SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) -- After over 3 years of relocation talks, Mayor Domenic Sarno and School District Superintendent, Sonia Dinnall, announced that the new German Gerena School will be built on the property of the old Chestnut Junior High, which was demolished in 2014.

The vacant lot is on the corner of Chestnut and Prospect Streets. In announcing the site, city leaders said the location is the only feasible option to keep the school in the North End neighborhood.

This new, state-of-the-art Gerena School follows years of concerns and community advocacy. The original building, on Birnie Avenue, was built in 1974.

The city says over the last 20 years, the building has decayed. Some parts are so water-damaged; certain rooms in the school have already been closed for use.

On March 24th at six p.m., Springfield Public Schools is holding an informational meeting for the community in the library of the current Gerena School.

Neighbors and the public are invited to learn about the project and its timeline, as well as to ask questions and give input.

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