Brightwood, Springfield, Massachusetts facts for kids
The Brightwood neighborhood is a cool part of Springfield, Massachusetts. It's located in the northwest corner of the city, right next to the Connecticut River. However, a big highway called Interstate 91 separates Brightwood from the rest of Springfield. Some studies have looked at how this highway has affected the neighborhood and the people living there.
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What is Brightwood Like?
Brightwood is one of Springfield's seventeen neighborhoods. It's actually the second smallest, covering about 234 acres of land, plus streets and railroad tracks.
Where is Brightwood Located?
Brightwood has clear boundaries. To the north, it meets the City of Chicopee. To the south, it's bordered by Clinton Street. The B & M Railroad runs along its eastern side, and the Connecticut River is to its west.
A Look at Brightwood's History
Brightwood has an interesting past, including some big challenges and times of rebuilding.
The Great Floods
A lot of Brightwood was damaged during two major floods of the Connecticut River. These floods happened in 1936 and 1938. They caused a lot of destruction to homes and buildings in the area.
Rebuilding the Neighborhood
After the floods, the neighborhood needed a lot of help to rebuild. Many of the homes you see in Brightwood today were built during a time when the government had a program called the Works Progress Administration. This program helped people get jobs by building new things, including homes, after the floods.
Who Lives in Brightwood Today?
The people living in Brightwood have changed a lot over the years. Today, more than 80% of the residents are from Puerto Rico. This makes Brightwood a very important center for Springfield's Puerto Rican community.
