City officials from the departments of Building and Code, Fire, and Economic Development have been trying to have the management of the Vibra Hospital site secure and maintain their property, until the pending purchase and sale of the 17 arce site to the city is finalized. The significant lack of oversight and attention since the announcement back in October 2023, has resulted in the property becoming a blight upon the neighborhood with illegal dumping, vandalism, overgrowth, and unacceptable efforts of securing the now vacant property resulting in an increase in vagrant and homeless activity.
In total, ten (10) code complaint inspects and notice of violations have been sent resulting in over $3,150 in fines. The Police Ordinance Flex Squad has responded to seven (7) complaints, and the Fire Department has responded to six (6) complaints.
Mayor Sarno states, “First of all, the City of Springfield does not own this property. Although we announced an intent to purchase the property back in October of 2023, the owners of Vibra Hospital have been unable to satisfy matters on their end. While CDO Tim Sheehan was in discussions about the purchase and sale of the property, the situation and condition at the privately owned Vibra Hospital site has significantly declined resulting in a dramatic quality of life and public safety hazard for our community. The owners and management have simply walked away from the property, which is in excusable. City officials have issued numerous fines and violations and this morning our city attorney has filed an emergency order in Housing Court requesting to board and secure this site. This is a major accident waiting to happen.”
“It is because of their lack of attention and response, that I have instructed Building Commissioner Steve Desilets and our Law Department to pursue action in Housing Court to make this property safe and secure for our neighborhood and residents,” added Mayor Sarno. “The half job they did do is unacceptable. They must do better. Once Housing Court approves our emergency order we will move to board and secure the property, properly, and begin cleaning up the overgrowth throughout the property and removing the illegally dumped items and debris. The costs associated with this emergency action will be attached to the property so that we can recoup our expenses for our taxpayers. I am very disappointed that the ownership and management could not maintain their property. We have tried to work with them, but they have been atrocious caretakers of their property and nonresponsive to our requests and fines.”
