Developers appeal ruling as dispute over $2B Springfield courthouse project continues.
By: Ashley Shook, John Budenas
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – Springfield developers Jeb Balise and Dinesh Patel filed a Notice of Appeal, challenging a court order that refused to pause the state’s leasing process for the new $2 billion Springfield Regional Justice Center.
The legal dispute centers on the Massachusetts Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance’s (DCAMM) decision to select Liberty Junction as the winning developer for the 125 Liberty Street redevelopment.
The appeal stems from an August 24 ruling in Hampden County Superior Court, where a judge denied the developers’ motion for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction. Although the judge declined to pause the leasing process, the ruling did not dismiss the lawsuit, leaving the underlying procurement challenge active.
Developers James E. “Jeb” Balise of USPB JV, LLC and Patel of Springfield Tower Square, LLC defended their appeal in a joint statement. “We are appealing because the questions about how this tainted award was made still have not been answered,” Balise and Patel said.
“At nearly $2 billion more than 40 years, this is one of the largest commitments the Commonwealth will make to western Massachusetts in a generation. The people of Hampden County and Trial Court employees deserve a process that is fair, complete, and complies with the law. Most importantly, they deserve a courthouse worthy of that investment. We will keep pursuing every available legal avenue until they get both.”