Horace Mann is apologizing for misstatements made to the Springfield City Council – but is not backing away from its request for $600,000 in downtown TIF funds to cover part of the cost of demolishing two downtown buildings.
A representative of the insurance company acknowledges the company was relying on outdated info when it inaccurately stated that the buildings were not in the downtown historic district.
The company says it was an honest mistake and there was no intent to mislead the Council. But Horace Mann says that doesn’t change the fact that the buildings are vacant and in a state of major disrepair, and insists there is no viable alternative to demolition.
Aldermen initially approved the TIF funding request, but Mayor Jim Langfelder hasn’t signed it yet, and the City Council could reconsider the vote next week.
