SPRINGFIELD, MA (WGGB/WSHM) - High tensions and raised voices at Tuesday night’s city council meeting during discussions about a mosque being built on city-owned land in the Forest Park Neighborhood.

City Council President Tracye Whitfield and Councilor Victor Davila clashed during debate on whether to abandon a piece of city property for the project. We heard both sides of the story.

Councilor Davila told Western Mass News over the phone, he tried asking Council President Whitfield questions, but she shot him down before the shouting ensued.

Councilor Whitfield said things could always be done differently, and sharing a statement with us that reads in part, “I allowed him to speak with the legal team for the owner for a few minutes, but he requested the matter go to subcommittee which I also supported and that’s where these questions should have been asked.”

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