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Rest In Peace to Clodo Concepcion, an absolute legend in my neighborhood. One of the first Ward Councilors from Ward 5 in 50 years, this Cuban émigré dedicated his life and many years of service to making 16 Acres a better place. He was a firecracker to be sure, but sometimes a little fire is needed to get the job done.

“Whether a square or a stick in the mud—among the things this blog deemed him—Concepcion also had a quintessential American story. It was hyperlocal and global, fascinating and frustrating, historic and timeless. Love him or hate him, his was a Springfield story of the highest order.

“I want to make a difference,” Concepcion said in 2005. “I can make a difference. By being thoughtful and trustworthy. My yes is a yes. My no is no. I am my own man. Not a chameleon trying to figure out what you want me to be.”

From Island in the Caribbean to Island in the Acres: Clodo Concepcion 1932-2023… — Western Mass Politics & Insight Clodo Concepion, the Cuban émigré who made his life in Springfield and ultimately his way to the City Council, died Saturday.

Developer buys State St. building for 52 apartments The 23,000-square-foot building, constructed in 1924 as the Federal Land Bank of Springfield, has been vacant for several years.