Print ArticleThe next 12 months are poised to see significant changes in the Springfield historic district with a number of projects, policy, and trends that could have a huge impact on our transitioning community... or not. No matter the outcome, here's what to keep an eye on in 2014.
(7) District 7 City Council Candidates
City Council representatives who are engaged and interested in the communities they represent proactively seek to make good things happen in those areas. Fair or not, Dr. Johnny Gaffney, our current District 7 City Councilman, is viewed as being somewhat out-of-touch with issues concerning the Springfield historic district. Dr. Gaffney's second term is expiring in 2015, his last, and candidates are already positioning themselves for a run for the seat. Who will emerge as leading candidates, and how interested will they be in Springfield?
(8) New Apartments on 8th Street
In January of this year, Operation New Hope plans to break ground on a 14 unit mixed-income apartment complex located at 122 W. 8th Street. The project will be the first new construction multi-family development in the neighborhood since the Third & Main complex was completed in 2009. While some have had concerns about the quality of tenant in the future apartment complex, many of these concerns were addressed in a Fall 2013 community meeting, where the developer described a thorough screening process and market rental rates, more or less. The project should result much needed activity to 8th Street, an eye catching development on our second busiest avenue, and add density to support local business. But what will the ultimate impact be? We'll see.
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