On Feb. 13, the Pine Point Community Council voted not to support developer Nick Graham's proposal to build 14 townhouse apartments on the old Russell's Restaurant site on Boston Road.

For the record, I would rather see this development than what has been there since Russell’s was torn down – an unkempt empty lot. I also think there is a demonstrable need for market-rate housing in the city of Springfield. It’s why SilverBrick Lofts was built. It’s why building apartments was such a selling point for MGM Springfield during its application process. If we want young professionals to live in the city and contribute to our communities, we need attractive places for them to live.

With that said, Mr. Graham has done himself no favors through this process to gain the council’s support. There have been issues beyond his control, such as the recent zoning change that is currently holding up the project.         But nearly two years of little to no communication with the Pine Point Community Council or City Councilor Marcus Williams, in addition to his inability to keep the property clean and secure raise legitimate concerns about how a developer living in Texas is going to adequately maintain his facilities, even with on-site management.         Most disheartening was hearing that while Mr. Graham had said he has had no issues with other properties he owns in the city, Council President John Lysak easily found a violation on a Breckwood Boulevard property. When presented with this, Mr. Graham had no explanation and stated simply that he didn't remember.

Overall, I understand and respect the Pine Point Community Council’s decision not to support the project. It is my feeling that if done correctly, this project could have been a real benefit to the Pine Point neighborhood, and to Springfield overall through the opportunity for more young professionals living in the city, as well as more taxes on the rolls. But due to the fact that Mr. Graham has not been up front with the council in addition to the difficulties that plagued this proposal for years now, there is little confidence in his ability to complete the project well and on time, or that the property would be maintained to the standards the neighborhood would expect. The council has given Mr. Graham multiple chances and after each, Mr. Graham has spent considerable time apologizing for shortcomings.

Mr. Graham said repeatedly that his name and reputation are on the line with this project and in that spirit, he would not pursue a project he felt was destined to fail. Name and reputation are important, especially in business. But at the end of the day, Mr. Graham's damaged reputation is something he would live with in Texas. The cause of that damaged reputation would be borne by us, the residents of the neighborhood.

I hope the City Council will take this into consideration when Mr. Graham comes before them regarding this project later this month.

Chris Maza
Springfield