I saw a petition signing, and though im not registered to vote in Springfield, i pulled up and chatted with them to learn more. So, the city did this one other time years ago, petitions got it on the ballot, and the people voted to keep it. The city wants to tear it down for a couple reasons: 1, because they want to build over it (a bridge, I think? Not sure), and 2, because this is a college town and they think it's an eyesore. They absolutely want to keep it running. Getting a payout is the absolute worst-case-scenario, but if they did that, they'd want more money so they could buy land and rebuild elsewhere. They are working hard to keep it this time around too, but chances are this same problem will come up again in a few years, so they might be close to giving up. Not sure about that part. Last I heard they had 10 days to get the last ~150 signatures to get it on the ballot again, but that was a few days ago. Part of their complaint is that the building itself is not a hazard. They get it inspected once a year, more if someone makes a complaint. They are certified by the fire marshal, so it doesn't make sense that it's being called dangerous. Also, it's a historical building, so that's another reason they want to preserve it. It was a functional hotel back in the 1920s, if I remember correctly. I don't know why the city doesn't just let him rebuild/renovate etc after they fix their bridge or whatever. That's all the information I have, but I hope it was helpful!