Ward 3 Alderman Roy Williams Junior urged the Springfield City Council to assert its presence in developing state legislation to revitalize Springfield’s downtown.
Williams referred to a bill sponsored by State Senator Doris Turner and supported by local leaders last week to establish a Capital Area Tourism Authority centered around a new downtown hotel and expansion of the Bank of Springfield Center.
During Tuesday’s council meeting, Williams said he worried that the proposal would dilute the city’s authority over the downtown area.
The council voted 5-4 to reject Williams’ attempt to have a related resolution placed on first reading during the meeting.
It will instead go before the council for a first reading at the April 21st City Council meeting.
