(WWLP) – State lawmakers representing Westfield are calling on the Massachusetts Probation Service to reconsider the location of a proposed reentry facility, citing concerns from residents and local officials about its proximity to nearby schools.

In a letter sent Tuesday to Commissioner Pamerson O. Ifill, the delegation — consisting of Sen. John Velis (D-Westfield), Rep. Kelly Pease (R-Westfield), and Rep. Michael Finn (D-West Springfield) — asked the agency to reevaluate whether the proposed site for a Community Resources for Justice (CRJ) facility is appropriate and to ensure community concerns are addressed.

“Today, our office and Senator Velis sent a letter from Westfield’s legislative delegation to the Commissioner of Probation Services, the Massachusetts state agency that coordinates with community based re-entry programs like Community Resources for Justice (CRJ), requesting that the agency revaluate whether the location of the proposed CRJ reentry facility is appropriate and takes action to ensure CRJ is listening to our community’s very serious concerns,” the statement said.

The proposed facility, which would support individuals reentering the community after involvement with the justice system, has drawn significant public feedback in recent weeks. Lawmakers acknowledged the role such programs play in reducing recidivism but emphasized concerns about the specific site under consideration.

Early and transparent engagement is essential in building trust, particularly for proposals of this nature, yet, CRJ has woefully failed to meaningfully engage with the Westfield community, the Senator, and our office,” the statement continued.

According to the delegation, one of the primary concerns centers on the facility’s proximity to Southampton Road Elementary School and Westfield Intermediate School.

“As a parent to a young child, the Senator shares the many concerns raised by our community regarding the re-entry facility and its proximity to both Southampton Road Elementary and Westfield Intermediate School,” the statement said. “While our office and the Senator recognize the important role that structured, community-based programs like CRJ play in reducing recidivism and promoting long-term public safety, this location is simply not acceptable.”

In the letter, the delegation urged state officials to improve communication with residents and consider alternative locations for the facility.

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(Western Mass News) – State Senator John Velis called on a state agency to re-evaluate the proposed location of a re-entry facility in Westfield.

The facility run by the nonprofit Community Resources for Justice would house prisoners after their release, so they can re-enter society. But parents are protesting the facility, since it would go on Southampton Road, less than 1,000 feet from two schools. Under state law, the city can’t stop the facility from going there.

Now, Senator Velis, along with representatives Kelly Pease and Michael J. Finn, wrote to the Commissioner of Probation Services, asking him to listen to the parents’ concerns, saying “In light of the significant local response to this proposal, and the absence of clear communication throughout this process, we urge the Massachusetts Probation Service to clearly communicate the concerns of the residents and elected official to CRJ.” The letter also asks the commissioner and CRJ to reconsider the location