MSL Weekly Update

Friday, November 5, 2010
From Edward M. Pikula, Springfield Law Dept.: Our relocation expert, Steve Mollica has been working with the Urban League relocation specialist and the move is on target to be accomplished by Nov. 15. I personally met with Henry Thomas on Tuesday Nov. 2 and discussed the matter. He confirmed that their phones will be shut down and transferred to the STCC location for next weekend. We are still negotiating over payments for use and occupancy and relocation in the normal course of the statutory requirements, and I do not expect that those financial issues will be resolved prior to the move, but, based on the communications with Mr. Mollica and Mr. Thomas, I do not expect the City Council to vote on an eviction order.
From Molly Fogarty, Director, Springfield City Library: At this point, we are planning a tentative opening date for January 26, 2011. Once we move the books from the current space to the new space, renovations will begin for the new Community Room. Since that involves new lighting, painting, carpeting, wiring and installation of equipment, we are projecting that will take about three weeks. I have had discussions with Kat Wright, who is organizing the community steering committee to plan the grand opening event. Tentative Date for the Grand Opening: February 24, 2011. As soon as we have more details, we will keep everyone updated.

Friday, October 29, 2010
From Molly Fogarty, Director, Springfield City Library: The Law Department is working on the Use and Occupancy agreement. I have been in touch with Steve Mollica, the City Relocation Consultant to review the building inventory submitted by the Urban League consultant .Kat Wright and Liz Stevens are organizing a Steering Committee to work with the Mason Square staff to plan the grand opening event .As they say, no news is good news. The Urban League is still scheduled to move out by November 15th.