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DEMOLITION OF SEVERAL TORNADO DAMAGED PROPERTIES BEGINS

Joined my City and Housing Department Officials, Mayor Domenic J. Sarno announced that the City of Springfield will begin the demolition of several properties in the City’s Maple-High/Six Corners Neighborhood. Today’s announcement was made in front of an ongoing demolition at 12 Hemlock Court.

The properties all suffered severe structural damage as a result of the June 1, 2011 tornado.  The properties are a combination of both City owned, tax foreclosed properties and privately owned properties.  The properties that are privately owned are being demolished pursuant to court orders issued by the Western Division Housing Court.  

The demolitions are a result of combined efforts between several departments including Housing Inspectional Services, Building Inspectional Services, Law Department and the Office of Housing.  City Officials anticipate that there will be a handful more of tornado related demolitions within the next 30-60 days.

“This is another step forward in our City’s ongoing tornado recovery efforts,” stated Mayor Domenic J. Sarno. “It has been over a year since the devastating tornado struck our City on June 1, 2011, and we cannot stand by any longer and allow these properties to continue to deteriorate and become a bigger eyesore for the neighborhood. We will continue to zealously seek reimbursement from FEMA for any expenses incurred by the City related to the demolition of these properties. The public health and safety of neighboring residents requires this to be done.”

The City will be fronting the funds to cover these demolitions.  The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) had initially denied these demolitions, and the City has already appealed this decision and intends to aggressively pursue reimbursement on these and all other demolitions that have been denied by FEMA. 

Environmental testing and monitoring is being completed by ATC Associates (of West Springfield), asbestos removal if being completed by AccuTech Insulation (of Ludlow), and demolition is being completed Charlie Arment Trucking, Inc. (of Springfield). 

The following properties will be demolished this week and into next week:

                Property Address                                            Demolition Cost

    • 251 Rear Central Street                                            $15,834.52
    • 366 Hancock Street                                                 $31,527.56
    • 12 Hemlock Court                                                   $12,600.02
    • 103 Central Street                                                   $21,856.55
    • 452 Central Street                                                   $33,725.82
    • 20 Beech Street                                                      $26,717.50
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Page last updated:  Tuesday, March 1, 2022 01:32 pm