"I came today because this project, on its own merits, is important as a symbol of collaboration among agencies," Patrick said.
GREENFIELD – Gov. Deval Patrick lauded the public and private sector groups that worked to consolidate the Registry of Motor Vehicles branch and the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center at the joint location’s grand opening Thursday.
The RMV branch needed to move because its HVAC system did not meet the minimum requirements of the lease, according to a spokesperson for the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. FCCC President Ann Hamilton said the Visitor Center was too big for its purposes.
The RMV moved into the Visitor Center at 18 Miner St., near the rotary at Interstate 91 and Route 2. The former RMV branch was leased privately and the new location is owned by MassDOT.
“I don’t come to every RMV opening. They’re all important, I love them all,” said Patrick. “I don’t come to every tourist center opening ... but I came today because this project, on its own merits, is important as a symbol of collaboration among agencies.”
“There were unmet needs from the point of view of the RMV and also from the point of view of the Visitor Center that could not have been met on their own, but together have been met and been met beautifully,” he said.
Hamilton said 90,000 people come through the Visitor Center every year. Combined with the 60,000 who come to the RMV annually, the number of people who will have access to information about the surrounding communities and its businesses will rise to about 150,000.
Information is available for about 150 area businesses and Hamilton said the increased traffic will boost the local economy with tourism dollars.
This map shows the location of the new RMV/Visitor Center
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Patrick said Greenfield residents can be happy to know the new facility has more parking than the former RMV, the HVAC system works properly and waiting in line will become an opportunity to learn about local attractions.
Transportation secretary and MassDOT CEO Jeffrey Mullan said the move is an example of good government.
“Look for more of it. Look for more efficiency, more savings,” said Mullan.
State Registrar of Motor Vehicles Rachel Kaprielian said the building utilizes “every square inch of space.”
“It’s as good a set-up as we have anywhere and I think it’s going to be a very popular site for the residents,” she said.
The RMV branch will be open year-round while the Visitor Center will operate from April 15 to November 1.
“I think we’re all going to get along just fine,” said Hamilton.