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Benson will lead the team, which was established to address the issue of gentrification in the Capitol Region.

"As the Capitol Region is transitioning from being home to the Department of Justice and so many federal government agencies to a rapidly gentrifying area, the new board will help our region balance the challenges of growth with the needs of our existing residents and communities," Benson said.

The Center for Justice will be based in West Springfield, at 171 Main St. and will be a member of the West Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce.

Organizers Hope to Create Community Forums

 educational programs, and partner with the nonprofit coalition West Springfield Voices for a Healthier Community on housing initiatives.

The project's launch comes as the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court announced its decision last month to uphold a decision that struck down the city's anti-gentrification ordinance, also known as the Commonwealth Avenue special district, as a violation of the civil rights of the Congregations in Action.

The decision does not affect existing laws, but it gives cities and towns until June 1 to either amend or adopt new anti-gentrification laws or else face lawsuits.

A video explaining the project is available on the group's website.

Hearst is a legal analyst for NBC Boston and NBC Connecticut. Follow him on Twitter at @hlhearst.

WSHC CEO & President Carlos Martinez announced his resignation last month from the position he has held since 2007. A spokesman for the U.S. Attorney's office confirmed that Martinez is not under investigation.


Attorney General Maura Healey

said she was "very disappointed" by the Supreme Judicial Court decision, calling it a "disappointing setback" in the fight to combat displacement of low-income residents and small businesses in the region.

Pollack will continue in his role as an assistant U.S. attorney, working in the District of Massachusetts' Fraud Section.

"I look forward to working with the Center for Justice in addressing these challenges in our community and helping our residents thrive," Pollack said.

Benson will be formally sworn in at the December meeting of the WSHC.

WSHC is a nonprofit dedicated to protecting and advancing the civil rights of African-American and Hispanic-American men and women throughout Massachusetts. The group counts 1,100 members,rush tool