Urban League Land Sale Faces Hold Request

The council weighed a hold on selling eight city parcels to the Urban League as members debated process, timelines, and accountability for East Side redevelopment. Public commenters pressed the council on attendance, a stalled police review commission, and a revote on the landlord licensing referendum. 20mins

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Original Meeting

Tuesday, December 2nd, 2025
10686.0
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Zach Adams
Springfield IL
I am a Photographer/Videographer working for Illinois Times
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In This Video
  • A motion to hold an ordinance on selling eight city parcels to the Springfield Urban League was made, and Marcus Johnson opposed the hold while outlining the league’s redevelopment plan and partnerships for the East Side cultural district.
  • Alderwoman Purchase expressed support for holding the ordinance at the request of Alderman Gregory, urged better pre-meeting communication, and acknowledged Doctor Johnson’s vision while emphasizing collaboration to avoid repeating past process issues.
  • Alderman Williams supported holding the ordinance, citing long-standing stagnation on the East Side and calling for clear plans, timelines, and accountability before transferring lots.
  • Marcus Johnson responded that the Urban League already owned the Boys and Girls Club parcels, emphasized community-driven planning through surveys, and highlighted developer interest in larger and smaller parcels as opportunities.
  • A speaker criticized two aldermen for routinely leaving meetings, questioned the mayor’s delay in filling Police Civilian Review Commission vacancies, and lamented time wasted on issues like sealed bids.
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