Moving Pillsbury Forward (MPF), a 401c3 non-profit, now owns the long-abandoned Pillsbury plant on Springfield’s north side.
Dilapidated buildings tower above the eighteen-acre plot, plagued in recent years by trespassing and other illegal activity. With asbestos abatement forthcoming, and all else, it’s a dangerous place.
Chris Richmond is MPF’s president. “Public safety has been an issue for this location. We want to project out to the community we’ve got work to be done here to increase the site’s safety. It’s going to take time.”
For safety reasons, Richmond cautions folks to stay away from the property, which remains under police video surveillance.
One place people are welcome: public input meetings, one of which will be held in Lanphier High School’s Commons on Wednesday, April 27th from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
According to Richmond, MPF is spearheading a public-private partnership that aims to remake the site in a way that will benefit the community.