A public relations battle is now fully engaged on both sides over the plans for the block just north of the governor’s mansion in Springfield.
The group that is raising money for a privately-funded, water-themed park on the site has launched a website to drum up public support for the project.
This follows statements this week by Downtown Springfield, Inc. and state Senator Andy Manar urging the city to rethink the idea and pursue more “mixed use” proposals that will generate additional tax dollars. The Springfield City Council is expected to take up the issue next month.