Health and Human Services Commissioner Helen Caulton-Harris reports her recommendation to the City Council. Business consultant Ryan McCollum stands behind her.
Photo credit: Focus Springfield
SPRINGFIELD — Business consultant Ryan McCollum reassured the City Council that a halal fresh market at 785 Page Blvd., which will slaughter chickens to order, will be a retail environment rather than a stereotypical butcher shop.
The councilors unanimously approved the business on Oct. 26, which was first brought before the council on Sept. 30. The business owner, Adel Saeed, owns multiple United Stated Department of Agriculture-certified shops in the Northeast.
The market will operate seven days per week, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Shipments of up to 500 chickens will be delivered up to three times per week. The shop will also sell traditional market items, including organic eggs and vegetables. The building will be equipped with a commercial air conditioning system to prevent any odors from escaping. It will also take steps to keep noise levels reasonable.
Health and Human Services Commissioner Helen Caulton-Harris told councilors that she had met with McCollum, Saeed and the business’s attorney and asked “probing” questions about avian flu, chicken inspection and processing and other issues. After reviewing the business’s plans, she said she was “comfortable” that protections were in place.
Kathy Brown of the East Springfield Neighborhood Council said the organization had done extensive research and while they had some concerns about the parking lot, they were overall satisfied with the business coming to Page Boulevard.
Likewise, Ward 2 City Councilor Michael Fenton said he had reviewed the plans closely and found the business acceptable. He said the owner followed up on community concerns. Govan said her questions had also been answered. No one from the community spoke against the fresh market.
The City Council also unanimously approved a change in branding for the gas station at 1313 Boston Road, from Sunoco to Nouria. Similarly, the used car sales location at 1469 State St. will become a Shelby Motor Cars location, although the property owner will remain the same. Click-Bruce urged the business owner to meet with the Pine Point Neighborhood Council and Brown agreed.
