The City of Springfield needs to quit playing games with regard to the Iowa-based developer Bluffstone, Inc.
We keep hearing how we need downtown apartments and redevelopment downtown, but it appears Brad Schaive, business manager of laborers union Local 477, is using his political muscle to hold this project up in committee.
Let’s not forget the primary reason for creating these Tax Increment Financing districts: to attract these types of projects to blighted areas and ultimately boost the tax base, benefiting our taxing bodies, such as District 186, with increased revenue.
Yes, local construction jobs would be a bonus, but I’m pretty sure Bluffstone, which is signing the $10 million note, will put this out for bid to protect its bottom line. I also know that with a contingency clause or two, this could move out of committee to be debated and voted up or down based upon its merits.
Our newly elected mayor and city council have a choice: continue to bully Bluffstone, in which case it may take this project to a more receptive city, or be bold and choose to work with the company. We shall soon see if Ward 7 Ald. Joe McMenamin is the only voice looking out for Springfield’s long-term interest.
Tom Giacomini
Springfield
Joe McMenamin for Ward 7 