New salon plans to open in Springfield in long-vacant store

A new hair salon that will aim to bring New York City flair to Springfield might be opening soon in a long-vacant store.

Tom Thompson, a Springfield native hair-designer with 20-years experience in New York City, hopes to open a new salon at 109 E. College Ave. The Springfield Board of Zoning Appeals will meet Wednesday to discuss the business among others.

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“Springfield, I see a lot that could become of it and my thinking is with a lot of the individuals who are trying to turn the downtown area around,” Thompson said. “We need to pull together as a city and really make Springfield something more special.”

The Board of Zoning Appeals will meet at 7 p.m. Wednesday in the City Hall Forum, 76 E. High St. They will discuss Thompson’s request for a conditional use permit for the business. Springfield city staff members have recommended approval.

If the board approves the conditional use permit, Thompson hopes to open his salon in late spring or early summer.

Thompson moved to New York City after growing up in Springfield because he wanted to experience something different, he said. Now he’s back and said he wants to help improve the city that raised him.

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The salon will specialize in men’s and women’s haircuts, Thompson said.

“They will be modern haircuts, stuff you would see in the bigger cities, but at a price that everyone can afford,” Thompson said.

Along with the haircuts, Thompson hopes his business can also become a sort of hub for the local art community. He said he wants an artist to feel proud to display their work at his store.

He also plans to specialize in cancer patients and hair replacement for men and women.

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