[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6255658,"mediaKeyId","3161972-51a185214d61ba9d7927f00cde51baeb","parentId",3161972,"title","Councilors, union press for prevailing wage, local hiring and community benefits in RFP; DCAM signals support","audioSeconds",3127,"startMs",1372000,"endMs",4499000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3161972-51a185214d61ba9d7927f00cde51baeb&start=1372&end=4499","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3161972-51a185214d61ba9d7927f00cde51baeb/thumbnail_1372000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6255658/Springfield-City/Hampden-County/Massachusetts/Councilors-union-press-for-prevailing-wage-local-hiring-and-community-benefits-in-RFP-DCAM-signals-support","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6255658-1fca233a36a9b94e7e2cd55c3e11500c/orig.mp4?Expires=1770524241&Signature=PKV1m5xhAs-nPwcpxjN5XRcLhEEBXjlyt3Z-6ItN2N04Mf5xWOQSIIXFU~JGUzFxGokBpNVvV73gtZIEnV3Gf1spzV~TjYhrqE64xZR91chwQufFPoL2hmnxQAPjB~61gQRP-xv9KJvdxSwjOvrX~r724YcNRsOj2YQh7BMvTAHTADPg-0cbZfzA8YAOq0z6HdMKIyGR6A0hlr-oLpN-1JsacLQmI-JXwSl8TvoNIi57qMAf~qvvM-hmnndSTo~dGQQ7ga8OUlGJyZQ8T5QQkcnWaNdq9SPpY-Zrdtha0kkhitVqECy0EbVvr2Yvr1x0aNn98KfGrjfIIj68h4CwdA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Springfield City, MA","date","2025-05-01T00:43:16.963Z","article","Springfield councilors and community groups asked DCAM on April 30, 2025, to include explicit community benefit and responsible‑employer expectations in the RFP for the Springfield Regional Justice Center so that local residents, minority‑ and women‑owned firms, veterans and people with disabilities can access jobs.

Councilor (Vice President) Tracy Whitfield asked that the city’s responsible‑employer ordinance goals be “included in the RFP contract,” and DCAM Commissioner Adam Bakke replied that although construction will be under a private contract, the agency will require prevailing wage on the project and intends to carry forward diversity expectations for subcontracting and workforce participation. Bakke said the specific numerical goals had not yet been finalized.

Otoniel Figueroa Duram, employee relations coordinator for SEIU 32BJ, urged DCAM to ensure the development supports “good jobs” and raised a local example: cleaners at 1 Monarch Place who are represented by SEIU. He said a change in contractor threatened existing wages and benefits and asked that bidders be evaluated on whether they preserve local quality jobs.

DCAM and trial court representatives noted that day‑to‑day court operations would continue to be performed by state employees represented by unions and that operations of the facility would not be the landlord’s responsibility. But DCAM said it would and does expect to include workforce requirements on construction and subcontracting. Several councilors and speakers encouraged DCAM to evaluate proposals on economic impact, local hiring commitments and how a proposal would mitigate harm to existing downtown businesses.

No final RFP language was presented at the meeting; DCAM invited written community input as it finalizes comparative criteria.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","DCAMM New Courthouse Presentation to Springfield City Council Finance Committee & All City Residents","oneSentenceSummary","Councilors urged DCAM to include responsible employer and local hiring goals in the RFP. DCAM said prevailing wage will apply and that diversity and local workforce expectations are intended; SEIU 32BJ raised concerns about a current downtown contractor’s treatment of incumbent cleaners.","taxTitle","Springfield City, Hampden County, Massachusetts","taxId",3703,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6255663,"Public presses for interim moves as questions persist about ‘sick’ Springfield courthouse",1549,2671000,4220000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3161972-51a185214d61ba9d7927f00cde51baeb&start=2671&end=4220","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3161972-51a185214d61ba9d7927f00cde51baeb/thumbnail_2671000.jpg","/articles/6255663/Springfield-City/Hampden-County/Massachusetts/Public-presses-for-interim-moves-as-questions-persist-about-sick-Springfield-courthouse","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6255663-c17b92ca3283eb152e80b89d15868c12/orig.mp4?Expires=1770524241&Signature=ditw57E5GSUztBnU0SJjKeupRxSyhQsbCoB-dJ5NeIJmBPtK6TWwYcExulfIUlXy8XT5tOgvQ56PGavzqara4BJUo7RfPrS-5ktWnYdjoKDY0kfen4tEH5vOdEf5DWdCoZlexvEW7TxuJoFLcTyXLDyFwNoBTkbOwFrj5X5UM9d2obFyaqCtgQ6fHhirkJPCK36B0XkrUJ4a~Thz7cWBwAjjqCbaZxUNoUOEY7tJAU460WtMqaQOO9YLyy7O5hegBuRMYSHKub-MHcZA6hM6jBwoy-uIfI8Fd8sBUvyy2ZOJToguDWI4i2Oeic1IDzSKS6V2nia7ASQWIq17BzxJqw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Multiple speakers at the April 30, 2025, Springfield City Council Finance Committee meeting said courthouse employees continue to suffer illness allegedly linked to the existing Roderick L. Ireland Courthouse and urged immediate temporary relocation or remediation.

Springfield City Councilor Victor Davila urged that any redevelopment or reuse of the existing 50 State Street site begin only after a land‑study to address health concerns. Several public commenters, including Steven Howard, asked why more temporary court space was not being used to move employees out of the existing courthouse while a new facility is developed.

DCAM and the trial court responded that the trial court has repeatedly sought a new building to address the condition of the existing courthouse, and the trial court administration supports the expedited lease‑back approach because it is the fastest path to a replacement. Tom Ambrosino, court administrator for the Massachusetts Trial Court, said the trial court “is in full support of this DCAM effort” and is anxious to move into a new building.

Adam Bakke said DCAM has provided funds to make HVAC improvements in portions of the existing building to improve conditions while the new facility is procured. He also said there is no current plan to move employees into temporary leased space as part of this procurement, noting that moving to temporary space can be costly and may not shorten the overall timeline. Bakke cautioned the public that even with the lease‑back approach, completion will take time and said estimates are likely to be more than two years before a new facility is occupied.

Speakers pressed for clearer interim plans for employees and for confirmation of any medical or environmental assessments; DCAM said the trial court has conducted examinations and that the agencies will continue to engage the public as the procurement progresses. The meeting did not produce new commitments to relocate employees pending construction.","Employees, residents and some councilors urged DCAM and the trial court to move courthouse staff out of a building they described as a ‘sick’ building. DCAM and the trial court said some HVAC improvements were funded but that a full replacement requires the procurement timeline; temporary wide‑scale relocations were not planned.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6255667,"City leaders urge downtown siting and highlight tax and economic impacts of Springfield justice center",2045,1953000,3998000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3161972-51a185214d61ba9d7927f00cde51baeb&start=1953&end=3998","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3161972-51a185214d61ba9d7927f00cde51baeb/thumbnail_1953000.jpg","/articles/6255667/Springfield-City/Hampden-County/Massachusetts/City-leaders-urge-downtown-siting-and-highlight-tax-and-economic-impacts-of-Springfield-justice-center","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6255667-27425b016fde485416db10337e3ff61d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770524241&Signature=OOxYEoq2IrpBan3nDNCvOapW~grQteggar0FcCMo1uOfvQ2f15Hkwz3V4SDDh1GcqJi75X9tju1VIWGuGQLC0KTyT0ikxsxdHDViyGFGmZC469Li8PeM-jg0euXQ9T8jz3PvfkpSp4dPssUXxT3GenDf72hhWLnpPQliUnmILa~~DmBG8JUyNRXsTLi0jpMvFSM4QK1UtzJHyxbKNKFczP0tpYz2RcWYlvnJZGsREsf~qFWEvoG3s~P-cfSfCZMaVffkO5hssOxlj~czKQ6Ca2HtvcJvSyTrpg5q1~-3gf6h6i6WXgNOfHMc35eHSUpOAro0UNRDnW04b9kgp~EOXQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City councilors and downtown stakeholders told the Department of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance at a public finance committee meeting April 30, 2025, that locating the Springfield Regional Justice Center in downtown is a top priority and urged the agency to protect the city’s economic core.

Kathy Bono, chief financial officer for the City of Springfield, told the meeting the new facility is expected to be privately owned and therefore taxable, which would produce substantially more property tax revenue than the existing state‑owned Roderick L. Ireland site. “The land and the building on the property will be taxable,” she said, adding the project would bring people into the city and be “a huge increase for the taxes for the city.”

City Chief Development Officer Tim Sheehan said a privately owned facility will count as new growth and called the procurement approach “ultimately leads to a better position for the City of Springfield.” DCAM Commissioner Adam Bakke said the agency is required to locate the facility within the City of Springfield, and he invited the council and the public to help define which parts of the city should receive comparative advantage in the RFP.

Speakers from neighborhood groups and the downtown business improvement district stressed that “downtown” is not a single, narrowly defined block and asked DCAM to clarify boundaries or weight proposals by an impact area. Betsy Johnson, president of the Metro Center Association, asked whether the RFP will ensure developers pay for any site infrastructure improvements so those costs do not fall to the city.

DCAM said it will evaluate how developers propose to finance and deliver infrastructure and will weigh that total cost when comparing proposals. On a recommended approach for the current Roderick L. Ireland site, DCAM said it does not anticipate a state need for the property once a new facility opens and indicated the agency has previously worked with municipalities to convey old court properties to support local redevelopment. DCAM did not commit to purchasing privately owned buildings such as 1550 Main Street but invited owners to submit proposals in response to the RFP.

Councilors also asked whether tax increment financing agreements might reduce the tax revenue the city expects; DCAM and city staff said such agreements would be at the discretion of the city council and any tax stabilization would be a local decision.

No site was selected at the meeting; DCAM repeatedly emphasized that the asset management board’s earlier vote authorized the procurement method, not a specific location.","City councilors and city officials pressed DCAM to prioritize a downtown site for the Springfield Regional Justice Center and discussed taxes, economic development and what geographic area should be considered “downtown.” DCAM said state rules require the facility be located in the City of Springfield and welcomed input on prioritized areas.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6255671,"State agency outlines lease-build plan and timeline for Springfield Regional Justice Center",454,847000,1301000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3161972-51a185214d61ba9d7927f00cde51baeb&start=847&end=1301","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3161972-51a185214d61ba9d7927f00cde51baeb/thumbnail_847000.jpg","/articles/6255671/Springfield-City/Hampden-County/Massachusetts/State-agency-outlines-lease-build-plan-and-timeline-for-Springfield-Regional-Justice-Center","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6255671-cc87d04fcf4d9611bc8ed1ec2e4b3f17/orig.mp4?Expires=1770524241&Signature=k2xS3QwA329RklByRnMZKMjH3bpiMZJazpuBbGA1RDMhlBzZeCjb2omV-yZMxEgp2W6M-Bv0mZeHjtk8HaoEd0zfgZLu6SeP5G7aI3zmTbl20kxmxbVbI1KW1gpjlkLp6DumDkB0KT6iff0NLVATpmC38owEqlqwXBRLtOUFYID8pZa1VTRwXmdg2VJdwxQp-TUBIHV-DwwYnFEEcySvfj2tYnGS9Bs~yTfPHMzq2BoKqq7pGioEA9oK8oZKFVgg0rkoULKheYyLcIGuAnEhkiYtS-FNbFPsv2VoCd~1ogYoeJho9jmROnkeeJr3QTTD~ZD3O2-9Tn71TP6lBLrW7A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Department of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAM) told the Springfield City Council Finance Committee on April 30, 2025, that it plans to use a private partner to identify a site, permit and construct the Springfield Regional Justice Center and then lease the completed facility to the Commonwealth.

DCAM Commissioner Adam Bakke told the committee the project, roughly 300,000 square feet, would house the Hampshire County Superior Court, Springfield District Court, Hampden Probate and Family Court, Springfield Juvenile Court and the Western Massachusetts Housing Court. He said DCAM anticipates a 40‑year lease with two 10‑year extension options and outlined an RFP-driven procurement intended to accelerate delivery.

The process matters because the existing Roderick L. Ireland Courthouse has been declared unsafe by some court users and the trial court and local officials say a replacement is needed. At a public meeting, Bakke said the asset management board approved DCAM’s delivery approach on Jan. 21, 2025, and that DCAM is finalizing an RFP that will seek proposals that include both a site and a developer/operator team.

DCAM gave a provisional timeline: issue the RFP in the second quarter of 2025, hold a bidders conference and question-and-answer period in the third quarter of 2025, receive proposals in the third quarter of 2025, select a proposal in the first quarter of 2026 and execute a lease in the second quarter of 2026. Bakke said DCAM expects to hire a transaction advisor in May 2025 to help market the opportunity and support evaluation and negotiation.

DCAM said it is required to advertise the procurement in accordance with Chapter 7C, Section 36 (the procurement citation cited in the presentation) and that the asset management board vote authorized the procurement approach but did not select any site.

On workforce and contracting standards, Bakke said the Commonwealth will require prevailing wage on the construction work despite the use of a private construction contract and that DCAM intends to carry forward diversity requirements for subcontracting and the project workforce, though specific goals were not finalized. Tom Ambrosino, court administrator for the Massachusetts Trial Court, said the trial court supports the lease-back public‑private approach because it is the most expeditious way to obtain a new regional justice center in downtown Springfield.

Discussion at the meeting focused on ensuring the RFP reflects community priorities such as proximity to public transportation, accessibility for jurors, downtown location, contemporary security standards, rapid delivery and support for local economic development. DCAM invited written input and said it will consider geographic priorities and other community goals while finalizing comparative criteria in the RFP.

No site was selected at the meeting and the asset management board authorization was described as authorizing the procurement method only.","On April 30, 2025, the Department of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance told the Springfield City Council Finance Committee it will seek a private partner to site, construct and lease a new regional justice center; DCAM outlined a procurement timeline and said prevailing wage and diversity expectations will apply.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Councilors, union press for prevailing wage, local hiring and community benefits in RFP; DCAM signals support

Public presses for interim moves as questions persist about ‘sick’ Springfield courthouse

City leaders urge downtown siting and highlight tax and economic impacts of Springfield justice center

State agency outlines lease-build plan and timeline for Springfield Regional Justice Center