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Biomass Goes Down in Flames…

On a unanimous vote, the Springfield Zoning Board of Appeals overturned the building permit Building Commissioner Steven Desilets issued to Palmer Renewable Energy’s biomass facility slated for Page Boulevard.  After nearly two and a half hours of testimony, the Board rejected Desilets and PRE’s contention

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Manic Monday Markup 1/23/12…

A late markup this week.   And the World…   Critical new sanctions were imposed up Iran as the standoff over that country’s nuclear program continues.  Today the European Union passed a series of sanction that will phase in an Iranian oil embargo.  The embargo will

The Right of Appeal: A Preview…

**This post has been updated to reflect clarifications of some legal issues in this appeal.** This Wednesday Springfield will see perhaps the highest profile showdown over the proposed biomass facility on Page Boulevard since the Springfield City Council revoked Palmer Renewable Paving’s permit.  Indeed, this

Stairs

After the Blackout…

We are pleased to see the outpouring of support for several companies blackout protest of the anti-piracy bills, SOPA & PIPA.  Despite today’s surge it is critical that everybody understand that this fight is not over, yet.  We welcome Cong. Richard Neal’s statement of opposition

Springfield

UPDATED: Statement on SOPA & PIPA…

**** UPDATED:  SEE BELOW ****Congressman Richard Neal has released a statement on SOPA (which is the House version of PIPA and vice-versa), wherein he appears to oppose the current version of the bill.  We print it in full below: “Thank you to those who have

Tardy Tuesday Takedown 1/17/12…

…And the World:   Last week the limelight was on British Prime Minister David Cameron leader of the Conservative Party for his and his government’s handling of the Scottish question.  This week the focus turns to Ed Miliband, the leader of the opposition Labour party,

The Outer Belt Comes Off, Lashes Council President…

 **The following is a follow-up to our Tuesday (1/10) bulletin about the Outer Belt Civic Association’s letter condemning Councilor Ferrera’s Council Committee Appointments.** The pressure on Springfield City Council President Jimmy Ferrera continues to mount, but Ferrera shows no sign of buckling after igniting one

Springfield

Take My Council, Please: Non-Resident Evils…

Fresh from the tension and consternation brewing up from the less than stellar appointments Council President Jimmy Ferrera gave to Ward 2 Councilor Mike Fenton and Ward 7 Councilor Tim Allen, the City Council met to face its first agenda of 2012.  Consequently, with a

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BREAKING: Outer Belt Rebels, Others May Follow…

Western Mass Politics & Insight has obtained a letter from the Outer Belt Civic Association condemning Council President Jimmy Ferrera’s appointments to the Springfield City Council committees.   The letter calls Ferrera’s appointments, which left Ward 7 Councilor Tim Allen (who represents the Outer Belt)

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Manic Monday Markup 1/9/12…

Lots going on! …And the World:   In South Africa, the African National Congress, the ruling party since free and fair election began with the fall of Apartheid, celebrated one hundred years of existence yesterday.  However, the party, which holds the presidency and lopsided majorities