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Date: 12/3/2021
SPRINGFIELD – An apartment complex, an office space and a crematorium were among the projects the City Council reviewed during their hearings meeting on Nov. 22.
Alex Wytas of Wytas Properties petitioned for a Resident B to Resident C zone change on a property located at 8 Florence Street. As Wytas described, this change would allow the property to host multi-family housing. “Our goal is to create three, American Disability Act-compliant units on the first floor and three units on the second and third floor. This will require a complete renovation of the building,” said Wytas, who shared that renovating the properties fence and adding a sprinkler system among the necessary improvements.
While the zone change request was made by Wytas, the property itself is owned by Way Finders. Chief Program Officer of Way Finders Janette Vigo sent in a letter of support of the zone change to solidify Wytas’ petition. “I am pleased to write this letter of recommendation for Wytas Properties. During the time I’ve worked with Wytas properties, I have had the opportunity to review their professional skills and interpersonal style,” said Vigo in the letter.
Ward 8 Councilor Orlando Ramos shared a letter from the Office of Planning and Economic Development raising concerns about the current property. Among the issues, the letter said the property needs to modulate their six-feet chain-link fence, overgrown vegetation and unpaved parking spaces.
After Councilor-At Large Jesse Lederman and Ward 6 Councilor Victor Davila raised similar concerns, Wyatt stressed his organization’s efforts to beautify the property by paving the remaining parking spaces and reducing the height of the fence. The item was ultimately voted for continuation to the next City Council Hearings meeting.
Office and Residential Space
The council then discussed a special permit request by Seneca Slaughter for a mixed residential and office space on 462 Belmont Ave. Slaughter said he plans to use the space as the office for his real estate broker business. The space will also be utilized for a few units of residential housing, according to Slaughter.
Davila said Slaughter showcased an extensive presentation to the Forest Park Civic Association that encouraged the councilor about the petitioner’s efforts. “I am excited that this is moving into our district,” said Davila. Councilor At-Large Justin Hurst shared similar reverence for Slaughter’s efforts in investing toward the city. After discussion, the special permit request was voted for continuation.
Crematorium
Petitioner James Mooney on behalf of Properties of the Springfield Cemeteries proposed an expansion of two crematorium units at a pre-existing crematorium located on 171 Maple St. Jim Hanifan of the Springfield Cemeteries Board of Trustees spoke on the project’s importance, with the two proposed crematoriums replacing two cremation units that have been deemed too out of date.
Hanifan highlighted the special permit request via an informative presentation. He explained that the proposed additions are smaller than most cremation units, stressing that the new units will produce a smaller environmental impact.
Councilor At-Large Tracye Whitfield praised the project as a great addition to the city, while Ward 3 Councilor Melvin Edwards highlighted the petitioners’ extensive efforts to meet with neighborhood councils.
The council ultimately approved the special permit for continuation.