Committee recommends Michael Langone to Springfield Redevelopment Authority

The General Government Committee of Springfield City on Jan. 27 voted to recommend Michael Langone to the Springfield Redevelopment Authority, advancing his nomination to the full City Council for a vote at the Feb. 10 meeting.

Tim Sheehan, economic development staff, told the committee the redevelopment authority "is made up of 5 commissioners" and is "the integral part of the city's overall economic development team," saying it "traditionally operates in urban renewal plan areas" and that the Court Square Urban Renewal Plan covers much of downtown.

Langone, a Springfield resident and longtime trade-union official, summarized his background during the committee hearing. "I've been in the plumbers and pipefitters union now since 1997, so close to 30 years," he said, adding he has served as a training director and, since 2013, as a business manager and financial secretary for his union. He said he was invited by the mayor's office to replace Fiore on the authority and that he accepted to "get a little more involved with the city."

Committee members asked about time commitments and responsibilities. Sheehan said the authority typically meets once a month, usually on the first Wednesday, with meetings "about an hour, hour and a half." He also said the authority can undertake urban renewal planning and implementation under state statute and may be involved in downtown projects that fall within the Court Square Urban Renewal Plan, including potential work related to the courthouse and a project at the Vibra Hospital site.

Councilor Paul Walsh moved to recommend Langone to the authority; Councilor Tim Allen seconded the motion. The committee chair called the question and the committee voted in favor. The committee recorded the motion as approved and said the nomination will be reported to the full City Council on Feb. 10, when councilors will take the formal vote.

Langone's appointment would fill one of five seats on the authority. Sheehan said it has been customary for the authority to include a trades representative, and he noted other recent membership changes, including appointments or replacements involving Ellen Hurley and Margaret Boyle. The governor's office also holds one appointment to the authority, Sheehan said.

The committee encouraged Langone to attend the Feb. 10 council meeting in person if possible; the meeting was scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. The committee also provided an administrative contact for follow-up, giving an office email for scheduling questions.

Votes at a glance - Motion to recommend Michael Langone to the Springfield Redevelopment Authority (five-year term), mover: Councilor Paul Walsh; second: Councilor Tim Allen; outcome: recommended by committee (approved). The nomination moves to the full City Council on Feb. 10 for a final vote.