Page 23 - Jesse Lederman News Today : Breaking News, Live Updates & Top Stories | Vimarsana

Former All Saints Church in Springfield gets initial approval as historic district, with a nod to city founder William Pynchon Updated Mar 18, 2021; Posted Mar 17, 2021 The former All Saints Church, seen here on Oakland Street in Springfield, is being considered as a local historic district. (Submitted photo / Springfield Office of Planning and Economic Development) Facebook Share SPRINGFIELD — The City Council gave unanimous first-step approval Monday to a historic district for the former All Saints Church, noting a connection to Springfield’s founder, William Pynchon. The designation ...

Springfield City Council advances bill cracking down on fireworks; city would tow vehicles owned by people who don’t pay fines Updated Mar 16, 2021; Posted Mar 16, 2021 A photo provided by the Springfield Police Department shows cases of illegal fireworks confiscated in July 2020. Facebook Share SPRINGFIELD — Citing concerns about public safety and noise, the City Council on Monday approved a home rule bill that would allow police to immobilize or tow vehicles owned by people who haven’t paid fines for illegal fireworks. The bill, proposed by Mayor Domenic J. Sarno and lead sponsor C...

Springfield City Council considers ‘puppy mill’ law to halt pet store sales of dogs, cats, rabbits Updated Mar 10, 2021; Posted Mar 10, 2021 The Springfield City Council is considering a ban on the sale of dogs and cats by retail shops. The Puppy Place, seen in file photo, has objected, and praised its own treatment of puppies for sale Facebook Share SPRINGFIELD — The City Council gave first-step approval this week to an ordinance prohibiting commercial shops from selling dogs, cats and rabbits due to concerns about animal mistreatment. The “puppy mill” ordinance drew sharp opposi...

3:20    The police department in Springfield, Massachusetts and the city’s health department are looking to share information they hope could prevent opioid deaths.        If public health department professionals could get the names and home addresses of people who have survived drug overdoses from the police, they could do outreach with referrals to treatment and counseling programs and supply family members with overdose reversal medications, perhaps saving countless lives.       But laws that protect the privacy of people who interact with the police and the healthcare sys...

3:37 Government funds have helped people in western Massachusetts stay in their homes as jobs were lost and income shrank during the pandemic.  Last June, the city of Springfield announced a $2 million emergency housing fund to help people pay rent, mortgage, and utility bills.  All but $140,000 has now been claimed. The state has put millions into housing assistance.  Additionally, Springfield last year awarded $5 million to four social service agencies to assist the homeless.  Most of that money has not yet been spent, according to Gerry McCafferty, the city’s Director of Housing. ...