The Springfield, Massachusetts, City Council has passed an ordinance that requires housing developers to hire more city residents on building projects.
Under the new rule, developers who receive local tax breaks have to make sure at least 35 percent of work done by contractors is completed by Springfield locals, 20 percent by people of color and about 7 percent by women.
Lisa Clauson, who represents the Carpenters Local Union, supports the measure.
“[The ordinance makes it] so that if these developers are asking for support from the city for what they’re building, that they’re making sure that they are good public citizens, and they’re providing opportunities for the residents of Springfield,” Clauson said.
Councilors passed the ordinance Monday despite advice from the city solicitor to hold off on passage so they could go over possible legal issues, which he did not disclose.
Mayor Domenic Sarno’s office had no immediate comment on whether he would sign the measure.
Council questions former police chief's retirement payout
A Springfield city councilor is taking issue with the retirement payout the former police chief is set to receive.
Sarno announced in February that then-Commissioner John Barbieri would retire immediately.
But Councilor Orlando Ramos on Monday pointed out that because Sarno made his decision after December 31, Barbieri is entitled to an extra six months' salary.
“I’m more concerned about the secrecy surrounding the police commissioner’s departure,” Ramos said. “The taxpayers of the city of Springfield are on the hook for a quarter-million dollars for the commissioner’s sudden retirement.”
Barbieri’s full payment adds up to about $234,000.
Sarno could not immediately be reached for comment.
Councilor Ramos – who chairs the public safety committee – said he intends to look further into the matter.
