The Springfield City Council meeting was packed with building trades union members trying to insure that the next phase of the Nehemiah Homes Redevelopment Project is built using a project labor agreement, per a city ordinance that was put in place after Mayor Misty Buscher took office.
The city is being asked to contribute $1.5 million to the project to fund infrastructure improvements, $500,000 from the Far East TIF District and $1 million in federal block grant funds.
The project’s general contractor, Mike Niehaus, explained the plan to build 50 homes but said requiring a project labor agreement would increase the costs so much it would not be feasible.
Ward 2 Ald. Shawn Gregory called for a compromise between the labor unions and developer, emphasizing the need for participation from minority contractors.
Another developer made a heartfelt plea for a veterans’ resource center, but neighborhood opposition to his planned tiny house project remains a hurdle.
The council ultimately withdrew the ordinance to fund the resource center, although the developer said he intended to still proceed with his project.
Watch the full Springfield City Council meeting on YouTube Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025 (1hr 58min)
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This article appears in The Wedding Issue 2025.
