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Council sends Cloverdale discontinuance to committee after residents and petitioners outline mosque plan
Summary
Council voted to send a petition to discontinue paper street Cloverdale to committee after district councilors said they had not been notified and petitioners said the parcels would be consolidated to build a 21,000 sq ft mosque with parking; committee referral was approved after extended questioning and neighborhood‑notice concerns.
The Springfield City Council voted to refer a petition to discontinue a paper street known as Cloverdale to committee for further review after councilors raised concerns that abutters and the neighborhood association had not been adequately informed.
DPW Director Chris Signoli explained that Cloverdale is a paper right‑of‑way; the petition would transfer ownership of the land to abutting parcels to enable development. Councilor Victor Davila, whose district includes the site, said he learned of the petition at the meeting and repeatedly pressed for civic‑association outreach and answers about whether the land would be sold or conveyed and whether variances might be required.
Attorney David Bartley, representing the petitioners (listed as Baitus Salaam / Salaam Inc. in council materials), said the congregation intends to consolidate seven parcels and construct a modern, 21,000‑square‑foot mosque with classrooms, a cafeteria, a gym and on‑site parking to address crowding at an existing facility. Bartley told the council the applicant is open to further neighborhood meetings.
Councilors debated whether discontinuance must go before neighborhood civic associations; DPW staff said such meetings are not legally required but are typical. The exchange grew heated at times as councilors pushed for more outreach and information; the council president disposed the item to committee and the motion to send it to the relevant committees passed on a roll‑call vote.
Councilor Davila said he supports development but wants due diligence: neighborhood engagement, clear transfer terms (sale versus conveyance), follow‑up on zoning and potential variances, and assurances about traffic implications. The council voted to send the petition to a zoning/land and mayoral economic development committee for a fuller review and neighborhood consultation.
