Friends,
Moving Pillsbury Forward continues to work on behalf of the community to acquire and redevelop the largest single blighted property in our city. We remain focused and determined to provide a solution that is reasonable for the surrounding neighborhoods and greater Springfield community. It is the right thing to do!
Patience continues to be a primary theme of the Pillsbury project as we work toward acquisition of the property. The legal entanglements and more than a dozen attorneys involved have proven to be a formidable challenge. Progress is difficult to measure when you’re mired down in the nuances of legal liability and environmental law.
What we know for certain is that everyone involved in the Pillsbury project is learning about brownfield redevelopment. Our community capacity to deal with issues related to contaminated properties is increasing. Policy discussions involving prevention of future situations like Pillsbury are taking place. This is what moving forward looks like currently.
Moving forward also looks like Pillsbury neighborhood improvement. Since April, Moving Pillsbury Forward has had a strategic focus on environmental health and improvement within the Pillsbury neighborhood. Vacant lots and houses have been catalogued and prioritized for receiving needed attention. Community groups and volunteers have cleaned up over 20 lots and multiple alleyways in the neighborhood. City of Springfield Public Works has contributed with brush, bulky items, and general waste removal. City leaders have been supportive.
Moving Pillsbury Forward appreciates having the support of the entire Springfield community as we continue with our efforts on the Pillsbury project. Partnerships and persistence will get this done!
Chris Richmond
President, Moving Pillsbury Forward, NFP
pillsburyproject.org