I am again providing this update on behalf of Ed Pikula. Steven Mollica spoke this week with Henry Thomas regarding potential relocation sites. With regard to the sites provided to the Urban League through the City's Office of Planning and Economic Development, as well as additional sites identified by the Urban League, the Urban League has made the following assessments and comments:
- Holy Family Church 235 Eastern Ave-poor location and conversion issues.
- Mosque 727 State St.--too big and potential costly building improvement issues.
- Dickinson Funeral Home--305 State St.--did not check out , but not preferable area.
- Verizon Building- 365 State St.--too big and limited parking.
- 503 State Street ( next to Burger King)-potential, but too large by itself-space potential is good.
- Former Open Pantry-287 State St.--access to clientele issues.
- Masonic Temple-very concerned with cost to maintain and carry.
- Mason Sq. Firestation-issues with location-accessibility and parking.
- MCDI property-140 Wilbraham-concerned that timing would not work-MCDI not ready to leave.
- Property owned by AIC on Mulberry Street as possible build, but AIC wants lot for parking.
- Former Hampden Dodge by Mass Mutual, too big as is and possible retrofit and contamination issues.
Mr. Thomas also reported that he was actively pursuing three other potential sites, two of which were confidential. The other site was the former KFC Administrative Building at 644 State Street. He noted that the site was currently being used as temporary space by the MLK Jr. Charter School which would be in the building through the end of the current school year.
Mr. Mollica stated that the Urban League was conscious of the time constraints and were doing their due diligence with regard to replacement sites. Mr. Mollica and Mr. Thomas have agreed to talk again next week with regard to the status of any potential or new sites.
Molly Fogarty, Director
Springfield City Library