The Springfield Preservation Trust and residents still want answers for why the 137-year-old bench was removed from Stearns Square. The City cited there were structural problems and they are looking into restoring it.
SPRINGFIELD, Mass (WWLP) – The Springfield Preservation Trust and residents still want answers for why the 137-year-old bench was removed from Stearns Square.
“Myself and my administration have taken historic preservation very seriously and we will continue to do so,” said Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno.
A historic bench was removed from Stearn Square in downtown Springfield in July. On Wednesday, the Springfield Preservation Trust held a news conference to share their concerns, mainly about why the bench was removed.
IMAGE: Bench at Stearns Square Park – Before / After
“A large granite bench of that size, 25 feet in length, would not typically be something you remove to restore cracks or chips,” said Erica Swallow, President of the Springfield Preservation Trust.
The City of Springfield cited there were structural problems with the bench and the foundation on which the bench sat, but Mayor Domenic Sarno says they take the restoration of city history seriously. “They will look at it, do the repairs or restoration that has to be done, and then we’ll look to get it back to its rightful place. Plain and simple” said Mayor Sarno.
In the past, the City of Springfield and the Springfield Preservation Trust have both worked together to restore other pieces of history, now they are both looking forward to the bench being restored and back in the park.
“The city has done a great job over the past of restoring historic property, and buildings. We have great faith in the City of Springfield to do the right thing and we look forward to seeing the plan for the return of the bench” said Swallow.
PHOTOS: Historic bench at Stearns Square in Springfield
The Springfield Preservation Trust is hoping the public can be a part of planning the restoration and return of the bench. Mayor Sarno said these preservation projects take time and money but if it is fiscally responsible for the neighborhood, his administration will continue to restore history.
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