SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - The 50-year-old Roderick Ireland Courthouse could soon see major improvements. Springfield felon faces firearm and drug charges after traffic stop The building is known for dust, and mold, and has caused severe illness over the years. Five people who have worked in the courthouse died of ALS and 60 cases of cancer were linked to those working in the building."First of all, are we sure with the timeline that was presented that that is the most expedient timeline because that looks like another year before we get anywhere with that," shared Mark Zawistowski, a family member of a court staff employee. The Healey/Driscoll administration and the Commonwealth's real estate service, DCAMM, is calling this project urgent. Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno is in full support of a relocation for the courthouse with the new spot anticipated to be in the North Riverfront area. The location is set to bring economic development adding restaurants, shops, and a marina. The mayor also anticipates hundreds of jobs added to the city. Mayor Sarno told 22News in a statement, "I have made it very clear; I am in full support of the relocation of a new Roderick Ireland Courthouse to the north riverfront area. This would be a game changer for the City of Springfield. It brings to light development in the north end of our riverfront and most importantly, it brings with it some additional housing to the city, which is desperately needed. I will continue to advocate for the project that is in the best interest of our Springfield."If the courthouse relocates that project could take three to four years to complete vs seven to ten years to improve at the current site.To submit a written comment on the proposed project, email  [email protected].  The deadline for submission is Saturday, January 11, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. ET. Local News Headlines Greenfield City Hall closed for maintenance till Monday Five Worcester students charged after mob beats up falsely accused child predator Holiday gift returns are expected to surge in January Antisemitic hate crimes reach eight-year high across Massachusetts WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.