Special permits approved for Knox automobile housing plan; with councilors concerned about local input, developer says delays could kill the project Updated Feb 09, 2021; Posted Feb 09, 2021 - Aerial view of the historic and long-time vacant Knox Building at Wilbraham and Waltham streets in Springfield's Upper Hill neighborhood Patrick JohnsonPatrick Johnson Facebook Share SPRINGFIELD — The City Council approved special permits Monday for a housing development at the historic Knox automobile buildings following a discussion that included strong praise for the project as well as strong concerns about neighborhood input and the developer’s track record on hiring minority contractors. The special permits for the 96-unit affordable housing complex, at two vacant buildings at 53 Wilbraham Road and 42 Waltham Ave., were approved by votes of 10-2 — but not before the developer warned that applications for state tax credits needed for the $54 million project would be in jeopardy if the vote was delayed. Several councilors proposed putting off approval.