[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6292587,"mediaKeyId","2525866-4d2fa50caa54090e688feaec93554a5a","parentId",2525866,"title","Joint committee recommends keeping Metcalf School in educational use; Opportunity Academy move under consideration","audioSeconds",424,"startMs",4776000,"endMs",5200000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2525866-4d2fa50caa54090e688feaec93554a5a&start=4776&end=5200","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2525866-4d2fa50caa54090e688feaec93554a5a/thumbnail_4776000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6292587/Holyoke-City/Hampden-County/Massachusetts/Joint-committee-recommends-keeping-Metcalf-School-in-educational-use-Opportunity-Academy-move-under-consideration","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6292587-5e480533c2403f117c8402441ff1d09b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771152118&Signature=G44lRBqTeXR0mZtOehGCLRf8oFMsjWYS~bdp8LTjI3eCCFS41OdpJ32U-ji4CYcbF-EEuTZpSvOsAEwn50SlYEFaRbYO2cVOutJJWrzr9dz3SoALEnEfq8BK34Y6hFWWJB4WYfZvjjPC8i9JGQI0VRWKO2NG8iIO~tQmggqp8F9Amnk6rjoNRJWG9Yh1uEdBf6naIu33BDsSzLDWR-AKPgIU5X5~hu~SCzvO96JwjsUdrAgVQLv3SLTVcCB70-I2yav-ZP3mMxYVmOfIf4ixbuyPd9sZmA1qZdByUX5eFNc3PxB5MiEYEO8fXg67wj8lIrNBDk9H7Opcfu9gq0JAHg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Holyoke City, MA","date","2025-03-07T00:00:00Z","article","A joint city council–school committee working group presented its report on the future of the Metcalf School on March 4 and recommended that the building remain in use for education-related purposes.

Committee members outlined several options discussed during the review, including relocating the Opportunity Academy (an alternative program serving about 50 students who currently lease space off‑site) to Metcalf to secure a permanent school‑like facility with a gym. Committee members noted Opportunity Academy currently pays roughly $50,000 a year for leased space and the move could provide more appropriate facilities for students.

The working group also discussed possible uses for other district facilities and a schematic design for relocation of central office operations; no final decision on central office relocation or other moves was made at the meeting. Councilors urged continued attention to preserving school capacity: Councilor McGrath Smith and others warned that once a building leaves the school inventory it can be more difficult to bring it back into service under current codes and funding rules.

Ending: The committee reported the order as complied with and encouraged the school department and the administration to continue community engagement and a public schedule of meetings as planning proceeds.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Holyoke City Council 3/4/2025","oneSentenceSummary","A joint city council and school committee working group reviewed options for Metcalf school and recommended retaining the property for school use; the Opportunity Academy was discussed as a potential occupant and the committee published a working report.","taxTitle","Holyoke City, Hampden County, Massachusetts","taxId",52807,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6292592,"Council accepts FY25 CDBG/HOME annual plan; DGR recommends remaining ARPA interest funds for sewer/infrastructure",539,7981000,8520000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2525866-4d2fa50caa54090e688feaec93554a5a&start=7981&end=8520","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2525866-4d2fa50caa54090e688feaec93554a5a/thumbnail_7981000.jpg","/articles/6292592/Holyoke-City/Hampden-County/Massachusetts/Council-accepts-FY25-CDBGHOME-annual-plan-DGR-recommends-remaining-ARPA-interest-funds-for-sewerinfrastructure","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6292592-3bf508bb0a729df9026faf3c19b82c21/orig.mp4?Expires=1771152118&Signature=JdQu5PtaoO3fBUcm6fuNc5nsUkopPZJrIZkHdyZKpoePIkHPDw8cJBviiKIQyS0HJmwZTQ-6sp0DB-gFgx1INwOEl4WlTX7v~V6jXNrC7iO24RQ7wzcDuWTqbde6MxDT2AV7kdWQetPKwlNv3b3DOOK9LLBhYpuuP2TN6MMAJfJAm-xl95eL7VIG3C-KOVjqH7GW1mbp-sz7aQbmk6booKRYOtb15OcTS3M3-0E~elhtLBbuYhSJ0LZI6-sJLfZJpmUddIzU~dxL9gVaqMWI8~UTeCXJ9j5-zDjVw5l96iJORgDak06Qju6L9ThtmFX-A2gdTT16HfhUW1RPfmOD1A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Holyoke City Council voted to accept the city’s FY2025 annual plan for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) programs and reviewed committee recommendations for how to allocate program funds and remaining ARPA interest income.

At the Development & Government Relations meeting, Office of Community Development staff and the Citizens Advisory Committee presented an allocation spreadsheet showing requests from community organizations and the department’s and committee’s funding recommendations. The committee recommended directing the full non‑public‑service allocation — roughly $799,595 — toward Department of Public Works infrastructure projects, including sewer repairs, sidewalks and ADA ramps. The committee said funding infrastructure now would protect other investments in public spaces.

The council also voted unanimously to approve the HUD-required resolution adopting the CDBG/HOME annual plan for the three‑city HUD consortium. DGR additionally recommended the mayor consider using $1.5 million of remaining ARPA funds (investment income) for DPW sewer projects; Councilor Sullivan introduced a motion to send that recommendation to the mayor and the council adopted the recommendation for transmittal.

Committee members and councilors stressed that the mayor retains final authority over ARPA spending and that the council’s action was a formal recommendation; several councilors requested a clear accounting of how earlier ARPA reprogramming reduced the available balance from $2 million to $1.5 million and said staff should clarify the reprogramming and reporting schedule.

Ending: The council adopted the annual CDBG/HOME plan and forwarded the DGR recommendation that remaining ARPA interest income be prioritized for sewer and related DPW infrastructure projects; staff and committee members will continue to publish recommended allocations and follow up as grants and ARPA accounting progress.","The council received and adopted the city’s FY2025 Community Development Block Grant and HOME program annual plan and the DGR committee recommended directing available non‑service CDBG allocations and proposed ARPA interest income toward sewer and infrastructure projects.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6292596,"Council committee reviews receivership process and problem‑property coordination",210,3630000,3840000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2525866-4d2fa50caa54090e688feaec93554a5a&start=3630&end=3840","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2525866-4d2fa50caa54090e688feaec93554a5a/thumbnail_3630000.jpg","/articles/6292596/Holyoke-City/Hampden-County/Massachusetts/Council-committee-reviews-receivership-process-and-problemproperty-coordination","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6292596-2848d5cc6846f041b63b0aad4ddedf81/orig.mp4?Expires=1771152118&Signature=FjM28S4cihCeyrILilI4FK9vHZlUMVHijQ1eHaA6V626a7INEvq2Xdxe26nNEIu5c2-RFzUzrwevCGIhOx-bBFv~wicf8D3RZ5HGQh9msHaJ1YB0InnbXYSgM4AwlTFFoxX9ec4fEwA1un-FXxbuyTp8VI7xo9-8FXKNz-79I5e4vCo26ifOoQpgJdTkNFMxuSqB08jEZpv-4vqQJkniOYAOgFHcbqgxjwrlzSLFyRkP-gOV0R~1sc-Rz7F5CHkqcDRw0T-kPmkBOv1qU1NBf8O9474UiSxxdVE4tTr5Ph0aDyMVDWbm-vJdqqzyJuV6skzaGkiXVRgdsc3RXa5aXA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Development & Government Relations Committee reported back to the full council on March 4 that the city’s receivership program is active and that staff, outside counsel and the problem‑property working group are coordinating steps to identify and remediate blighted properties.

Assistant city solicitor Jane Mantoleski explained the legal sequence that typically leads to a receivership: a Board of Health complaint, inspection, notice to correct, potential court action and, in some cases, a court‑appointed receiver who prepares a rehabilitation plan and can secure payment via liens when properties are sold. Committee members discussed the challenge of compiling a public list of problem properties because of legal and privacy questions; Mantoleski said some receiver filings and court actions are public records but the problem‑property group's meetings are not always public and staff would follow up on what can be shared publicly.

Councilors and community members described receivership as an “incredibly harsh” but sometimes necessary tool to address neglected properties that harm neighborhoods. Councilor Jordan said the program has matured since its start about a decade ago and praised staff for organization and progress. Councilor Bartley and others urged the problem‑property group to publish regular updates and recommended a public page on the city website where status and next steps could be visible to residents.

Ending: The committee reported that the order had been complied with and councilors encouraged continued transparency from the problem‑property working group and law department on which files and statuses can be published.","Council members and staff discussed the city's receivership program, problem‑property list, information sharing and legal steps used to rehabilitate or secure dilapidated properties; the committee reported the order as complied with.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6292601,"Council approves South Street Plaza drive‑through permit with hours limit",537,2793000,3330000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2525866-4d2fa50caa54090e688feaec93554a5a&start=2793&end=3330","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2525866-4d2fa50caa54090e688feaec93554a5a/thumbnail_2793000.jpg","/articles/6292601/Holyoke-City/Hampden-County/Massachusetts/Council-approves-South-Street-Plaza-drivethrough-permit-with-hours-limit","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6292601-5b978512646c458d5297c67063b4a6d8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771152118&Signature=QJkoRZHML2lbYjNE9bXM09FVivrSWsrWIGwArIOgKrpXYKiKIVduP738Y-DgmiOpNMuFVYKlcFaUx6TVYFw29ZjZEoerQ~0alUIam-SooWIm7s7ccyxZ1rTPkfPJDsj09KslXiScTw9iartenIO~m2MKzOCxU57iwZgfeGHhCclD9csbe1lKv-BmV4Frum~R2fmBngZtOOJJnvGRupXZAQua9HBnvIKBYWqgVddBf8jNTmv8ME-pADYUORSsbpnrzlImlp8bM37A7aFYROPBmSFDyfJDb1aaIfkvOBRWrV5kAx9ZytGnoQ2rmtpVk-pQS0V5weSImFhqLjtfDuH7pQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Holyoke City Council approved a special permit for a drive‑through restaurant at South Street Plaza on March 4, adding a new condition on the council floor that limits drive‑through operating hours to 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week.

The permit, recommended by the Development & Government Relations Committee with 32 conditions from the planning board's site-plan review, covers a proposed Dunkin' location at South Street Plaza. Councilors said the item had been worked and reworked in committee and by planning staff, and that committee members had negotiated the conditions with the petitioner.

Councilor Bartley introduced an amendment on the floor specifying hours of operation for the drive‑through: “the drive thru shall be open seven days a week from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.,” and the council voted to make that hours condition take precedence over any conflicting condition listed earlier. The clerk recorded a 12–1 roll‑call vote to approve the permit as amended; the lone recorded no vote was Israel Rivera.

Councilors who supported the motion said the permit had been vetted by the planning board and that the amendment provided clarity for enforcement; the council noted the petitioner retains the right to return and request changes to the permit in the future.

Ending: Planning and building staff will incorporate the new hours condition into the permit documents and enforce the permit through routine inspections and site‑plan review processes.","After months in committee, the council approved a special permit for a drive‑through restaurant at South Street Plaza and added an on‑floor condition limiting the drive‑through to 6 a.m.–10 p.m., seven days a week.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":104,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6292606,"City Council approves package of transfers, appointments and grants; several votes taken across agenda",2351,979000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2525866-4d2fa50caa54090e688feaec93554a5a&start=979&end=3330","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2525866-4d2fa50caa54090e688feaec93554a5a/thumbnail_979000.jpg","/articles/6292606/Holyoke-City/Hampden-County/Massachusetts/City-Council-approves-package-of-transfers-appointments-and-grants-several-votes-taken-across-agenda","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6292606-6bdc98e70981b495111167dba280fe47/orig.mp4?Expires=1771152118&Signature=TLOnabEXbWEgxHqeAXnpi2-I2jVO~1BaIuxqGEy1GWfakA-LqtfNOvBprYMFKYhn~--UrC7xNMtzhoCFfcYFRJRbSxjVysPsnjYLZnQF4CHrFkAKjN7PdPH-BJfi6tphaWdKRouDyVQTL9d3ICVRZJhB~I3DixWPrQ6zaqWKs8iq6kC7Xr8Wr17E~xN7mouY60lVmuDPQQ3zBf1iCSnzpt-ARaulDYZs-KIK0Z~79bTZ060Zef7LxchsS~QcjBagMl6WchxfQbvus-wRL3dDRTn8uJJTHFKB10YTjb8zouujXSx28~7XdzW6v4vDV3HsghVsIzbSQmjNnp3Uu4VUMw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Holyoke City Council on March 4 voted on a broad set of orders and motions, approving multiple personnel transfers, appointing volunteers to boards and accepting a federal grant for firefighter equipment while referring other items to committees for follow-up.

Council action covered budget transfers, reappointments and confirmations, and grant acceptance that city officials said are intended to maintain services and cover last-year grant wrap-ups. The most significant formal rulings were recorded in roll-call votes during the meeting.

Among items acted on were second-reading approvals of several transfer requests and appointments. The council approved (by roll call) a package of transfer orders on second reading (Items 2, 3, 4 and 56 on the agenda) by an 8–5 vote. The clerk recorded 8 yeas and 5 nays on that motion.

The council also unanimously accepted a federal firefighter safety equipment grant for $24,081 to purchase three thermal imaging cameras, eight gas meters and electric-vehicle disconnect plugs (Item 30). Council members said the grant required no local match.

Other finance actions included transfers to support police department operations and staffing. The council approved a $100,000 transfer for patrol/dispatch map data maintenance and related subscriptions (Item 31) and additional transfers (Items 32 and 33) to cover technology, vacancies and personnel reclassifications; those items passed on roll-call votes (tallies recorded in the minutes).

Multiple appointments to commissions and advisory bodies were confirmed or reappointed during the meeting, including members for the Library Board, Conservation Commission, Housing Authority, Recycling Advisory Committee and others. A number of those appointments were voted on and sent to the appropriate standing committees for confirmation or were approved on the floor.

Several items were referred to committees for more study: the council sent an order related to a proposed salary adjustment for a municipal position to the Finance Committee, with a subsequent referral to the Ordinance Committee for the policy language; and multiple planning, ordinance and charter questions were routed to Charter & Rules, Finance, Development & Government Relations (DGR) or Public Service for detailed review.

The meeting concluded after the council completed the agenda and made multiple referrals for committee work; the full roll-call results are in the official minutes.

Ending: The council's actions will be reflected in schedules and committee agendas in the coming weeks as staff and councilors follow up on referrals and implementation tasks.","At its March 4 meeting the Holyoke City Council took final or second-reading action on multiple transfers, appointments and grant acceptances, including a multi-item personnel transfer package, a firefighter safety-equipment grant, and a set of departmental budget transfers. Several items were referred to committee for further review.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Joint committee recommends keeping Metcalf School in educational use; Opportunity Academy move under consideration

Council accepts FY25 CDBG/HOME annual plan; DGR recommends remaining ARPA interest funds for sewer/infrastructure

Council committee reviews receivership process and problem‑property coordination

Council approves South Street Plaza drive‑through permit with hours limit

City Council approves package of transfers, appointments and grants; several votes taken across agenda