Arise and other groups maintain some of the abandoned properties should be given to non-profit housing groups for conversion to low-income housing.
SPRINGFIELD – Several dozen protesters got police escorts from City Hall Tuesday after attempting to stop a city auction of tax-title properties.
As auctioneer Daniel J. Flynn attempted to auction off the first property, police began leading sign-waving, slogan-chanting members from ARISE for Social Justice from the room.
At least three were arrested while the rest were marched outside to the street, according to a police officer and two protesters.
ARISE and other groups maintain some of the abandoned properties should be given to non-profit housing groups for conversion to low-income housing.
“Springfield is the City of Homes. ... Housing is a human right,” several ARISE members shouted as Flynn asked the police to clear the room of protesters.
The auction continued once the protesters had been cleared from the room.
The events are typically held four times a year and feature homes, buildings and vacant lots taken by the city for non-payment of taxes. Michaelann Bewsee, ARISE's founder, said her group notified the city last week about its opposition to the auctions.
She said revenue generated from the sales amount to a tiny fraction of the city’s overall budget, while giving a home to a homeless family is invaluable.
City Treasurer-Collector Stephen Lonergan defended the auctions.
“The objectives of tonight’s auction is to get these properties back on the city’s tax rolls, rehabilitated, and owner occupied,” he said.
“Collection of taxes is critically important to the city, because taxes fund basic services that everyone relies on; police, fire, public works,” he added.