[{"_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",[32,75,87,98,110],{"_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",6646726,"mediaKeyId","2620521-5adaf91c8ffe15dd15b7a288697be6ac","parentId",2620521,"title","Council approves naming new Elmwood middle school for Dr. William R. Peck","audioSeconds",335,"startMs",6000000,"endMs",6335000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2620521-5adaf91c8ffe15dd15b7a288697be6ac&start=6000&end=6335","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2620521-5adaf91c8ffe15dd15b7a288697be6ac/thumbnail_6000000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6646726/Holyoke-City/Hampden-County/Massachusetts/Council-approves-naming-new-Elmwood-middle-school-for-Dr-William-R-Peck","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6646726-b68ca495b00bb7ce1bba9caff11f23d2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771161084&Signature=UJ3Rm8Uc3OOJMSwDDZAcPa6KnbSl4NDBdV1IkcXeSEYVSb-77RIHWlUJj80SPXJAOSxQShxp1Eq-XBEkZphSHqhAqPS~03kJ~JNF9HbiMa6nmkwrcRs-MnBKVce3xVa4WqsD4ZUXy4BB194Gf1wzFTsxw-dwaUuUm-306BMdGzr1UrZ0nL-dipIXxQZBuf-YykPRAt9qdtZLdGEIKtGoFMpHwPFYeo8285vFEUm0MmmeHE174NMjCZi~V02tlufldQXfgv~XTaHMF-np1~q-wWgojP6fFwInO0O4cuIkLJ0YuF4YEec2C~rqPYFZDk563L96SFEyrCZs6J~oa3RZIQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Holyoke City, MA","date","2025-01-13T08:51:03.73Z","article","The City Council accepted a recommendation from Holyoke Public Schools and the building committee to name the new Elmwood middle school the Dr. William R. Peck Middle School.

Councilor Jardine, who led the discussion on the council floor, described a broad stakeholder process the school department used, saying roughly 1,800 respondents participated in the naming survey. The school committee had recommended the Dr. William R. Peck name, which reflects the historical name that had been attached to earlier middle-school facilities.

Councilor Rivera noted the survey results showed variation by respondent group: staff, parents and students had stronger support for \"Holyoke Middle School\" while \"all respondents\" (the broader community survey) narrowly preferred the Peck name. Councilors said keeping Dr. Peck’s name preserved a local legacy: \"This was also the recommendation from the school committee, as well,\" Jardine said.

The motion to accept the school department’s recommendation was adopted on the council floor; roll-call votes recorded unanimous approval.

Why it matters: Naming a major school facility recognizes local historical figures and affects branding, signage and community identity as the district opens a new building.

Ending: The school will operate under the Dr. William R. Peck Middle School name; the council’s action completes the municipal approval necessary to finalize signage and materials.
","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council 12/17/2024","oneSentenceSummary","The council accepted the school department’s recommendation and officially named the new Elmwood middle school the Dr. William R. Peck Middle School after a public survey and school committee approval.","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},6646731,"Council grants one-year extension for 876 Grow Inc. cultivation permit, conditions remain in place",291,6604000,6895000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2620521-5adaf91c8ffe15dd15b7a288697be6ac&start=6604&end=6895","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2620521-5adaf91c8ffe15dd15b7a288697be6ac/thumbnail_6604000.jpg","/articles/6646731/Holyoke-City/Hampden-County/Massachusetts/Council-grants-one-year-extension-for-876-Grow-Inc-cultivation-permit-conditions-remain-in-place","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6646731-2a40ec41eed8d65656dc3ad2623bc428/orig.mp4?Expires=1771161084&Signature=CLAVOwfE0pBrAYgp5SIQqR9zsZyNuwbjfPTPYM4lmT59rvPOrOmKS9ykxamwg1ToQeJFLyRmwymKShCHldNkA0DgK88FL0StBckiCrqNFbXh0J6bAjfgblTtKTZCyPQYYlxYtC1W6w-AGeq9lwXeHl2HljSpogBLGjijA7kjOGf6zUFKk8vSL4CysTsgz5iRrU1yAEIv2vKVLYs~UlRnRVUnr2bw7lPEIcMuBfBuXB1ihrx2MbHJnaETVMFQbmSuUCmtQqX8KxRIawp7CFXCR8QnjfFwYNP5I~RMLQo5fd0a76yG2WvlN1Zl5mR9ns8yj172D1vkBuDCP8ocdJDCtA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City Council approved a one-year extension to the special permit for 876 Grow Inc., allowing additional time to complete construction and begin operations at the company’s proposed cultivation and processing facility at 360 Ray Street.

The ordinance committee recommended the extension after the petitioner told members it had experienced material and financing delays that made the original permit timeline infeasible. Committee members said the petitioner expected to finish far sooner than a year but the committee used its discretion to grant the full 12-month extension to keep timelines clean and consistent with the city’s special-permit rules.

Councilor Bacon noted the committee had reviewed the matter and the petitioner indicated progress toward completion; the council’s action carries the committee’s condition that \"all conditions that were on the initial special permit remain in place.\" The extension was adopted on the council floor following the committee report.

Why it matters: Granting a one-year extension keeps the special-permit status in force while requiring the applicant to meet prior permit conditions; if the project fails to complete within the additional year, the council or planning staff may require further action.

Ending: The extension was adopted; the petitioner remains obligated to comply with outstanding permit conditions and the city’s planning office will monitor progress.
","The council approved a one-year extension to the special permit held by 876 Grow Inc. for a marijuana cultivation and processing site at 360 Ray Street. The ordinance committee said the company had encountered delays in materials and financing; the extension includes the condition that existing permit terms remain in force.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6646735,"Council approves $42,500 transfer to fund police-chief incentive ahead of new chief’s start",0,4866000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2620521-5adaf91c8ffe15dd15b7a288697be6ac&start=4866&end=4866","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2620521-5adaf91c8ffe15dd15b7a288697be6ac/thumbnail_4866000.jpg","/articles/6646735/Holyoke-City/Hampden-County/Massachusetts/Council-approves-42500-transfer-to-fund-police-chief-incentive-ahead-of-new-chiefs-start","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6646735-9345dc98c27c03d9cdec09a36e71ca18/orig.mp4?Expires=1771161084&Signature=NrZ5aZR3B2qk1WnBjBef~auLHLdGEAtdwjWi2p9YQUw5Z9aCjklscRiyBNQRiHXh~pAEFuIVhjF88i3AoOQE2pNWAsmO5vhtU7~0Guq3wW8BkfrwgsI8icLVlZcPwJhkMjx8g8SXUl9DL4EdUUfPWM3hzdWQqNp569ef763bX15HB99YL5iCYT8TO1RWkPqXhLFsEocCOXKn0RVpIaPsTU-xEtrB0JIjpL5dn9wXOkkjNTcG~VX-HY6B6QbYw3Bui8l1591OqL2MBvAaqs2IfMQ3SFp2bX8MxDp3t2yVt4vLDEEBXAeiEc7CXWkbvh-8NwUdmLA1cWweIq5wucqQCg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Holyoke City Council voted to transfer $42,500 in fiscal year 2025 funds from emergency 9-1-1 dispatch accounts into a chief-of-police incentive line to finalize the selected candidate's compensation and allow the hire to proceed.

Councilor Devine made the motion to pass the first reading and the council advanced the measure on first and second readings the same night. The clerk recorded a unanimous roll call in favor of the transfer.

Councilors praised the mayor’s selection. Councilor Jardine said he had spent time with the candidate and called the pick a strong one: \"I'm really excited about, mister Keenan becoming our new Police Chief,\" Jardine said, adding he had confidence in the candidate’s \"vision for law and order, and reform.\" Councilor Bartley, who attended the candidate interview, said the selection could be a \"game changer\" for Holyoke.

Why it matters: Finalizing the compensation and incentive funding clears a fiscal and contractual step required for the appointment of a new chief. Council members said the hire could affect department direction and community relations.

Ending: The transfer passed unanimously; the council recorded its support for the selection and directed administration to complete hiring paperwork so the chief can begin service in early 2025.
","The council approved a $42,500 transfer from 9-1-1 dispatch accounts to a police chief incentive account to finalize the new chief’s compensation package and facilitate a January start. Councilors praised the candidate.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6646740,"Council splits over use of remaining $2 million in ARPA; amendment to request portion for tax relief or city projects passes 8–4",1327,3409000,4736000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2620521-5adaf91c8ffe15dd15b7a288697be6ac&start=3409&end=4736","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2620521-5adaf91c8ffe15dd15b7a288697be6ac/thumbnail_3409000.jpg","/articles/6646740/Holyoke-City/Hampden-County/Massachusetts/Council-splits-over-use-of-remaining-2-million-in-ARPA-amendment-to-request-portion-for-tax-relief-or-city-projects-passes-84","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6646740-6ce4dd11217d578222b2eceb5e9945b0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771161084&Signature=fGK26Fnf87W~Rqp7PTraP9cfv5P-kKJPf~cLLBoI87~JxokKrQ59NL-i1vnyl96mFNR5t~LQJOKYnfhQCzKUU2aznSntBA~URIwmiOVNGMY~jIHjE5ammqHGwFa9dMQBP7Bq2WHrGZf5JHHvqC3S0xzS~7kkFMeU7f9EMbBK-P-fb0R9yMznjUjI5ijGAxLh5-p1T4i4ha6~RpxY8IgHztzWzSqCj1qVSB~0zzI0LkQbNGt0xEAgiIEnImOCScRw-wgmx1x2NbeuEwPFHW8oh1z3LZFiqw47rMrwjyk4~FFitOEvrKuNXS7qDCunhh2rwqmJ37DThoTdjlTjeXy6LQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Holyoke City Council debated how to spend the remaining roughly $2 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds on Tuesday, ending with an amended order the council adopted 8–4 requesting the mayor consider using a portion of the funds for tax relief and/or city-sponsored capital projects.

Councilor Jourdain introduced the order, saying the city was not in a position to \"give any of this $2,000,000 away\" to outside projects while residents faced large tax-bill increases. \"We're in no position to be giving any of this 2,000,000 away to anybody,\" Jourdain said.

The initial motion to send the unamended order to the mayor failed on an earlier roll call. After a motion to reconsider, the council amended the language to ask that the mayor \"please use a portion of the remaining $2,000,000 in ARPA funds for tax relief and/or city-sponsored capital projects.\" That amendment was adopted and the amended order passed 8–4.

Councilors who opposed the measure argued that using ARPA as one-time tax relief creates a long-term budget risk and could create a future funding \"bubble\" the city would later need to pay. Councilor Rivera said he supported tax relief in principle but worried the approach merely delays structural budget problems: \"If we take ARPA funds to cover some of it now, then next year we have to come up with what we didn't pay for now,\" Rivera said.

Councilors who favored the amended order emphasized that the recommendation would be advisory — the mayor retains legal discretion over ARPA spending — but said the city needed at least to ask the mayor to prioritize residents and city infrastructure. Councilor Devine and others said they wanted neighborhood improvement projects and targeted relief considered.

Mayor (name not specified) responded to the council saying he had heard the concerns and would consider the recommendations. \"Passes or not, I got the message loud and clear. I'm listening, and, we'll take anything at all into advisement and consideration,\" the mayor said.

Why it matters: Council guidance on ARPA spending signals to the mayor and the public what the legislative branch prioritizes for scarce, one-time federal funds. The debate highlighted competing priorities: immediate tax relief versus preserving money for future needs and capital investments.

Ending: The amended order is nonbinding; the mayor retains final authority over ARPA funds but now has a clear, recorded council appeal to consider partial use of remaining ARPA monies for tax relief or city capital projects.

","A council resolution urging the mayor to use the remaining $2 million in ARPA funds for tax relief or city-sponsored capital projects failed on an initial vote but, after reconsideration and amendment, passed 8–4. Speakers disagreed over whether ARPA should be used to \"pay bills\" or preserved for future needs.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_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},6646744,"Holyoke council adopts 1.75 tax classification shift, approves stabilization and sewer transfers to balance budget",2836,524000,3360000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2620521-5adaf91c8ffe15dd15b7a288697be6ac&start=524&end=3360","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2620521-5adaf91c8ffe15dd15b7a288697be6ac/thumbnail_524000.jpg","/articles/6646744/Holyoke-City/Hampden-County/Massachusetts/Holyoke-council-adopts-175-tax-classification-shift-approves-stabilization-and-sewer-transfers-to-balance-budget","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6646744-a8acf498d0f665bed3b45c29b9b52415/orig.mp4?Expires=1771161084&Signature=ZefljOmEBJoU7s5r6r6EP~DksoYzUX~Sc2E-8NTztLUAmPVrANM2W~D5vTtOoBSB1lwx0FSPHR9Z1azMupkYCSXh6yq1mpBhRK8SfO1NvKZJxteyrTt2RUpxWNiQ6Ge-W4tFyo8UFxm3XrYKLPDz0wFud3XpaRAJTJUMdMn8-41osqYT3WHTcZm2H1sW~ChNPcATIie7IzrpXBl7T22gbkFEv4ypNxpniPGB9DMcfypdfBVNg39da1HBV3dwbR5togR2m9wqqBvxUZBfeiCt2haIdmo5xM1mj2Rd2RKUohLHQb9zOCLYhV0~miYQlLLOURYgLa4op0aCQw360GVnjw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Holyoke City Council on Dec. 17 voted to adopt a 1.75 shift in tax classification for fiscal year 2025 and approved a package of transfers the mayor said would balance the budget and avoid raising the overall levy further.

Councilors approved a transfer of $927,778 from the city’s general stabilization fund to the capital stabilization account and separately approved a subsidy to the sewer budget, with the council setting the tax shift that lowers the residential and commercial rates to the levels presented by the auditor and mayor.

The votes came after a lengthy discussion about timing and proper process for setting the levy and classification. Councilor Jourdain urged the council to demand better timing and data from administration in future years, saying the council had been forced to act late in the year because free-cash certification and other financial steps had not occurred on the usual schedule. \"We should not set the shift until they give you a levy,\" Jourdain said, arguing the council was being asked to vote without full numbers.

Councilor Bartley said bond counsel had told him the preference is not to use stabilization funds to cure operating deficits, and he said he had shared that advice with the council president. \"She was gracious enough to reply, very quickly, and her reply was her strong preference is not to use stabilization,\" Bartley said. Bartley nevertheless voted for the sewer subsidy and other measures in the package.

Mayor (name not specified) told the council he did not want to use ARPA funds to reduce the levy: \"I have, no interest to, use ARPA dollars to reduce the levy,\" he said, while explaining that the path approved preserved interest earned in stabilization and avoided a direct tax increase. The mayor also urged continued cooperation between the council and administration.

Councilors ultimately voted to advance the three-item package (transfer to capital stabilization; subsidy to the sewer budget; and setting the FY25 Minimum Residential Factor/shift) and later approved the final tax shift. The council president and auditor explained the mechanics for publishing tax bills on time and said the shift choices presented would reduce residential and commercial rates shown on the estimator while recognizing that property revaluations and budget decisions could still raise average tax bills.

Why it matters: The council’s decision fixes the city’s tax classification for fiscal 2025, adjusts how the city spreads the tax burden between residential and commercial property, and draws on reserves to address a budget shortfall instead of raising the levy further. Councilors repeatedly said the result is painful for residents but reflected difficult trade-offs: higher property values combined with a modest levy increase will raise many homeowners’ bills.

The council also directed administration to pursue options to ease the burden on residents in future budgets, including reviewing retirement funding schedules and exploring neighborhood-targeted relief.

Votes at a glance (selected):
- Item 51 — Transfer $927,778 from general stabilization to capital stabilization: adopted (vote recorded by roll call: 11 yes, 1 no).
- Item 52 — Subsidy to sewer budget (funding mix described on the floor): adopted (unanimous roll call).
- Item 53 — Set FY25 tax classification shift (final adopted shift 1.75): adopted (unanimous roll call).

Ending: The measures adopted on Dec. 17 close the immediate budget gap for FY25 and set the classification the city will use when bills are calculated and mailed. Councilors said the meeting highlighted the need for earlier and clearer financial timelines going into the next budget cycle.","The Holyoke City Council voted Dec. 17 to adopt a 1.75 tax classification shift for fiscal 2025 and approved transfers including a $927,778 move from the general stabilization fund to capital stabilization and a sewer budget subsidy. Council debate focused on timing, use of stabilization funds and bond counsel advice.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council approves naming new Elmwood middle school for Dr. William R. Peck

Council grants one-year extension for 876 Grow Inc. cultivation permit, conditions remain in place

Council approves $42,500 transfer to fund police-chief incentive ahead of new chief’s start

Council splits over use of remaining $2 million in ARPA; amendment to request portion for tax relief or city projects passes 8–4

Holyoke council adopts 1.75 tax classification shift, approves stabilization and sewer transfers to balance budget