On Springfield
Who Should Control Purse Strings on Casino Funds?
Like suitors on Valentine’s Day, MGM and Penn National have been courting the city of Springfield with gifts, sort of the municipal version of candy and flowers: the former’s $50,000 donation to the South End Community Center’s after-school program,...Calling Gladys Kravitz
I predict that productivity will be down at workplaces across Springfield this morning—especially within City Hall. The cause? This search engine, posted on MassLive, that lets users find out the salaries of city employees. The article is linked to the...Save Allis Mansion
Want to preserve a piece of Springfield history? On Monday, interested developers are invited to tour the historic Allis mansion, on the campus of Mercy Medical Center. The Sisters of Providence Health System had planned to demolish the 1867 building to clear space...Housing Campaign Kicks Off
Plans by housing-justice activists to “reclaim” a foreclosed house in the city yesterday did not work out quite as planned. The event, organized by Arise for Social Justice and Springfield No One Leaves/Nadie Se Mude, had planned to clean up and reclaim an...Council Race Underway
It’s never too early to start handicapping City Council races, is it? At Western Mass Politics & Insight, Matt Szafranski looks into his crystal ball and makes predictions on who will—and maybe won’t—be running for Council this fall, using...Council Stands Behind Foreclosure Rules
City councilors last night confirmed their support of a pair of ordinances designed to address the city’s high rates of foreclosure. The ordinances, passed in 2011, required that lenders participate in city-facilitated mediation with homeowners before...Historic Rehab Gets Help
The effort to save the oldest remaining school building in the city has received a major boost: $50,000, to be exact. The money comes from the 1772 Foundation, which funds historic preservation projects around the country. The foundation awarded the grant to the...Casino Drama
Mike Dobbs has a dynamite story in this week’s issue of the Reminder about the tension between Peter Pan Bus Lines CEO Peter Picknelly and city officials over the fate of the long-awaited Union Station delay. And yes, like just about everything in the city these...Barry Shines Spotlight on Kingston
All last week, I was hearing rumors about a forthcoming hold-on-to-your-hat article in the Republican. While the details varied a bit from informant to informant, the general outline was this: Stephanie Barry would have an article in the Sunday paper that would look...Dobbs Takes on the Republican
Reminder managing editor Mike Dobbs gives a tepid review to Stephanie Barry’s article last Sunday in the Republican on Mayor Domenic Sarno’s relationship with the controversial political consultant Charlie Kingston, writing that, some interesting...Library Love
The Republican reports today on Ward 7 City Councilor Tim Allen’s recent recognition as the Mass. Library Association’s Advocate of the Year. Allen, who received the award last month at an MLA ceremony at the Statehouse, was honored for his successful...Where Have You Gone, Casino Whisperer?
CasinoWhispers.com, the anonymous website that’s been tracking all things casino related for the past several months, seems to be missing in action. Sometime late last week, as far as I can tell, the website disappeared. (Go there now and you’ll find a...CommonWealth Mag Looks at Casino Battle
The new issue of CommonWealth magazine has a must-read article about Springfield’s casino battle—with a particular focus on the competing interests of the Picknelly brothers. The article, “Springfield Bets on Sibling Rivalry,” by Gabrielle...Tosado to Return? & Forest Park Meets
I’ve spent some time over the past couple of weeks chasing down various rumors about potential City Council candidates. One of the more promising ones: that former Councilor Jose Tosado is considering another run. “ Yes, I am very much giving serious...Burger Bar Questions & Marathon Vigil
Where’s that new Luxe Burger Bar that’s supposed to open at the old visitor’s center on West Columbus Avenue? That’s the question Bill Dusty of the Springfield Intruder poses, yet again. Dusty’s been tracking the stalled opening of the...In Other News
It’s hard this morning to focus on much news beyond the riveting manhunt for the surviving alleged Boston Marathon bomber (Boston.com is running up-to-the-minute blog and Twitter updates, including, questionably, the movements of law enforcement personnel). But...Hurst Tries Again for Council Seat
This fall’s City Council race continues to shape up, as yet another candidate jumps into the contest. Justin Hurst picked up his nomination papers at City Hall this morning, his campaign has announced. He’ll be running for at at-large seat. A former city...The Biomass-Casino Connection
Like a lot of people, I suppose, I was so focused last week on the news out of Boston and then Watertown that I missed some local developments, like this interesting report by Channel 22’s Ryan Walsh. Luckily, a reader sent me a copy. Walsh took a look at the...Pitch In, Clean Up
Sure, in an ideal world, everyone would clean up his own messes. In the real world, it often falls to volunteers to pick up the slack—like Keep Springfield Beautiful, which tomorrow holds its annual citywide cleanup, part of the national Great American Cleanup....Teachers' Union Sees Contest
Tim Collins has been the president of Springfield’s teachers’ union for so long, and so visibly, that it’s easy to forget that it’s an elected seat, not one he holds by birthright. But next week, he’ll face a challenger for the position,...Time to Place Your Bets
It’s the moment of truth: later today, Mayor Domenic Sarno will announce the casino developer, or developers, with whom his administration has negotiated a host-community agreement. (Technically, of course, he could also announce that he’s reached an...Mayoral Raise Question Surfaces Again
That cheering you don’t hear coming from the streets of Springfield is the sound of city residents not rallying around the Chamber of Commerce’s latest proposal to give the mayor a pay raise. As Pete Goonan reports here, the Chamber is calling for the...Ferrera: Not So Fast
City Council President Jimmy Ferrera last night put the brakes on the rush to move forward the city’s draft casino agreement with MGM. It had been widely expected that the Council would approve the agreement, which Mayor Domenic Sarno had announced last week....Sarno, Ferrera Lock Horns on Casino
Are the Sarno administration and City Council President Jimmy Ferrera headed into a stand-off over the city’s agreement with casino developer MGM? On the heels of his move to halt a City Council vote on the agreement earlier this week, Ferrera yesterday released...Casino-free Zone
Have you had your fill of the casino war and are eager for something—anything—else to think about? Or are you completely absorbed by the drama and looking for something to pass the time until the next battle (this evening’s City Council meeting, at 5...Tax Relief from Casino?
City Councilor Tim Rooke continues to push a proposal to use some of the money promised the city by MGM to cut local tax bills. MGM was recently chosen by Mayor Domenic Sarno as the city’s preferred casino developer. In a host-community agreement negotiated with...Better Living Through Bocce
Did you happen to catch on The River yesterday the interview with Rico Daniele, owner of the South End’s Mom & Rico’s—and, as the River’s Monte put it, “bocce enthusiast, fanatic, evangelist”? The interview took place on...A Little Help Here?
This afternoon at 4:30, the City Council’s planning and economic development committee will meet to discuss data from the University of Michigan that shows deep racial segregation in the Springfield metro area. The research looked at segregation between the...On Asselin, Hurst, and segregation
The city’s License Commission has turned down an application from Chris Asselin, the one-time state rep turned convicted felon, to sell used cars in the city. Sometimes the jokes write themselves. Not so funny is the fact that Commission member (and Ward 8 City...Dobbs Considers Tornado Recovery
The recent news out of Oklahoma—not to mention the string of ominously dark, rumbly afternoons we’ve had this week—are reminders that we’re approaching the second anniversary of the freak tornado that devastated so much of Springfield. In this...Council Dodges Controversial Billboard Vote
It’s difficult to imagine how an issue as contentious—not to mention as potentially lucrative for the developers—as the battle over allowing digital billboards in the city could simply “fall through the cracks.” But that’s what City...Mayor's Budget Gambles on Casino Approval
Mayor Domenic Sarno released his proposed fiscal ’14 budget yesterday and—by recent standards, at least—it’s a fairly rosy document. The $571.8 million spending plan is slightly higher than last year’s budget, with the bulk of the new...Carr on Asselin; Billboard Question Remains Alive
Boston Herald columnist Howie Carr weighs in today on Chris Asselin’s failed attempt to secure a license to sell used cars in the city. It is not flattering. Meanwhile, it looks like Lamar Advertising’s bid to install two electronic billboards in the city...Local Takes on Last Night's Debate
With the election just two weeks away and polling numbers fairly close, last night’s Springfield debate between Senate candidates Gabriel Gomez and Ed Markey was a big deal. If you missed it, well, I’m not sure what to say. It doesn’t appear that...Meeting Tonight to Address Housing Crisis
Housing-reform activists will hold a public meeting this evening to, as organizers put it, “discuss key policy proposals to resolve the foreclosure crisis and build a Springfield that puts people before profit.” Members of Springfield No One Leaves/Nadie...Dems Press Neal on SNAP Cuts
Next week, the U.S. House will take up the federal farm bill, which includes potentially devastating cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP (the program once known as food stamps). As of early June, 47.6 million Americans were receiving SNAP...Proud Around Hampden County
Today is the final day of Springfield Pride Week, which ends with a free LGBT-themed film festival, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Sal’s Bakery, 513 Belmont Ave. Meanwhile, just a little north in Holyoke, Mayor Alex Morse will hold a Pride flag-raising ceremony this...Harshbarger Rallies for Anti-casino Side
Casino opponents in the city have had a hard time getting their message out, given the staggeringly lopsided nature of the battle between them and the deep-pocketed MGM. But tomorrow night, the anti-casino side will get a high-profile boost, via an appearance by...Where Are Court Square's Benches?
On the heels of the contretemps over the city of Northampton’s (since-reversed) decision to remove public benches from its downtown, Channel 22 reporter Laura Hutchinson has asked questions about the benches that were removed from Court Square eight years ago....Pride Celebrates DOMA Ruling
The Springfield Pride committee will celebrate the Supreme Court’s marriage-equality decisions with a rally and reception today. At noon, the group will hold a rally and press conference at City Hall. Then, at 5:30, there will be a community reception, also at...The Never-ending Residency Fight
Will the City Council ever pass a new employee-residency ordinance? It’s not looking good, at least after the most recent drama over the plan. Last week, Council President Jimmy Ferrera tried to link the proposal to the city budget, calling for the salaries of...City Loses a Piece of History
Efforts to save the historic Allis Mansion at Mercy Medical Center have come to naught. Last week, the Sisters of Providence Health System announced that it was proceeding with plans to demolish the Victorian home to make way for parking at a $20 million medical...Two Editorials, Zero Surprises
This weekend, the Springfield Republican endorsed City Hall’s host-community agreement with MGM, calling on voters to approve the South End casino proposal on next week’s ballot question. Did anyone ever doubt that the Republican would endorse the plan?...Casino Vote Still On; Opponents Keep Fighting
A last-ditch effort by casino opponents to delay next week’s vote on the city’s agreement with MGM has failed. Citizens Against Casino Gaming had appealed to the state’s Gaming Commission to delay the July 16 vote, arguing that the public process...Two Casino Events Today, Pro and Con
This evening the opposition group Citizens Against Casino Gaming will host a public discussion on next week’s ballot question on MGM’s proposed casino. The event will take place at 7 p.m. at the home of member Colleen Moynihan, at 15 Birchland Ave. in...That's Right: More Casino News
With the vote on the city’s community agreement with MGM just a few days away, it’s getting hard to keep on top of all the casino-related news. But I’ll give it a shot: The Springfield Chamber of Commerce has endorsed the MGM plan, citing—you...Rally Over Zimmerman Verdict Tonight
There’ll be a candlelight vigil and rally at Court Square this evening to protest the acquittal of George Zimmerman in the death of Trayvon Martin and to call on the U.S. Department of Justice to pursue civil-rights violation charges against Zimmerman. The...Just How Big Was MGM's Victory?
Maybe I’m just a spoilsport—certainly, I’m a certified Fan of the Underdog—but I hear a lot of sense in Michael Kogut’s argument that MGM’s victory at the polls yesterday wasn’t all that resounding a win. MGM, of course,...Rally for a Higher Minimum Wage
On Wednesday, labor and social activists will rally outside the Dunkin’ Donuts at 568 Belmont Ave., as part of a national day of action in support of raising the minimum wage. The event takes place from 3 to 4 p.m. Earlier in the day, activists will also gather...Sarno Wants More Time on Pot Dispensaries
Add Springfield to the list of communities nervous about the possibility of a medical-marijuana dispensary opening in town. Earlier this week, Mayor Domenic Sarno announced that he wants the city Planning Board to impose a moratorium on allowing any dispensaries in...Gun Control Hearing in Town Friday
This fall, the state Legislature is expected to take up the issue of gun-control laws. But before that happens, lawmakers are holding a series of public hearings around the state. Tomorrow, they’ll meet in Springfield. The timing couldn’t be better, given...Fall Races Are Set
It looks like this fall will see some interesting races for City Council. Last week was the deadline for submitting nomination papers to the Elections Commission, and all 13 incumbent councilors did. (So did all six School Committee members whose seats are up this...Hurst Broaches the Forbidden Topic: Casino
The MGM casino proposed for the South End just might be the biggest development project the city has ever seen. So with the fall elections just around the corner, why are so few City Council candidates even talking about it? Sure, the incumbent councilors have all...Candidates, Start Your Engines
Summer’s drawing to a close, which means this fall’s crop of political candidates are gearing up for the height of campaign season. City Council candidate Ernesto Cruz kicks off his campaign tonight at 6 p.m. with an event at Cedars Banquet Facility, at...No Ants Invited
For the past 10 days, a group of local artists and students has been hard at work at the Springfield Museums and the People’s United Bank building on Main Street, transforming ordinary picnic tables into works of art. On Sunday, their creations will be unveiled...Gay-rights Lawsuit Proceeds
Stephanie Barry has an update in today’s Republican on the lawsuit against Scott Lively, the controversial anti-gay minister who moved into the city several years ago. Lively is being sued by a coalition of gay-rights groups in Uganda for “the decade-long...Sarno Calls Judges to Crime Talks
In the wake of a number of violent incidents in the city over the past few months, Mayor Domenic Sarno is looking to bring the local courts into ongoing public safety discussions. The mayor has invited Bill Boyle, first justice of Springfield District Court (and a...Dukakis on Death Penalty; Springfield Gets its Own ComicCon
Today is the 86th anniversary of the execution of Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti. And, as it does every year, the Hampden County Chapter of Massachusetts Citizens Against the Death Penalty, along with the Springfield Diocese Catholic Charities Agency, will hold...The Power of Comics
I’m not much of a comic book reader; my experience is pretty much limited to the occasional “Richie Rich” and (Lord help me) “Archie” in my childhood, then, 25 years later, the excellent Persepolis graphic novels and Real Cost of Prisons...E-Edition
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