City buying 15 nearby properties to build new Elias Brookings School

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - The City of Springfield has announced plans to buy several properties to build the new Elias Brookings School .

The City Council's Finance Committee approved funding to purchase properties directly across the street from the tornado-damaged school in the Six Corners neighborhood. The City will demolish what is currently there and relocate any tenants.

Ten of the 15 parcels of land are owned by Springfield College , while the others consist of privately owned homes and one business.

Rita Coppola-Wallace, Springfield’s Director of Capital Asset Construction, expressed optimism about the project moving forward smoothly.

“In order to build the school, we do need to acquire these properties. Everybody is willing to work with us and very amenable to the project itself,” she said.

The state has committed to contribute funding for the construction of the new school, but the funding to buy and clear these properties will come from the City itself. It is estimated to cost $1.3 million.