Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – There currently are 40 vacant houses in the City of Springfield, that need to be torn down, for various reasons.
One reason that this has been delayed stems from the decision-making process of finding a contractor that can fit the bill.
The city of Springfield, in a City Council meeting held December 2, has finally reached a decision on the contractor. It unfortunately has to be the more costly option, but there is a reason behind that. Mainly due to the conditions of the request for proposal (RFP).
Alderman Ralph Hanauer, a guest on the WTAX Morning Newswatch, broke down the confusion on why the higher priced option was the way to go.
“It’s due to an (Request for Proposals). There are different requirements in determining their score, based on different things. One of the goals that we have, is they have to prove how many women and minorities they hired in previous jobs, as part of the RFP response. We had one company, Green Track, and our goal was to see around 33 percent, and Green Track has a past of about 25 percent. When the lowest priced company came in, they showed they didn’t hire any women or minorities. Unfortunately, that’s how you get scored, and they just didn’t do it.” Hanauer stated.
There is also a bit of a rush that needs to be put on the demolition of these derelict houses. Within these vacant homes there have been many homeless people and squatters, who will light a fire inside to stay warm and end up burning the house down. This is potentially dangerous for nearby homes, and also a challenge and risk for firefighters.
Alderman Hanauer also states that “Our firefighters could get injured. The problem of it is, even though they know they are vacant, they still have to go in and see if there’s anyone they could potentially save. We’ve had firefighters fall through floors and things. It just brings in big workers compensation claims, and that’s the importance of getting them down in a hurry.”
The city of Springfield is actively continuing to tear down these blighted homes to continue their efforts to ensure public safety, Hanauer said.
