SPRINGFIELD — Nearly six months after a local developer purchased an 18-acre parcel of vacant land from the Catholic Diocese, a newly elected city councilor is proposing to block his development by buying the land through eminent domain.

Gerry Martin, who won election to the Ward 7 council seat in November, said he learned from talking to residents on the campaign trail and at the East Forest Park Civic Association meetings that residents are concerned the development off Wendover Road will add to traffic congestion and take away open space, which attracts deer, bobcats and other wildlife.

“A lot of people would like it to remain unchanged,” he said.

Thomas Bretta purchased the land from the Roman Catholic Diocese in May for $1 million and said he is continuing with his plans to turn it

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