Springfield's Nehemiah Homes Project Sparks Debate

The council discusses a $500,000 ordinance for infrastructure improvements in the Far East TIF District, focusing on the Nehemiah Homes Redevelopment Project. Concerns about community involvement and neighborhood opposition to a veterans resource center are raised, highlighting the challenges of balancing development and local support. 13mins

Homeless Services Housing Policy Veterans
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Original Meeting

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Springfield City Council on YouTube
Tuesday, February 11th, 2025
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Theresa Grimaldi Olsen
Springfield Illinois
Theresa Grimaldi Olsen is a freelance journalist, writer and teacher. Her work has appeared in several Illinois newspapers and magazines including the State Journal Register in Springfield, Ill., Peoria, the Chicago Tribune. and Illinois Issues. She also has worked in public relations and fundraising for non-profit organizations and taught journalism at Illinois State University and Bradley University.
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In This Video
  • The ordinance authorizing $500,000 for infrastructure improvements in the Far East TIF District is introduced. The Rev. Silas Johnson, pastor of Calvary Baptist Church, speaks in support of the Nehemiah Homes Redevelopment Project, highlighting its benefits and past successes. 
  • Mike Niehaus, Nehemiah's general contractor, begins his presentation, distributing handouts and explaining the Nehemiah Homes project, which involves building 50 homes in East Springfield. 
  • Niehaus emphasizes his commitment to using local trades and doesn't want to use union workers. He says the city-mandated "project labor agreement," or PLA, would boost labor costs for the project by more than $5 million and kill the plan. 
  • Alderman Gregory says the project needs black community involvement. He encourages further discussion about the union involvement before the council can consider granting an exception to the ordinance that guarantees union involvement in the hiring and pay of workers on large projects. 
  • Jeffrey G. Cox introduces himself and expresses his commitment to the community. The council will vote on Cox's appointment at the next board meeting to replace Chuck Redpath Sr;. who resigned after being elected city clerk. 
  • Harvey Hall says the council tabled the ordinance to fund a neighbor's resource center. He requests that the council reconsider and bring it back for discussion. 
  • Harvey Hall emphasizes the need for the resource center to support veterans in the new housing development, urging the council to vote on the matter. 
  • Hanauer concludes that veterans need to obtain support from the adjacent community where it would be located for the council to support the effort to build a resource center. 
  • Alderman Gregory expresses skepticism about the availability of supportive services and questions the project's focus on veterans. He highlights issues with current service providers and the challenges faced in housing initiatives. 
  • Harvey Hall responds to Alderman Gregory, emphasizing the project's focus on homeless veterans and the importance of the Resource Center. He explains the project's history and the need for city support. 
  • Alderman Williams raises concerns about the project's location and neighborhood opposition, questioning the decision to proceed despite local resistance. 
  • Eric Hanson and Harvey Hall defend the project's public process and the need for the Resource Center, while Alderman Williams insists on respecting neighborhood associations' opposition. 
  • Alderman Carlson and others discuss the broader issue of homelessness and the importance of housing. The conversation touches on potential alternative locations for the project, with some Aldermen expressing support for the initiative despite location concerns. 
  • It is determined that the housing project can move forward without the resource center. The council votes to withdraw the ordinance. 
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