Town Officials Are Pushing a Risky $25M Town-Owned Internet Gamble While Schools, Roads, and Parks Get Shortchanged
Project Overview
Longmeadow’s Select Board is advancing a $25 million town‑owned internet project in partnership with South Hadley Electric’s “Fiberspring.”
The proposal was approved at the November 2024 Special Town Meeting, where just 396 residents voted yes out of over 12,000+ eligible (barely 3% of the town).
If fully built, the town would borrow millions to launch a town-owned internet. Meanwhile, our schools, roads, and parks remain underfunded.
Why Aren’t Residents Aware?
According to a survey given to town residents by Mass Priorities in August, most residents aren't aware that there may be an article related to the $25 million project on the Fall 2025 Special Town Meeting.
SURVEY FINDING:
“Are you aware that funding for a $25 million town-owned internet service may be on the Fall Special Town Meeting warrant on November 4?”
Yes: 33.88%
No: 66.12%
At the November 2024 meeting, “a couple people said they felt they did not have enough information to vote yes,” per The Reminder.
Despite months of planning, two-thirds of residents are still in the dark. This matters.
Town leaders have already said that articles related to the fiber project will likely be brought to the Fall 2025 Special Town Meeting on November 4.
While residents are left in the dark, here’s what we know about the partner Longmeadow chose:
Longmeadow has chosen to partner with South Hadley Electric Light Department (SHELD), which runs its internet business under the name Fiberspring, to build the town-owned network. Here is the problem:
The Daily Hampshire Gazette reported that SHELD refuses to disclose basic financial information, such as how many customers they serve or how much revenue they generate, labeling it all “trade secrets.”
The town has not released any details about transparency obligations or public reporting with Fiberspring. There’s no clear plan for how Longmeadow residents will get information or hold Fiberspring accountable.
BOTTOM LINE: Before committing $25 million in public debt and risking schools, roads, and recreation, residents deserve a partner that is open, accountable, and transparent.
You Might Be Asking: “If this project is pushed forward, what gets left behind?”
INFRASTRUCTURE
Fact: According to our DPW Director, the town will need $267.6 million over the next 20 years for water main replacements, and $2.5–$3 million each year to keep up with road resurfacing. Why are our leaders looking to borrow $25 million for a town-owned internet project when basic infrastructure is crumbling?¹
PARKS AND RECREATION
Fact: Reynolds Pool at Bliss Park stayed closed well into late July (past mid-summer) before opening late for the season. Families went most of the summer without a basic parks & recreation service, while town leaders are pushing a $25M optional town-owned internet network.²
SCHOOLS
Fact: Longmeadow’s new middle school carries a ~$151.5M price tag, with the town responsible for ~$97.8M after state aid. Schools are a top priority and this cost is unavoidable. Adding $25M more in debt for town-owned internet risks future advancements in our schools and education.³
Residents’ Priorities Don’t Match Town Spending
Per the survey distributed by Mass Priorities in August, voters clearly care more about everyday needs.
We asked residents to rank Schools, Roads, Parks & Recreation, and a Town-Owned Internet service in order of their personal funding priorities.
A $25 million optional project should not come at the expense of priorities our residents support.