Chapter 2 - Bruce, Your Neighborhood Advocate

Over the last several years there have been several projects proposed in Springfield that have had high levels of controversy among developers, city and neighbors, originating in Zone 4.  Bruce was directly involved with a couple of these projects on behalf of impacted neighbors. As he got involved with those issues, it was clear that there needed to be a better way for developers and neighborhoods to interact.   

A couple of neighborhoods in Springfield have generated Urban Conservation Districts – essentially a long-range plan for the neighborhood.  These plans are then adopted as part of the city zoning code, which can provide more clarity and certainty for neighbors and developers. 

Bruce has started working on such a plan in his own neighborhood, although ultimately it will take some additional resources in the planning department to assist in coordinating the plans – either additional staff or resources for consultants.  One of Bruce’s commitments if elected is to work with each neighborhood in Zone 4 to generate their own individual long range plan and ultimately Urban Conservation Districts. 

He is also making a commitment to work with developers and neighborhoods as a facilitator, problem solver and consensus builder on projects where the stakeholders are not all on the same page.