Demolition bidders wanted
The city of Springfield, MA is seeking bids for demolition of eight deteriorated buildings in scattered neighborhoods, the latest phase of citywide anti-blight program.
The bids are due by March 26 at the City Hall Purchasing Department.
The city expects to spend approximately $300,000 to demolish the eight buildings, which consists of five city-owned properties taken for nonpayment of taxes, and three privately owned buildings.
The city attaches a lien on the privately owned buildings to seek repayment of its costs, under the program.
"These are all blighted properties that are a real detriment to the neighborhoods," said Tina M. Quagliato, senior program manager for the Springfield Office of Housing. "We continue our demolition action to try to clean up the neighborhoods."
Since the fall of 2005, the city has demolished approximately 75 blighted buildings in 10 separate rounds, Quagliato said. The total cost of demolition has exceeded $3 million from multiple funding sources including a revolving fund and a city demolition bond authorized by the Springfield Finance Control Board, she said.
"It obviously makes the neighborhood extremely happy to see these properties come down," Quagliato said. "The city is taking a really proactive approach to this."
The buildings in the latest round include a "pretty terrible" fire-damaged property at 9-11 Warner St., in Forest Park, Quagliato said.
Another house at 88 Westford Circle in Upper Hill was featured in The Republican's "Quality of Life" series in October, noting its boarded up and broken doors and windows.
The Westford Circle house was described as an "eyesore" and "mess" by a neighbor.
The latest round of demolition projects also include houses in the South End, Memorial Square, Indian Orchard, Pine Point, and Mcknight neighborhoods.
Quagliato said the demolition program has reached blighted properties throughout the city and continues with the control board's support.
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