[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-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",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_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",6218462,"mediaKeyId","3628788-892be0fbcd9c6fccc07d86a2e90ff4b0","parentId",3628788,"title","City Council Approves $8M District Improvement Financing for Springfield Crossing","audioSeconds",365,"startMs",2117000,"endMs",2482000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3628788-892be0fbcd9c6fccc07d86a2e90ff4b0&start=2117&end=2482","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3628788-892be0fbcd9c6fccc07d86a2e90ff4b0/thumbnail_2117000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6218462/Springfield-City/Hampden-County/Massachusetts/City-Council-Approves-8M-District-Improvement-Financing-for-Springfield-Crossing","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6218462-2be5bf7eeadd1a8183977ceb73474cc5/orig.mp4?Expires=1770666949&Signature=ARGblXxcYrZaNN1Tnqh3iU-iXZ3wX4S7aNOkX7hkd6UjL-F83V1g3QyDZumVNWaG5DQ4lqDl1WFxYrhEm98ttiSGFcwxuixzxWgQZlW5tdSPZIcbpldUdcb-8huQoyQ--OIBP~TISpz1dPn-h~rCLQb-1PdIbtZBoTqo-eVjajq4Udl63~eKhWKfJtky4cEiGVg4is7mJxcktvGqPX7Jy5e9CmGSdbQ0DaxarAnBKIUFHTGsWwYm~wmR~hLRfJZO2iZ-doZ0hHFmcK~vqYe21lHoL2g2xo19PPzdIW1pAk-q0pp9sjAwRvU1kYDkyHntswoyE3XpuZpZFWuuFvcLxA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Springfield City, MA","date","2025-06-03T13:56:30Z","article","The Springfield City Council voted June 2 to establish a district improvement financing (DIF) district for the Springfield Crossing project on the former Eastfield Mall site, approving a structure that dedicates a portion of new property tax revenue to pay bonds that will fund public site improvements.

Tim Sheehan, chief development officer for the city’s Department of Planning and Economic Development, said the DIF would be used under Mass. Gen. Laws c. 40Q to cover “demolition and abatement, site prep, earthwork, and paving.” He added, “The total cost of the proposed public subsidy is $8,000,000.”

The DIF creates a defined financing district covering 34 acres of the site. Under the plan presented to the council, the incremental property taxes generated by new development above the site’s current tax base would be split roughly 50–50 between the city and the development entity; the developer and third‑party bondholders would front the construction cost, and repayments to those bondholders would come from the tax increment. Sheehan told the council the city would make the increment available to “service the debt” but city officials and bond counsel told councilors the city would have no direct repayment obligation on the bonds themselves.

Matt Fontaine of the assessor’s office described the valuation work used to estimate the district revenue. “The as completed value is $77,000,000. That was derived using an income approach to value,” he said, adding that valuations and revenues could change if development phasing changes.

Councilors pressed developers and city staff about project scope, timing and public benefits. Onyx Partners LLC, the developer on the project, told the council it expects most retail and commercial components to open for the holiday season, with one anchor (Target) opening in the first quarter of 2026. City officials said two additional development phases — including housing — were not part of the DIF district under consideration.

City staff provided a line‑item breakdown of the planned $8 million subsidy during discussion: demolition and abatement $3.2 million; site preparation and earthwork $2.1 million; and paving $2.6 million. Councilors and city staff repeatedly emphasized that the subsidy would be spent on the improvements identified in the DIF budget and that the improvements would not become city‑owned assets, a structure the city’s bond counsel recommended to avoid long‑term city liability.

Developers and municipal officials listed several public benefits the project will offer, including prioritized leasing space for local businesses, commitments to a “Springfield First” hiring program, public art, event space and a maintained walking trail and conservation/riverfront cleanup area on the site. Developers said they would also allow temporary use of parking areas for incident response and staging in major emergencies.

The council took a roll‑call vote after extended discussion and approved the DIF; Councilor Allen recused from the vote. Council discussion and the project’s financing documents, councilors said, were reviewed by the city’s bond counsel and financial adviser before coming to the full council.

The project team and city officials characterized the DIF as a time‑limited subsidy: staff recommended a 10‑year district term and estimated the improvements could be paid in seven or eight years, depending on actual development and assessed values.

City staff and the developer said the bank financing for the project included the city’s DIF commitment as a condition; developers told the council that without the committed subsidy the project’s financing would be threatened. City officials described the arrangement as a public‑private partnership that aims to accelerate a largely dormant commercial site back into active taxable use.

Council action: The council approved the order establishing the Springfield Crossing DIF (item 10). Councilor Allen recused and was recorded as such; the remaining councilors voted to approve the DIF.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Springfield City Council 6/2/2025 Regular Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","The Springfield City Council voted June 2 to establish a district improvement financing (DIF) district for the Springfield Crossing redevelopment, approving a plan that dedicates a share of new tax revenue to repay bonds covering demolition, environmental abatement and site preparation.","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},6218442,"Council Accepts HUD Entitlement Grants and $9.38M Continuum‑of‑Care Allocation",139,8649000,8788000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3628788-892be0fbcd9c6fccc07d86a2e90ff4b0&start=8649&end=8788","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3628788-892be0fbcd9c6fccc07d86a2e90ff4b0/thumbnail_8649000.jpg","/articles/6218442/Springfield-City/Hampden-County/Massachusetts/Council-Accepts-HUD-Entitlement-Grants-and-938M-ContinuumofCare-Allocation","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6218442-14b731718a6edf4056f547bbc83f7310/orig.mp4?Expires=1770666949&Signature=HXCE0lmpw9zL0p1BjgyE95vi~B4d9XQmxDXfFc6TGMtVqtO6whZ-efyY2siWInupffBywNP3CDIDqMrLyLhNKe5lGvhHD~RSwOPI7NEZa6eSTjxaLsy3YiH7vFTVA2N6hoczlG63AyL5ESVcQ2YelcR6ihuMJJtY05nZn33F7R46y4Pd0Pp39zjzcc0zP0Me3abaKWcMHzrSY-I8NFycblHZxgutPA0xuEX~HVEXRCLuwmp1bK~m5zxl2-jYMcX6wi~UiEfaFCytu8qG1gpWJMFEr7C3~CJK~e6ArTGx5UdkuFTzpeCXdG19YdH-gTSbEAca8XAr0QvCRqLQGcw2qA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Springfield City Council on June 2 accepted several federal HUD entitlement grants for fiscal year allocations and a $9,380,533 Continuum of Care (CoC) award that funds homelessness services across Hampden County.

Staff described the grants as routine annual awards that fund a range of housing and homelessness services. The council accepted an Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) entitlement of $328,743; a Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS (HOPWA) entitlement of $825,958; a HOME entitlement of $1,488,620.88; and a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) entitlement of $3,671,092. Councilors were informed these entitlement grants are largely pass‑through funds used to contract with local nonprofits for services and housing support.

The Continuum of Care award, which the city receives on behalf of all of Hampden County, totaled $9,380,533. Housing staff listed grantees that will receive CoC funds: Center for Human Development; Clinical and Support Options; Gondoro Center; Mental Health Association; New North Citizens Council; River Valley Counseling Center; Valley Opportunity Council; Wayfinders; YWCA of Western Massachusetts; and Alianza Domestic Violence Services.

Councilors asked for a publicly accessible list of which organizations receive ESG and HOPWA funds and where services are located; staff said awards are made after HUD approval of the city’s plan and that the city will publish award information when contracts are finalized. Councilor Whitfield said she frequently receives calls about homeless services and asked staff for an updated list of available programs.

The council approved all grant acceptances by roll call vote.","The council approved federal HUD entitlement formula grants covering ESG, HOPWA, HOME and CDBG allocations and accepted a $9.38 million Continuum of Care award that will be passed through to regional providers serving people experiencing homelessness.",{"_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},6218447,"Council Advances Skills‑Based Hiring Ordinance to Committee After First‑Step Vote",382,6146000,6528000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3628788-892be0fbcd9c6fccc07d86a2e90ff4b0&start=6146&end=6528","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3628788-892be0fbcd9c6fccc07d86a2e90ff4b0/thumbnail_6146000.jpg","/articles/6218447/Springfield-City/Hampden-County/Massachusetts/Council-Advances-SkillsBased-Hiring-Ordinance-to-Committee-After-FirstStep-Vote","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6218447-ee9f010013e528ea631324414b4d90fb/orig.mp4?Expires=1770666949&Signature=N7NWzTzF-~-ggCxbgKEZquFOzWd2FnGh-N~ZMUUjXouwDTDDFSuKSvTkineLOlYWraPeKnS0z-E0pvjXqSk52gDcpabzZuD8sOhbB5dvlNBw1XGktZprOkXO8NIxMqs6l2UhUwV~yeD2XdWeBElbOxmnwNvQ6GirAuDZ6sVqEOQ8Ge9gjeko0yYLi5xbze~4d4IorNBLr1CWBNVLkFCBGSsLqnb30JKrZDxdW7wzyZoE1qexLEawfwP-KngySr7UZOzkK8rNg~rfH9ugboQdXhKpSfF5tGRzDKv4UiqRJxOaXPqoLeBgiYzbgH3JKUFFt6HUbwnm~M-ih~Xnr~lC8w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Springfield City Council took first‑step action June 2 on an ordinance to promote skills‑based hiring for city positions, voting to advance the measure after public testimony from current and former city employees.

Councilor Delgado introduced the ordinance, saying it “establishes a written, citywide policy promoting skills based hiring practices” and would allow departments to remove minimum degree requirements where not essential to job performance. He said the measure mandates training for hiring managers and would enable the city to support private‑sector employers that adopt similar practices.

Chelsea Permanteer, an election specialist with the city, described her own experience in public comment. She told the council she advanced in the elections office through experience but was blocked from a deputy election commissioner appointment because the job required a bachelor’s degree. “Changing this ordinance would significantly impact those of us with extensive experience and knowledge,” Permanteer said.

Another witness, Crystal Smith, said she had nearly 25 years of human‑services experience and would like to return to city employment but felt degree requirements excluded her from consideration.

Councilors generally praised the proposal as a way to expand the applicant pool for city jobs and to prioritize on‑the‑job skills, though some members said the measure needed clarity about which positions would still require degrees and how to prevent favoritism. Councilor Whitfield said she supported the concept but wanted clearer rules and safeguards: “I think it needs to be flushed out a little bit more,” she said during debate.

The council approved first‑step passage and added several councilors as co‑sponsors; the ordinance will return for a second vote and committee review.","Councilors approved first‑step passage of an ordinance to encourage skills‑based hiring for city jobs, allowing departments to drop minimum degree requirements where not essential and directing training for hiring managers; proponents said the change would open opportunities for experienced city employees and residents.",{"_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},6218452,"Council Approves $196K Departmental Transfers and $1.365M Free‑Cash Transfers to Cover Year‑End Deficits",413,1121000,1534000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3628788-892be0fbcd9c6fccc07d86a2e90ff4b0&start=1121&end=1534","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3628788-892be0fbcd9c6fccc07d86a2e90ff4b0/thumbnail_1121000.jpg","/articles/6218452/Springfield-City/Hampden-County/Massachusetts/Council-Approves-196K-Departmental-Transfers-and-1365M-FreeCash-Transfers-to-Cover-YearEnd-Deficits","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6218452-54e75b3e0bd51ffe3f87cfdc5cb68138/orig.mp4?Expires=1770666949&Signature=ahFkSzdabHj-JKyfRIe6iTGr7Kx0N8JsxtG3t8yVPvulhGIYsezjznptTUdRemYnnoc1yLuYoz2MP7Iv9hthhzr1vhd8AbRvZ44oIpupW1LF7YtuI4S3YbGHHmZGQWqu7vNdDWF9YS5jR3iexh~t-lEwHBPfOYE-2lorMtzAYbQ7qGPZg8~Xh5VOhvLDtBENhhDv6LdU5AT8CCjetdR-LTwE2X1EzmWC6iFm~455tvXpi-TcWWReVumlMf7RIBNuH9bhMGvqsoWoci7TUeuNIf2Tw1kgO~q6bPAkxT~QZZ37G~SkbBcsuo7TNvUfm~vnzCOPw9oDMqUHSD-zf1oUXg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Springfield City Council on June 2 approved two budget moves to cover year‑end shortfalls: a $196,000 transfer from contingency to several department accounts and a $1,365,000 transfer from free cash to cover deficits in utility, snow‑and‑ice and fire overtime accounts.

City finance staff member Cathy Buono told the council the reserve contingency line was $250,000 and she asked to transfer $196,000 to cover shortfalls tied to contractual raises, retiree payouts and the absorption of a formerly grant‑funded position into the general fund. She outlined the transfers: procurement advertising $20,000; city clerk salaries and postage $20,000; capital assets salaries $1,000; dispatch overtime $75,000; and elder affairs salaries $75,000. Buono said department‑level salary savings had been used where available but some departments lacked salary savings and needed transfers to cover negotiated raises and payouts.

Councilors asked how much of the $196,000 was attributable to raises; Buono said she did not have an exact figure and would provide a more detailed breakdown for transparency. Councilor Davila requested a future breakdown showing how much of the transfer covered contractual wage increases.

On the free‑cash transfers, Buono said a $400,000 shortfall in electricity/utility bills for the comptroller’s office (Eversource bills), a $375,000 deficit in the DPW snow‑and‑ice account, a $190,000 facilities snow‑and‑ice deficit and $400,000 for fire overtime together required $1,365,000 from free cash. She said that after the transfer the city’s free cash balance would be about $2,480,719, which would roll to next year if unused.

Both transfers passed the council by roll call.","The council approved a $196,000 transfer from contingency to cover salary and operating shortfalls across several departments and a $1,365,000 free‑cash transfer to cover deficits in electricity, snow‑and‑ice and fire overtime accounts.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6218457,"Council OKs $3.3M Bond to Replace Aging City Fleet, Including Four New Trash Trucks",107,1624000,1731000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3628788-892be0fbcd9c6fccc07d86a2e90ff4b0&start=1624&end=1731","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3628788-892be0fbcd9c6fccc07d86a2e90ff4b0/thumbnail_1624000.jpg","/articles/6218457/Springfield-City/Hampden-County/Massachusetts/Council-OKs-33M-Bond-to-Replace-Aging-City-Fleet-Including-Four-New-Trash-Trucks","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6218457-d4c0096bc6a142bfc829e8728f8a5005/orig.mp4?Expires=1770666949&Signature=UkNPu4dttgXkzBxGWPOQ8XcoidXr2DujUtgeSimC1mfLEccsiXQnixeTmcbFgK-e2YR~Ene4r1qJA8I99HxWCR5PD6A2RwRJ55ddP03Low0Mna3Lwi~GIkyO62XcrLYNtHEEahpzZTnW49nMrbgiJ70-8j-OkZTuUUfQgRppMeQ8nM3jRhX-K9G~8MdDYPXsq2GFqGP4zTQV10aPhe4fw2KkSXI2wg62jk83xtCNHITuGo8R2yOzAOw6uxvqo6YsouaXWxcqQrXnM68gUQQIdy076dx074PrhhJYonabj1qJbcRgNSTCNVqFwuHpTSFtD0ejSJoFgLw4TgHeg6bthg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Springfield City Council on June 2 approved a $3.3 million bond authorization to purchase city vehicles, part of a multi‑month effort to replace aging equipment used by public works and other departments.

Chris Signoli, director of the Department of Public Works, told the council the authorization, combined with a $1 million free‑cash transfer approved earlier, will cover purchases of 37 vehicles across departments. “37 total vehicles between the $1,000,000 from last month and the $3.3 tonight,” he said, listing allocations including parks, facilities, DPW, DPW enterprise funds, code enforcement, health and other departments.

Signoli described the solid‑waste purchases in detail: two fully automated trash trucks priced at about $450,000 each and two rear‑load trucks about $290,000 each. “Those are about $450,000 a piece,” he said of the automated vehicles. He said most vehicles being replaced are beyond their useful life — many from model years 2013–2016 — and that new purchases are expected to reduce long‑term repair and labor costs.

Councilors asked about fuel efficiency and whether purchases would include police and fire vehicles; Signoli said the July purchases do not include police or fire, which recently made separate purchases, and that a citywide five‑year fleet plan covering police and fire will be prepared after this procurement.

Councilors also asked whether new trucks would reduce worker injuries; Signoli said newer automated systems reduce manual handling and therefore lower injury risk and overtime related to staffing shortages.

Action: The council approved the $3.3 million bond authorization (item 9) by roll call. The authorization supplements a $1 million free‑cash vehicle allocation approved previously; city staff said the combined money funds replacement of 37 vehicles across departments.","Council authorized $3.3 million in bonding to buy 37 vehicles citywide, supplementing a prior $1 million free‑cash purchase; the package includes two fully automated trash trucks and two rear‑load vehicles, plus passenger vehicles for parks, code enforcement and other departments.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

City Council Approves $8M District Improvement Financing for Springfield Crossing

Council Accepts HUD Entitlement Grants and $9.38M Continuum‑of‑Care Allocation

Council Advances Skills‑Based Hiring Ordinance to Committee After First‑Step Vote

Council Approves $196K Departmental Transfers and $1.365M Free‑Cash Transfers to Cover Year‑End Deficits

Council OKs $3.3M Bond to Replace Aging City Fleet, Including Four New Trash Trucks