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Subcommittee reviews plan to transfer Bruce Landon Way easement to MCCA; council vote set for the 15th
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Summary
City attorneys and staff told the subcommittee the proposal would transfer city easement rights to the Springfield Redevelopment Authority (SRA), which would then grant them to the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority (MCCA) to program an exhibition and event space; the item is scheduled for a council vote on the 15th.
Councilor convened the Economic Development Subcommittee and heard a briefing on a proposal to transfer easement rights for Bruce Landon Way so the MCCA can program the space for events and outdoor exhibitions. Attorney Tom Moore (law department/SRA counsel) described the item as the culmination of a multi-year project involving the city, the SRA and the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority.
Moore said the legal mechanism would have the city convey easement rights to the SRA, which would then grant those rights to the MCCA for programmed public use. "The city itself has limitations to what it can do as far as granting easements to different entities outside the city," Moore said, adding that the SRA does not have those restrictions and can transfer the rights to MCCA.
The presenters framed the work as part of broader downtown street activation tied to the new MassMutual Center garage and pavilion. Moore described recent improvements as a substantial investment and estimated the combined garage, pavilion and streetscape work at around $55,000,000. Tim (staff) said the programmed space would allow the city to host up to 10 events there annually free of charge.
Moore told the committee the SRA governing board has already approved the transfer and that the item "is set to be on the agenda for the 15th for [a] vote of council." Committee members did not raise formal opposition during the subcommittee briefing and praised the project’s potential to enliven the downtown.
The subcommittee’s discussion clarified funding and mechanics: presenters said MCCA funded the streetscape and pavilion work and that the proposed easement would not require a city or SRA payment. The committee concluded the briefing and scheduled further discussion at the full council when the item appears on the agenda.
