive director of the Springfield Business Improvement District (SBID), feels it’s time to move on. After seven years at the helm, Turin cited several SBID accomplishments including a Web site with real estate listings, the Stearns Square summer concert series, and the overhaul of both the Boland Plaza and Duryea Way. Turin noted he will stay on as long as he is needed to assure a smooth transition for the new director. With an average budget of approximately $750,000, most SBID funding is generated from property owners, as well as from a Community Development Block Grant and scholarships.

IRS Targets Fathers & Sons

WEST SPRINGFIELD — The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) recently raided two Fathers & Sons dealerships, as well as the company’s headquarters and the owner’s home in Windsor, Conn. Robert T. Cartelli is owner and president of Fathers & Sons. Working in conjunction with the U.S. Attorney’s office, the IRS refused comment on the ongoing investigation. Cartelli noted his company has been cooperating with the IRS and expects no allegations of wrongdoing. “We are proud of our business practices,” said Cartelli in a released statement.

City Seeks to Boost Its Planning Staff

SPRINGFIELD — Five new positions have recently been posted for the Department of Planning and Economic Development, which are needed to guide small and large projects across the city, according to David B. Panagore, chief development officer. Panagore acknowledged that a vibrant planning and economic development staff will help improve the quality of life in the city’s neighborhoods as well as boost job growth. Newly created positions include an operations and development coordinator, a senior project manager, a principal planner, project assistant, and a natural resources manager. In the coming months the department will review projects including the York Street Jail, the State Street corridor, Union Station and the old Chestnut Street School.

Longmeadow Plaza to See Updates

LONGMEADOW— Armata’s Plaza on Shaker Road will soon receive a facelift thanks to the new owners, White Mountain-Longmeadow LLC. The new owners, led by William J. LaMontagne, a principal of the company, paid $2.2 million for the 20,000-square-foot building which is located on approximately two acres. Projects underway include repairs to the parking lot as well as fixing the building’s columns and gutters. Future plans for the site include new facades and roof work, according to LaMontagne. Current tenants are The Bottle Shop, Subway, Armata’s Market, the Return Center, the Iron Chef, Belmont Laundry and the Longmeadow Salon. In addition, LaMontagne said Hampden Bank has expressed an interest in building a 1,500-square-foot branch on the site.

United Way Debuts Free Information/Referral System

SPRINGFIELD — With the support of social service organizations across the state, United Way has launched a statewide Information & Referral System. By calling 1(877)211-MASS, individuals can be connected to a host of community based organizations and government agencies. Individuals accessing the referral service will speak confidentially to a information and referral specialist who will assess the callers’ needs and determine the service provider best equipped to handle their problem or crisis. The service will initially be available weekdays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The 1-877-211-MASS service is the precursor of the statewide Mass211 service which is slated to begin in September. Once the Mass211 service is implemented, state residents will be able to call a free three-digit number (211) and receive the same accurate information that will be initially provided with the 1-877-211-MASS service.