Officials discuss next steps in securing abandoned Vibra Hospital property

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - This week, members of Springfield’s Public Safety Committee held a meeting to address safety and property maintenance concerns at the former Vibra Hospital.

The building on State Street dubbed ‘the firefighter killer’ by the former fire commissioner BJ Calvi, announced its closure in 2017, with it officially shutting down in 2023. Since then, city officials have called on property owners to maintain the vacant site — and prevent it from becoming even more of a public safety hazard.

There have been several break-ins, squatters, and even fires, causing issues for both neighbors and fire crews.

On Wednesday, the committee addressed a list of concerns, including unauthorized entry, fires, overgrown vegetation, deterioration, and potential risk to neighbors and nearby properties.

A follow-up meeting has been scheduled to continue reviewing safety concerns at the abandoned hospital. They will also discuss potential long-term solutions for vacant properties across Springfield. The committee has since reached out to the historic commission for more information on the former Vibra Hospital.