springfieldmedia.com
| SPECIAL EDITION |
| A text message in the middle of the night informed the world that Barack Obama has selected Joe Biden as his running mate. Obama-Biden |
| The public speak out at the Finance Control Board meeting session had ended when I took this photo. Part of my commentary was discussed by the Springfield Intruder: Springfield Intruder Article What was not mentioned is that I framed my comments as an American of African descent who looks upon racism, allegations of racism and the misuse of allegations of racism as serious. Even to say something "borders racism" is a toxic statement. I serve as vice chair of SpringfieldForward. This matter was brought to the attention of the Control Board because I wanted to know if Panagore's comments reflected the opinion of the FCB and City Hall. Also, I considered those comments to be a verbal attack and I wanted to know if intimidation and retaliation against civic groups by a city official was acceptable. Last point on racism. Projects like Longhill Gardens that house entirely low income residents in a high density setting promote segregation. This is what Springfield is supposed to be working against. Back to the real issues of Longhill Gardens such as Springfield already has an over concentration of subsidized low income housing and Forest Park has more than it's share. |
| Springfield Intruder's William Dusty confers with David Panagore. Panagore had been quoted in an article published in The Reminder that comments from SpringfieldForward were "bordering on racism." Reminder Article |
| Those who read MassLive and other area websites and blogs can not help but be aware of the Longhill Gardens issue. This week supporters of the proposal claimed that the complex was being maintained. Updated photos like the above from Monday, August 18, show overgrowth and vegetation. |
| As recently as Sunday night, August 17th, Longhill Gardens was the site of dumping, broken windows and overgrown vegetation. Although this was a "closed" deal when most residents heard about it, there were some who stood and asked why couldn't other proposals be considered and other developers be contacted. Lack of transparency in the decision process was questioned, along with concerns about security and parking. Many of those who asked the questions and voiced concerns went on to form SpringfieldForward and collected over 350 signed letters against the proposal and handed them to the Mayor. Has the fat lady sang yet... To the right Picture of weeds at Longhill Gardens taken Sunday night, August 17th. Sometimes things done in the dark... will come to light. |
