SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Springfield’s city-wide tenant union is pushing back against the city’s proposed allocation of ARPA funds. There’s just over $1.4 million left in ARPA funds.
In a bill the Springfield City Council will hear on Monday, the city suggests using the money for the Historic City Hall Renovations and the Cooper and Killian Park project.
Springfield Tenants Unite, or STUN, is against pouring nearly $1 million into the Cooper and Killian Park project.
The project aims to turn many of the fields at Cooper Park from dirt to turf.
“We feel that there is a better way for them to use the money,” said Jai Byrd, a leader with STUN.
The bill the city council will be hearing on Monday breaks down the city’s remaining $1,439,692 in ARPA funds into two projects.
$534,190 would go towards restoring the Historic City Hall project and $905,502 would go towards the Cooper and Killian Park project
“There’s a lot of people that are upset and angry about what’s going on in Springfield,” Byrd said. “And like it’s coming down to the fact that city council doesn’t even consider housing a priority and, you know, we want to change that.”
The Cooper and Killian Park project includes the installation of synthetic turf at 19 soccer, baseball and softball fields. As well as stadium enhancements, including additional seating, concessions stands, and accessible pathways and parking.
However, Byrd believes the money can be used for different projects.
“One is to launch a pilot program for a tenant right to council, which would ensure a tenant facing eviction, has a lawyer for a fair trial,” Byrd said. “Another way that we could use the money is to help improve the housing quality and try to save some of the affordable housing that does exist right now.”
At the February 26 council meeting, city council unanimously approved $1.1 million of ARPA funds to be reallocated for the Council of Churches of the Ozarks congregate shelter proposal.
At Monday’s meeting, the council will hear public comment on the proposed bill. Byrd said members from STUN plan to be in attendance to make their voices heard.
“I would like to see the city tabled this bill,” Byrd said. “And actually consider where we could use the money so that it would help out the citizens of Springfield.”
The city council could vote on using the remaining ARPA funds as early as the March 25 meeting.
