Longhill Gardens faces another set back

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - The community group against the development at Longhill Gardens says they've made progress in stalling the development.

Ever since Longhill Gardens was condemned more than a year ago, Forest Park Residents say violence in their neighborhood is way down, and they plan to keep it that way.

Neighbors created "Springfield Forward" to keep this complex from turning into section eight housing.

George Pappas told 22News he successfully stalled HUD funds from going to the Developer.

George Pappas said, "Our efforts collectively have succeeded and generated a positive appeal from the dept of housing and urban development to stop the city from releasing funding for this project because the city was in procedural violation of the law and now they have to go back and start the process again."

George Pappas told 22News that he believes this land should be developed into a school.

Springfield State Representative Cheryl Coakley-Rivera told 22News that that half million in HUD funds should go to fixing blighted properties in the city, not to a developer.

Coakley-Rivera suggested taking Longhill Gardens by eminent domain.

Coakley-Rivera said, "Why would you take by eminent domain Springfield housing authority property on marble street that people are already living in there and they are not condemned."

Mayor Domenic Sarno sent a letter today to the executive office of housing and economic development asking that forty percent of the Longhill Gardens be market rate housing.

Winn Development has said previously that rents would be between 500 to 820 dollars a month.

We tried to interview the Mayor today on the issue, but he was not available.