UPDATED 7/15/26 6:07: To clarify the ownership of property the courthouse developers are buying. The selection of Liberty Junction, the proposal for a new Springfield courthouse at 125 Liberty Street, closes a contentious chapter in state-city relations. Replacing the ailing Roderick Ireland Courthouse was a
The primary challenges to incumbent Democrats in Western Mass are heating up as candidates battle for attention and votes. In Springfield, however, the latest back-and-forth in one race comes amid waves of ethical finger-pointing at City Hall and discontent with many incumbent Democrats nationally.
Michael Lachenmeyer, an educator and activist, has accused his opponent, Springfield State Rep Angelo Puppolo, of failing to properly disclose information on his statement of financial interest (SFI).
At its June 15 outing, the Springfield City Council took a significant step toward curbing councilors’ remote participation at meetings. Formally, the item was a resolution and not a rule change. Therefore, the body did not bind its members. Yet, the push marks an attitude shift for the body, which was among the last to return to any in-person operations.
When former State Representative Benjamin Swan passed away on Memorial Day, Springfield lost more than an ex-pol. He was the last of a generation of civil rights leaders in the city which pressed for change. Then, they achieved political power themselves.
The Springfield City Council had a debate May 18 that no one could miss. It was the first time since the shroud of the coronavirus fell upon the city that all 13 serving councilors had assembled in person for a regular meeting. Full in-person attendance had its advantages, including procedural efficiencies the Council had gone without for six years.
On April 13, the Springfield City Council took a few forward actions that could have significant implications for two neighborhoods. It granted a zone change to Temple Beth El’s property on Dickinson Street, which could yield significant housing development. Meanwhile, the body authorized funding for a new branch library for East Springfield.
The Springfield City Council brought fury to a procedural debate and waxed meticulous on the details of a food truck ordinance this week. During a rare Tuesday meeting, the body confronted a relatively simple agenda. Yet, it was debate over a motion that led to shouting, threats of expulsion and accusations of censorship.
The Massachusetts Ethics Commission served former Holyoke City Councilor David Bartley with an order to show cause, leveling no fewer than five charges against him for violating state ethics laws. Four of the alleged violations stem from his legal practice. Bartley had represented clients with
SPRINGFIELD—City councilors hurled disapproval and invective, at times in an apparent violation of the body’s rules during Monday’s tempestuous meeting. In the end, however, it signified nothing—at least for now. The Council voted down a resolution of no confidence in Council President Tracye Whitfield but not before trading fire amongst themselves for some time.
Supporters of Whitfield filled the chamber, but there had been signs before Monday the no-confidence push might peter out.
As announced, the Springfield City Council held a special meeting Friday to purge its “tainted” vote to discontinue a stretch of Wallace Street. Essentially a street only on paper, the body had approved the discontinuance on February 2. That would return the land to abutting property owners. One of those owners was JETS Property Development, LLC. City Council President Tracye Whitfield owns part of JETS.