Springfield public meetings in 2022
29 substantive meetings from 2022, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
City Council - Regular Meeting
The City Council unanimously adopted the November Revenue Vs. Expenditure report and approved several grants for public safety, infrastructure, and libraries. The council also approved a stipend increase for Retirement Board members and elected its 2023 leadership.
- Adopted November Revenue Vs. Expenditure report (Unanimous)
- Approved FY23 Shannon CSI Grant for $1,201,514.08 (Unanimous)
- Approved MassWorks Infrastructure Grant for $700,000 (Unanimous)
- Approved FY23 State Aid to Public Library for $499,059.00 (12-0)
- Approved Brownfields Assessment Grant for $100,000 (12-0)
- Approved Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant ($41,375) and TERT Program Grant ($10,000) (12-0)
- Approved increase of Retirement Board Member annual stipends to $4,500 (12-0)
- Elected Jesse Lederman as President and Melvin Edwards as Vice President for 2023
🗳️ How they voted (2 roll-call votes)
City Council - Casino Oversight
The Board approved a late license renewal for AMG Retail, LLC and forwarded a matter regarding illegal activity at 1636 North to the Mayor's Office. Several other petitions for manager changes and operating hours were continued to December 28, 2022.
- Approved New License (Late Renewal) for AMG Retail, LLC d/b/a Irving (unanimous)
- Approved revisit of d/b/a change for AMG Retail, LLC on 12-28-2022 (unanimous)
- Approved forwarding illegal activity matter at 1636 North to Mayor Office (unanimous)
- Approved review of tobacco violation for Franks Package Store (unanimous)
- Continued manager change for My Joe Joe, Inc. to 12-28-2022 (unanimous)
- Continued manager change for Springfield Liquor Mart Inc. to 12-28-2022 (unanimous)
- Continued takeout hours request for Olympic Restaurant to 12-28-2022 (unanimous)
- Approved minutes from November 30, 2022 meeting (unanimous)
License Commission - Regular
The Board of License Commissioners approved a late license renewal for AMG Retail, LLC. Several petitions for manager changes and operating hour extensions were continued to a later date. The Board also referred a matter of illegal activity at 1636 North to the Mayor's Office.
- Approved minutes from November 30, 2022 (unanimous)
- Approved New License (Late Renewal) for AMG Retail, LLC d/b/a Irving at 11 Tapley St (unanimous)
- Approved revisit of d/b/a change for AMG Retail, LLC on 12-28-2022 (unanimous)
- Continued petition for change of manager for My Joe Joe, Inc. to 12-28-2022 (unanimous)
- Continued petition for change of manager for Springfield Liquor Mart Inc. to 12-28-2022 (unanimous)
- Continued discussion on 3am takeout hours for Olympic Restaurant to 12-28-2022 (unanimous)
- Approved forwarding matter of illegal activity at 1636 North to the Mayor Office (unanimous)
- Approved review of tobacco violation for Franks Package Store (unanimous)
Conservation Commission - Regular
The Conservation Commission approved a Notice of Intent for NS Boston Road and 35 Elaine Circle. A Certificate of Compliance for sanitary sewer infrastructure improvements was also approved. Two other petitions were continued to January 10, 2023.
- Approved Notice of Intent for NS Boston Road and 35 Elaine Circle (4-0)
- Continued vote for 1478 Parker Street to 1/10/2023 (4-0)
- Continued vote for 299 Sumner Avenue to 1/10/2023 (4-0)
- Approved Certificate of Compliance for Sanitary Sewer Infrastructure Improvements (4-0)
City Council - Hearings Meeting
The City Council approved a special permit for an indoor place of amusement at 1377 Liberty Street with six added conditions. A special permit for a 24-unit residential development on Oakland Street was also approved. Two other items regarding a petition and wall signs were continued to future dates.
- Approved special permit for indoor place of amusement at 1377 Liberty Street as amended (11-0)
- Approved special permit for 24-unit residential development at 291, 283, and ES Oakland Street (10-1)
- Continued Eversource petition for Cass St. & Franklin St. to 1/9/2023
- Continued special permit for accessory wall signs at Martone Place to 1/23/2023 (11-0)
Board of Library Commissioners - Regular
The Board denied a zoning change amendment regarding adult use. A petition for a new all-alcoholic liquor license at 111 Chestnut Street was continued to a future date.
- Denied zoning change amendment to Article 4, Section 4.7.114(B)(4) (Adult Use) (7-0)
- Continued vote on new all-alcoholic liquor license at 111 Chestnut Street to 2/1/2023 (6-0)
City Planning Board - Regular Meeting
The Planning Board denied a proposed zoning change to Article 4 regarding adult use. A petition for a new all-alcoholic liquor license was continued to a future date.
- Denied zoning change amendment to Article 4, Section 4.7.114(B)(4) regarding Adult Use (7-0)
- Continued vote on new all-alcoholic liquor license for 111 Chestnut Street to 2/1/2023 (6-0)
Community Preservation Committee - Regular
The committee approved the November 1 minutes and adopted a modified 2023 Community Preservation Plan. The updated plan will require study applications to identify potential funding sources and discourage exploratory projects. The committee also discussed shifting park funding toward special enhancements rather than deferred maintenance.
- Approved November 1 minutes (5-0, 1 abstention)
- Adopted modified 2023 Community Preservation Plan (7-0)
Zoning Board of Appeals - Regular
The City Council unanimously adopted several grant allocations for senior affairs, recycling, and health services. The council also approved the first step for an ordinance to increase compensation for the Mayor, City Council, and School Committee effective January 1, 2024.
- Approved $352,920 Council on Aging Grant (Unanimous)
- Approved $79,163.73 FY23 SHINE Grant Supplemental Funds (Unanimous)
- Approved $71,500 DPW Recycling Dividends Program Grant (Unanimous)
- Approved $65,500 HHS American Rescue Plan Act Grant (Unanimous)
- Approved $44,000 Tobacco Control Grant Increase (Unanimous)
- Approved $100,000 transfer to Department of Elder Affairs (Unanimous)
- Approved first step for compensation increase for Mayor, City Council, and School Committee (Unanimous)
- Approved $265,000 transfer to Law Department (10-2)
City Council - Regular Meeting
The City Council unanimously adopted several grants for elder affairs, recycling, and health services. The council also approved a compensation increase for the Mayor, City Council, and School Committee, and authorized a $265,000 transfer to the Law Department.
- Approved $352,920 Council on Aging Grant (Unanimous)
- Approved $79,163.73 FY23 SHINE Grant Supplemental Funds (Unanimous)
- Approved $71,500 DPW Recycling Dividends Program Grant (Unanimous)
- Approved $65,500 HHS American Rescue Plan Act Grant (Unanimous)
- Approved $44,000 Tobacco Control Grant Increase (Unanimous)
- Adopted amendment to Preferably Preserved Building Ordinance (Unanimous)
- Approved compensation increase for Mayor, City Council, and School Committee (Unanimous)
- Approved $265,000 transfer from Reserve for Contingencies to Law Department (10-2)
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
Residency Commission - Regular
The Commission approved the minutes from October 6, 2022, and adopted the November 30, 2022, draft of rules and regulations. The body then entered an executive session to discuss potential litigation.
- Approved October 6, 2022 meeting minutes
- Adopted November 30, 2022 draft of rules and regulations
- Voted to enter executive session to discuss potential litigation (5-0)
City Council - Finance Sub-Committee
The Historical Commission approved seven petitions for property reviews and environmental reviews. One petition for 138-140 Magnolia Terrace was continued to the December 15th meeting. The commission also held informational discussions regarding new construction guidelines and a public speak-out session.
- Petition (ID # 7038) 138-140 Magnolia Terrace continued to Dec 15 (4-0)
- Petition (ID # 7065) 117 Florida Street approved (4-0)
- Petition (ID # 7127) 121 Dartmouth Terrace approved (4-0)
- Petition (ID # 7128) 43 Ingersoll Grove approved (4-0)
- Petition (ID # 7129) 17 Dorchester Street approved (4-0)
- Petition (ID # 7130) 101 Marion Street approved (4-0)
- Petition (ID # 7132) 83 Harvard Street approved (4-0)
- Petition (ID # 7133) 76 Amherst Street approved (4-0)
Historical Commission - Regular
The Historical Commission approved seven petitions across various addresses including Florida Street, Dartmouth Terrace, and Ingersoll Grove. One petition for Magnolia Terrace was continued to a future meeting. The commission also held informational discussions on new construction guidelines and a public speak-out session.
- Petition (ID # 7038) 138-140 Magnolia Terrace continued to December 15th (4-0)
- Petition (ID # 7065) 117 Florida Street approved (4-0)
- Petition (ID # 7127) 121 Dartmouth Terrace approved (4-0)
- Petition (ID # 7128) 43 Ingersoll Grove approved (4-0)
- Petition (ID # 7129) 17 Dorchester Street approved (4-0)
- Petition (ID # 7130) 101 Marion Street approved (4-0)
- Petition (ID # 7132) 83 Harvard Street approved (4-0)
- Petition (ID # 7133) 76 Amherst Street approved (4-0)
License Commission - Regular
The Board of License Commissioners approved several petitions for management and ownership changes for local businesses. The board also voted to approve liquor license renewals and a list of denials and failed renewals.
- Approved minutes from November 9, 2022 (unanimous)
- Approved change of manager for Fuego Sports Bar LLC at 885 Carew St to Angie Guzman (unanimous)
- Approved license transfer from K & O Corp to O.A Supreme d/b/a Supreme Mart at 1295 Worcester Street (unanimous)
- Approved change of officers and ownership interest for Asaad & Paul LLC d/b/a The Hookah Factory at 296 Cooley Street (unanimous)
- Approved liquor license renewals (unanimous)
- Approved liquor licenses (unanimous)
- Approved denials and failed to renew list (unanimous)
City Council - Hearings Meeting
The City Council denied a request to rezone two State Street properties from Residence C to Business A. However, the Council approved several special permits for a residential rehabilitation project, a new Starbucks, and a gas station expansion.
- Approved Petition ID # 7136 for Clark Street (Unanimous)
- Approved special permit for 11 residential units at 169 Maple Street (Unanimous)
- Approved special permit for Starbucks drive-up window at SS West Street (12-0)
- Approved special permit for gas station expansion at 643-649 and 679 Main Street (12-0)
- Denied zoning change from Residence C to Business A for 1400 and 1414 State Street (7-6)
- Approved zoning change from Residence C to Commercial P for SS Central Street (Unanimous)
- Tabled special permit for indoor place of amusement at 1377 Liberty Street
Conservation Commission - Regular
The Commission approved a Notice of Intent for the Tiffany Street Stream Channel Improvement Project and an Order of Conditions for 619 Dwight Street. Two Certificates of Compliance were also approved. Three other petitions were continued to the December 13 meeting.
- Approved Notice of Intent for Tiffany Street Stream Channel Improvement Project (5-0)
- Approved Order of Conditions for 619 Dwight Street/Franconia Golf Course (5-0)
- Approved Certificate of Compliance for 21 Vann Street (5-0)
- Approved Certificate of Compliance for South Branch Parkway Drainage Improvements (5-0)
- Continued Petition ID #6927 for NS Boston Road and 35 Elaine Circle (5-0)
- Continued Petition ID #6928 for 1478 Parker Street (5-0)
- Continued Petition ID #6929 for 299 Sumner Avenue (5-0)
City Council - Finance Sub-Committee
The Historical Commission approved five property petitions and two informational reports. Two petitions were continued to a later date, with one requiring a window sample. The Commission also expressed support for a proposed amendment to Chapter 418.
- Approved petition for 175 St. James Avenue (5-0)
- Approved petition for 83-85 Firglade Avenue (4-1)
- Approved petition for 166 Buckingham Street (5-0)
- Approved petition for 121 Dartmouth Terrace (5-0)
- Approved petition for 175 Bowdoin Street (5-0)
- Approved petition for 83-85 Firglade Avenue (5-0)
- Continued petition for 138-140 Magnolia Terrace (5-0)
- Continued petition for 117 Florida Street (5-0)
Historical Commission - Regular
The Historical Commission approved five property petitions and two informational reports. Two petitions were continued to a later date, and the commission expressed support for a proposed amendment to Chapter 418.
- Approved petition for 175 St. James Avenue (5-0)
- Approved petition for 83-85 Firglade Avenue (4-1)
- Approved petition for 166 Buckingham Street (5-0)
- Approved petition for 121 Dartmouth Terrace (5-0)
- Approved petition for 175 Bowdoin Street (5-0)
- Approved petition for 83-85 Firglade Avenue (5-0)
- Continued petitions for 138-140 Magnolia Terrace and 117 Florida Street (5-0)
- Supported proposed amendment to Chapter 418
License Commission - Regular
The Board of License Commissioners approved several license transfers, name changes, and a one-day event permit. The board also established a new annual fee for a specific permit type and dismissed one informational hearing.
- Approved minutes from October 26, 2022 (unanimous)
- Approved DBA change from Delicias Restaurant to Khan’s Food and Drinks at 1333 Boston Rd (unanimous)
- Approved license transfer for Liberty Package Store at 747 Liberty St from Pioneer Spirit Inc. to JEA Inc. (unanimous)
- Dismissed informational hearing regarding Black Budda Associates d/b/a The Zone (unanimous)
- Continued Fuego Sport Bar hearing to 11/30/22 for submission of change of manager petition (unanimous)
- Approved one-day Beer and Wine License for No Malt Extract, LLC at South End Community Center for 11-19-22 (unanimous)
- Approved $500.00 annual fee for Farmer Series Pouring Permit
Conservation Commission - Regular
The Conservation Commission voted to continue four public hearings regarding Notices of Intent. No final decisions were reached on the petitions during this meeting.
- Continued Petition ID # 6927 for NS Boston Road and 35 Elaine Circle (5-0)
- Continued Petition ID # 6928 for 1478 Parker Street (5-0)
- Continued Petition ID # 6929 for 299 Sumner Avenue (5-0)
- Continued Petition ID # 7090 for Tiffany Street Stream Channel Improvement Project (5-0)
City Council - Finance Sub-Committee
The Historical Commission approved several property petitions and voted to send a petition for the creation of a new local historic district to the City Council. Multiple petitions were continued to the November 17th meeting or withdrawn.
- Approved petition for creation of New Local Historic District (4-0)
- Approved petition for 180 St. James Avenue (4-0)
- Approved petition for 169 Maple Street (4-0)
- Approved petition for 70 Buckingham Street (4-0)
- Approved petition for 79 Thompson Street (4-0)
- Approved petition for 121 Dartmouth Terrace (4-0)
- Approved environmental reviews for 17 Dorchester St, 101 Marion St, 83 Harvard St, and 76 Amherst St (4-0 each)
- Continued petitions for 138-140 Magnolia Terrace, 117 Florida Street, 175 St. James Avenue, and 83-85 Firglade Avenue (4-0 each)
Historical Commission - Regular
The Historical Commission approved a petition to send the creation of a new Local Historic District to the City Council. Several individual property petitions were approved, while others were continued or withdrawn.
- Approved motion to send petition for new Local Historic District to City Council (4-0)
- Approved petitions for 180 St. James Ave, 169 Maple St, 70 Buckingham St, 79 Thompson St, and 121 Dartmouth Terrace (4-0)
- Approved environmental reviews for 17 Dorchester St, 101 Marion St, 83 Harvard St, and 76 Amherst St (4-0)
- Continued petitions for 138-140 Magnolia Terrace, 117 Florida St, 175 St. James Ave, and 83-85 Firglade Ave to Nov 17
- Petitions for 21 Mountainview St and 95 Sumner Ave withdrawn
- Approved non-applicability certificates for 121 Dartmouth Terrace
City Planning Board - Regular Meeting
The Planning Board approved a zoning change for a property on SS Central Street. A petition for a new liquor license at 111 Chestnut Street was continued to a later date.
- Approved zoning change for SS Central Street from Residence C to Commercial P (6-0)
- Continued vote on new all-alcoholic liquor license for 111 Chestnut Street to 12/7/2022 (6-0)
Community Preservation Committee - Regular
The Committee approved an off-cycle grant for the renovation of the Parsons Apartment House at 169 Maple Street. Members also established the application timeline for the 2023 funding cycle and reviewed designs for the Forest Park Picnic Pavilion.
- Approved $250,000 off-cycle grant for Parsons Apartment House (6-0)
- Approved 2023 application schedule: Workshop Feb 7, Applications due March 30 (6-0)
- Approved minutes of September 6 and October 11
- Recommended Parsons Apartment funding come from the undesignated reserve
License Commission - Regular
The Board of License Commissioners approved ownership changes, a license transfer, and a new beer and wine restaurant license. One establishment received a five-day license suspension held in abeyance. A manager change for Springfield Liquor Mart was continued to a later date.
- Approved minutes from October 12, 2022 (unanimous)
- Approved change of officers and ownership for Pride Operating LLC (unanimous)
- Approved license transfer and pledge for Iyaan Corp. d/b/a Johnny Mac Liquors (unanimous)
- Approved new annual beer and wine restaurant license for Los Duros Restaurant with 1am closing (unanimous)
- Continued change of manager for Springfield Liquor Mart to 12/14/22 (unanimous)
- Approved 5-day suspension for Delicias Restaurant Catering, Corp, held in abeyance for one year (unanimous)
- Approved temporary hour change for Mass Mutual Convention Center for Oct 28-29 event (unanimous)
- Continued discussion on Farmer Series Pouring Permit annual fee to 11-9-22 (unanimous)
Conservation Commission - Regular
The Conservation Commission approved a Notice of Intent for 619 Dwight Road and a WPA Emergency Certification. Three other public hearing petitions were continued to November 8, 2022.
- Approved Notice of Intent for 619 Dwight Road (Franconia Golf Course) (Unanimous)
- Approved WPA Emergency Certification Petition ID # 7059 (Unanimous)
- Continued Notice of Intent for NS Boston Road and 35 Elaine Circle (Unanimous)
- Continued Notice of Intent for 1478 Parker Street (Unanimous)
- Continued Notice of Intent for 299 Sumner Avenue (Unanimous)
Board of Assessor - Regular Meeting
The City Council voted 12-0 to adopt an order of taking of land at 65 Sumner Avenue, allowing school bus pick-up/drop-off and adding 80 parking spots. They also approved a special permit for an adult-use marijuana store at 311 Page Boulevard (10-0) and a temporary truck storage lot at 146 Verge Street (12-0). Several other permits were adopted or continued, and a drive-up service window permit was withdrawn.
- Adopted order of taking at 65 Sumner Avenue for school bus parking (12-0)
- Approved special permit for adult-use marijuana store at 311 Page Boulevard (10-0)
- Approved special permit for temporary truck storage at 146 Verge Street (12-0)
- Withdrawn special permit for drive-up service window at 785 Page Boulevard (12-0)
- Continued special permit for indoor amusement at 1377 Liberty Street to Nov 28, 2022 (12-0)
- Approved amendment to used car sales permit at 890 Boston Road (12-0)
- Approved special permit for motor vehicle repairs and sales at 1122 Bay Street (12-0)
- Approved zoning change at 435-455 Cottage Street from Industrial Park to Industrial A (12-0)
City Council - Hearings Meeting
The City Council adopted an order to take land at 65 Sumner Avenue to facilitate school bus transit and add 80 parking spaces. The council also approved several special permits for automotive and cannabis businesses, as well as a zoning change on Cottage Street.
- Approved land taking at 65 Sumner Avenue for school bus access and 80 parking spots (12-0)
- Adopted State Election Warrant (12-0)
- Approved adult use marijuana storefront retail permit at 311 Page Boulevard (10-0)
- Approved temporary truck storage lot permit at 146 Verge Street (12-0)
- Withdrawn permit for drive-up service window at 785 Page Boulevard (12-0)
- Continued indoor place of amusement permit for 1377 Liberty Street to 11/28/2022 (12-0)
- Approved used car sales permit amendment at 890 Boston Road (12-0)
- Approved motor vehicle repair and sales permit at 1122 Bay Street (12-0)
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
Historical Commission - Regular
The Springfield Historical Commission approved petitions for 83 Dartmouth Street, 43 Oxford Street, 61 Washington Road, and 30 Sherman Street, all by 5-0 votes. Three other petitions (180 St. James Avenue, 138-140 Magnolia Terrace, 117 Oxford Street) were continued to the November 3 meeting. The commission also voted to support the creation of a local historic district at 1414 State Street, with a 4-1 vote (Walsh opposed).
- Approved petition for 83 Dartmouth Street (5-0)
- Approved petition for 43 Oxford Street (5-0)
- Approved petition for 61 Washington Road (5-0)
- Approved petition for 30 Sherman Street (5-0)
- Approved environmental review for 21 Amherst Street (5-0)
- Continued petition for 180 St. James Avenue to November 3 (5-0)
- Continued petition for 138-140 Magnolia Terrace to November 3 (5-0)
- Voted to support creation of local historic district at 1414 State Street (4-1)