Greenfield Community College (GCC) announces twelve-month delay in move of nursing program to Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School.

As a result of Greenfield Community College’s decision, Mayor David J. Narkewicz announced the immediate cancellation of the planned move of the City of Northampton’s 7-person Parks and Recreation Department staff
to the Senior Center scheduled for later this month. The previous deadline for Parks and Recreation to vacate the Smith Vocational campus had been June 2, 2015.

Greenfield Community College President Robert Pura wrote to Mayor David J. Narkewicz and Chair Michael Cahillane of the Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School Trustees to announce GCC’s decision to
postpone the move of its Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) training program to the Smith campus:

Mayor Narkewicz and Board Chair Cahillane,

I write in reference to the upcoming relocation of the Greenfield Community College LPN Program. Events surrounding this issue happened on a very quick timeline. The rapid problem solving has evolved into a
larger community conversation that could benefit from more time. To accommodate that need, we have decided to postpone the move of GCC’s LPN Program in order to provide the City with the breathing room needed.

We are very committed to returning to Northampton and remain an integral component of the network of educational services delivery in the area. We are equally committed to being a good neighbor and a welcomed and robust member of the overall community. The postponement of the LPN Program move will afford the time needed to assess short and long term solutions to the identification of space that best addresses the needs of all concerned.

Thank you for your support of GCC and its continued presence in Northampton. We look forward to working together to achieve the best outcome for all.

Respectfuly,
Bob Pura
As a result of Greenfield Community College’s decision, Mayor David J. Narkewicz announced the immediate cancellation of the planned move of the City of Northampton’s 7-person Parks and Recreation Department staff
to the Senior Center scheduled for later this month. The previous deadline for Parks and Recreation to vacate the Smith Vocational campus had been only 30 days away on June 2, 2015.

Mayor Narkewicz publicly and profusely thanked GCC President Robert Pura for his action, which will now allow the City of Northampton more “breathing room” to secure a suitable, long-term location for Parks and Recreation Department.

Adapted from a press release from Northampton Senior Services.

Photo courtesy of northamptonma.gov