Exit, Panagore
by Bill Dusty
Springfield’s chief development officer, David Panagore, has announced he is leaving us for a better job in Hartford, Connecticut. Panagore came to Springfield in 2004, riding into town along with the state-appointed Finance Control Board. He took up his current position as development chief back in 2006.
Panagore departs after a sometimes contentious tenure here in Springfield, where both liberals and conservatives took turns ripping at him for whatever failing or perceived insult he may have committed against them. Most recently, Panagore caught the ire of the Springfield civic group “Springfield Forward” for a reported quote made by him regarding that group’s opposition to a plan by a real estate developer to transform the vacant, former Longhill Gardens Condominiums property into low income housing.
Panagore has overseen a number of projects in the city these past two years, including the redevelopment of the former York Street Jail and Chapman Valve properties. Some of Panagore’s initiatives have been viewed as positives for the city, while a few others have captured some negative feedback. The Longhill Gardens plan, mentioned above, does not appear to have nearly the amount of popular support as first advertised. That project was handed over to the developer, WinnCompanies, after the city insisted they were the only viable option – and that it was imperative that the property not sit vacant for any extended period of time. Meanwhile, on the other side of town in the North End of the city, the former Chestnut Junior High School has been vacant, neglected, overgrown, and decaying since March of 2007 after the city, through Panagore, gifted the property to Miramar Real Estate Management. After earlier announced start dates had fallen by the wayside, the City website currently sets a date of “late fall” for work to finally begin on that project. From the outside looking in, however, it would appear that Miramar has been dragging its ass in getting things done there. And it’s fair to say that such a situation would not have been allowed to endure had the Chestnut Jr. High property been located in Sixteen Acres.
Getting back to Panagore’s impression on people, even his attire managed to annoy some folks. He’d often show up at Finance Control Board meetings dressed in a wrinkled three-piece suit, his straggly hair barely combed. He actually bears little resemblance to the clean-shaven professional that appears pictured in this Republican story (of course he’ll trim-up for his new job, now, and make a liar out me). More often, he appears like he does in the photo at this link (scroll to bottom of story).
But alas, now it’s time for David Panagore to move on. He’s off to Hartford, a city with a higher crime rate than Springfield and just as many other headaches. Hartford also doesn’t have our colorful history, our tradition of firsts, and, also, it’s another forty minutes tacked on to the drive up to Northampton – where everybody really goes if they want to shop “downtown.”
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6 Responses for “Exit, Panagore”
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pointing out he has a mixed record (who’s record isn’t mixed?) is fair enough. but criticizing his appearance? not classy at all.
also, the hartford put-downs? lame.
as a hartford city councilperson, i was happy to see señor panagore’s qualifications (including the mac email address and interest in comic book collecting,) i was encouraged to get the proverbial “thumbs up” from someone i trust wholeheartedly in springfield matters (urbancompass), and am now ecstatic to see that his leaving causes so much separation anxiety…it means he’s good.
as a councilperson who habitually wears tee-shirts and shorts to our council meetings, i say that David and his wrinkled suits are gonna fit in just nicely thank you.
peace,
luis
Agree pointing out a mixed record is fine, would have been better journalism to point out some positives too instead of then rattling off *only* negatives and then battering his physical appearance.
Can we critique Dusty’s moustache and haircut now?
Actually, if you take time and talk to people on the Street, Bill Dusty has been extremely kind in his handling of Dave Panagore’s leaving Springfield. Panagore is known for taking credit for other peoples’ good jobs and blaming others for his own failures. He has spent many years speaking out of both sides of his mouth and that may be why his reputation has been sullied. He’s done it to himself.
However, all the local politicos are wise enough to know they need to say kind words in the press because they know that telling the truth might cause Hartford to reject Panagore and then we will be stuck with him here. Privately though ….
As to Luis Cotto, the councilperson from Hartford. Get ready …. you have no idea what you are in for. Lots of luck…. you are going to need it.
Any actions resulting in the removal (or voluntary departure) of any cog past or present of the springfield anti-democracy control board is a boon for the citizens of the city. Now if we only we could get rid of the real dictators and re-establish representative democracy as written in the constitution, Springfield would really be on it’s way back. Until then, Pangores defection will have to be hope enough.
I am so not sorry to see Dave Panagore leave. I watched him at several community and civic meetings and heard him tell one group one thing and then tell another group the opposite. I believe Springfield deserves better.