Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno said he directed the Board of Assessors to work with affected homeowners to determine post-tornado property values.
SPRINGFIELD – Officials in Springfield and Wilbraham announced the deadlines for curbside pickup of debris from the June 1 tornado.
The final date for pickup of debris and brush from the central area of Wilbraham struck by the tornado is July 15, Wilbraham Department of Public Works Director Edmond W. Miga said.
The town had hoped to extend the final date until the end of July, but FEMA officials said the cleanup proceeded faster than they expected.
Springfield announced Friday that July 18 is the deadline for residents to place debris from the tornado on the curb for free pick up.
Materials have to be hauled to the curb and left in separate piles of vegetation and demolition materials. Garbage or ordinary household trash may not be left out with tornado debris.
The cleanup of debris and brush from the tree belts will be reimbursed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
FEMA will pay only for stumps located in the tree belt.
Residents concerned about stumps from other parts of their property should call the Wilbraham DPW at 596-2800, extension 208 for a review of eligibility.
Stumps will be picked up by the town following a review of the location, Miga said.
All debris to be picked up from tree belts by July 15 should be stacked starting July 12. Areas will be revisited as necessary until July 15, Miga said.
“Removing storm debris creates a safer environment for individuals and community recovery efforts, and therefore debris removal is one of our key goals,” said Nick Russo, federal coordinating officer for FEMA’s Massachusetts recovery effort.
Residents can call the City of Springfield’s call center at 3-1-1 or (413) 736-3111 with any questions.
Springfield Mayor Domenic J. Sarno said first quarter preliminary tax bills for fiscal 2012 were mailed to property owners, including approximately 2,050 bills that received reductions due to significant tornado damage and lost value.
Sarno said personnel from the city Assessors Department would be visiting each of the affected parcels in the tornado path, recording data and taking photographs. New values would be based on the physical condition of properties as of June 30.
Sarno said he directed the Board of Assessors to work with the affected homeowners on a case-by-case basis, saying it is the “fair and equitable thing to do.”
The reductions relate to the first two quarters, both estimated bills. The third and fourth quarter bills will be based on the new valuation and the tax rates set in December.
Sarno said the Board of Assessors sent letters to all affected property owners, explaining the tornado-related reductions. Those with questions can call the customer service call center at 3-1-1 or 413-736-3111.
In Brimfield, the FEMA recovery center closed on Friday and people from town are being directed to go to the centers in Monson or in Southbridge that are still open.
Mary O’Reilly, who served as manager of the Brimfield FEMA center, said about 300 people came during the weeks it was open, and she said most of them have insurance coverage for much of the losses from the tornado.
Federal assistance for people needing temporary rental housing was a major part of the FEMA work carried out in Brimfield, O’Reilly said.
In Monson, the FEMA center at Granite Valley Middle School will shorten its hours starting Monday. Monday through Friday the center will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The center has gradually been reducing its hours.
Foot traffic at the center has been steady, with 14 people visiting as of 2:30 p.m. on Friday, an official said.
Staff reporters Peter Goonan, Patrick Johnson, Lori Stabile and John Appleton contributed to this report.