[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-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],{"_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",6538698,"mediaKeyId","3801371-62d43cb0c23ef493427c995e21868101","parentId",3801371,"title","Mayor's budget omits HRA development specialist; economic development clerk role to be cut June 30","audioSeconds",0,"startMs",19000,"endMs",19280,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3801371-62d43cb0c23ef493427c995e21868101&start=19&end=19","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3801371-62d43cb0c23ef493427c995e21868101/thumbnail_19000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6538698/Holyoke-City/Hampden-County/Massachusetts/Mayors-budget-omits-HRA-development-specialist-economic-development-clerk-role-to-be-cut-June-30","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6538698-7f5144be87a1cc0a101375c01edb7a54/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448085&Signature=FuUPwsT~HTAQJOoKcRQSeI8uMrJsZDXoa4yCWl9zqWlaigIg1E4PN-W7RHBi7UnWwT5eSHC7bMozU4JFxLDxieB4R83ujIbKvgJ8l8acZ~OA9a~YQ9UcryXEFkSKjbkzBpK9fxMEL-0WtcDBRuhJeKeIINa0VFpl0onl-O0slbWwT0D1NhYmWycrdPPMS09jrX6~kfonYuYcrMrEK9SAREKkH9j2lRHF25M-mQe-ZM~-C6UVyU25TifrOkryadrC4-Yf4qO7oL0Up9vYPoDESZwN~bV1OGwsh7LIEaWqVIicI79xVgmAE3Kc6GSCesG4sK0MSJowi2AuLEylF2Koug__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Holyoke City, MA","date","2025-05-21T00:00:00Z","article","HRA staff told the authority that the mayor's recent budget submission did not include funding for a proposed development specialist position and that an economic development clerk in the office will be laid off effective June 30 at the end of the fiscal year.

Staff said no reason was provided in the budget materials and that the clerk (identified in the meeting as Kim) will be separated from her current municipal role on June 30. The mayor's office reportedly offered the affected employee a potential alternative position in Parks and Recreation but no firm placement was specified in the meeting record.

Why it matters: HRA staff said the missing development specialist and the pending layoff reduce the authority's internal capacity to move projects forward and may increase reliance on other city or quasi-public partners for day-to-day project management and economic-development tasks.

HRA response and options: members discussed the possibility of the HRA or related entities (HEDIC or other partners) supporting some position costs, noting precedent for shared staffing. Staff said any proposed split or joint funding would require further analysis of the HRA's finances and priorities and that the board would discuss options in upcoming meetings.

Ending: HRA staff said they will prepare proposals and budget scenarios for board consideration in June and will coordinate next steps with city personnel and legal as appropriate.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Holyoke Redevelopment Authority 5/21/2025","oneSentenceSummary","HRA staff reported the mayor's budget did not fund a requested development specialist position and that an economic development clerk in the office will be laid off at the end of the fiscal year; the HRA said it will consider internal staffing options and potential shared arrangements with related agencies.","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},6538703,"HRA reports progress on South Holyoke Homes, Glen Development and phase-two planning",540,900000,1440000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3801371-62d43cb0c23ef493427c995e21868101&start=900&end=1440","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3801371-62d43cb0c23ef493427c995e21868101/thumbnail_900000.jpg","/articles/6538703/Holyoke-City/Hampden-County/Massachusetts/HRA-reports-progress-on-South-Holyoke-Homes-Glen-Development-and-phase-two-planning","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6538703-3b3947640495e84018e688e92f8a6474/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448085&Signature=OT0TlkPPPnkmWr7NLnMmbXQsy-6qTitD9P7DL7Jy2pKeRTV1iKYmCwgUEt2CO5UdBP6ZjoaEabp0MsnrwJyKfBx~EnNpj2Ejo1aNPBCfyN23MKBgs1AiGJAhOkIxTJDG4Ox5NgjiVjfXyTOT20ntVwiPkUJsUeTrBSchn6J3b~W93x779tAG3AvvqNJSrPWxyxIaBy8iijc1bEaXd3TIIW~HovBrSckbyC5eOsXOg7pjQnRIchqkNRz5VtIG96j4AhZjOOlkYyy2eD68NM7iMajRi0gqVhUarEE0Hg4C8VPFE44R-L6UPJXIp1QnlwQ-Z0xcUviW9D4lczh7wJK~MQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","HRA staff updated the board on construction and occupancy milestones for South Holyoke Homes and Glen Development and discussed next steps and potential funding for phase-two site work and demolition.

South Holyoke Homes: staff said the authority's property transfers tied to South Holyoke Homes are complete and that the developer is accepting homeownership applications and starting occupancy processes. Phase 3 reviews were described as underway and staff said homes on the train-and-church lots now have two completed units.

Glen Development (Allison Street): staff reported that Glen Development conducted a lottery for an 86-unit development that received just over 200 applications; selected applicants are being verified for income eligibility and alternate applicants will be kept on a waiting list. Negotiations with the railroad over site access continue; staff said the railroad appears to favor a long-term lease over a sale and discussions remain ongoing.

Phase 2 site work and demolition: HRA staff said Twin (project partner) is refining environmental work for Buildings 1 and 2 and that the authority may be asked to help cover funding shortfalls for site work or demolition depending on final estimates. Staff prepared an ARPA application for demolition and noted $1.5 million in ARPA-related interest funds were available; the mayor is considering a $200,000 allocation toward demolition if other confirmations arrive by October, with a possible $400,000 ask if not.

Brownfields and funding: staff said the developer is evaluating a MassDevelopment brownfields grant to support remediation and site work. The HRA noted it may return to the board if phase-two funding gaps emerge.

Other notes: staff mentioned a local appearance—South Holyoke Homes featured on a regional program—and confirmed the project has begun accepting applications for homeownership.

Ending: staff will continue biweekly coordination calls with project partners, refine environmental and demolition estimates for phase two, and report back to the HRA if funding requests or gaps require board action.","Staff reported property transfers complete for South Holyoke Homes homeownership phases, lottery activity for Glen Development units, and ongoing planning and funding discussions for phase two demolition and site work, including ARPA and potential brownfields funds.",{"_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},6538708,"HRA discusses Beyond Walls lot activation on High Street; raises questions about agreement party and fund flow",2,9050,11340,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3801371-62d43cb0c23ef493427c995e21868101&start=9&end=11","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3801371-62d43cb0c23ef493427c995e21868101/thumbnail_9050.jpg","/articles/6538708/Holyoke-City/Hampden-County/Massachusetts/HRA-discusses-Beyond-Walls-lot-activation-on-High-Street-raises-questions-about-agreement-party-and-fund-flow","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6538708-d748665107112e6549a05a0134932801/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448085&Signature=ZFEcDL654CdL6KsP0rPIZ~Zy1Wu-aXJ3EgkeZP7mO75M-NJZN~JGRwJVgnmaUFjlYWNMvUHvmm~UPVLDWDm2y3u0Ka9Co7Q6BVw80ysPMtQGNXJZtPwHZ6v7ZYEef98elh5g1ER-w3mKnJvSBCpbyJDIWMrb58kwnGr-T5tYBQLjrxwu-NDDu2ZpSKJlCA~jmqlHvPceyYTNfdTopoyucCWadHbAXbj91WIVxFuKQmL9MxUeks5rM16pq675wFiJq2pC58mDcWAmZ87EDaEbl7tc55ppjTVSMzbXR-MnoDHrkckk-25W2dKOdJJZnoyLIB5asM3oJnBN1u-q5KaA2Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Holyoke Redevelopment Authority reviewed a draft activation and management agreement with Beyond Walls to operate a publicly accessible lot on High Street and asked staff to clarify which municipal entity must sign and control grant proceeds.

The lot-activation plan covers the block between Race and Main Streets and includes programming, public art installations, seating, and a rentable events setup. Beyond Walls is supplying conex containers, public-art installations and a program that includes a June 14 community paint event. The project has secured funds from MassDevelopment and a MassGaming mitigation grant; staff said the mitigation funds were routed through the City of Holyoke rather than through the HRA.

Operational arrangements: staff and partners described a two-year use agreement with a hired lot manager who will manage daily operations and rental requests and a contracted maintenance provider for site upkeep. HRA staff said the lot manager (hired through Mass in Motion funding) will check in on a schedule, manage reservations, and coordinate with Tony Whitman, the contracted maintenance contractor. Conex boxes on-site will store rentable equipment (sound system, stage pieces, games) and access codes/keys will be issued to renters; porta-potties will be opened only for events.

Key concerns raised by board members: several members asked that references in the draft agreement to the \"City of Holyoke\" be corrected or clarified if the city is not a party. They also sought clarity on which organization will control and disburse grant funds (the transcript records that the mitigation grant funds were received by the City, not the HRA). Members asked staff to revisit sections naming municipal responsibilities and to clean up references to partner organizations (for example, to ensure Mass in Motion and other program partners are correctly identified). Staff said legal reviewed the draft but recommended outside counsel if the city were to sign as a party.

Community programming and partnerships: Beyond Walls and partners plan weekly programming through the summer (Monday-night events noted), artist-painted conex murals, and collaboration with nearby Lighthouse School students on site furniture (benches and picnic tables). The site is part of the Puerto Rican Cultural District and will include signage acknowledging funders and usage rules.

Next steps: staff will redraft the agreement to clarify the correct parties, specify who controls grant funds, and return to the HRA for review. The board requested a further meeting to approve a revised agreement once legal and finance clarifications are incorporated.

Ending: the board did not vote on the agreement at the meeting; staff will circulate a cleaned, redrafted agreement and seek input from the city legal and finance offices before bringing the item back for formal approval.","The HRA reviewed a proposed activation/management agreement with Beyond Walls for a High Street lot, clarified roles of a lot manager and maintenance contractor, and flagged that some grant funds flow to the City rather than the HRA — prompting edits to the agreement and a plan for further review.",{"_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},6538713,"Holyoke Redevelopment Authority authorizes deposit placement agreement with Peoples Bank",320,500000,820000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3801371-62d43cb0c23ef493427c995e21868101&start=500&end=820","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3801371-62d43cb0c23ef493427c995e21868101/thumbnail_500000.jpg","/articles/6538713/Holyoke-City/Hampden-County/Massachusetts/Holyoke-Redevelopment-Authority-authorizes-deposit-placement-agreement-with-Peoples-Bank","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6538713-fe46afcc85aa0b9f8bdf1dad6262792f/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448085&Signature=OOdZZllukPGYbYlN24eZ00ACa9zz0-4OJJQR1887KJr3566kgewhUCG4MBJLlvFErwGajBy0jbhMG2SdsNtL8YEMdKiZx6JVA4ETjx-CV4eP~veX3sPyGlPMKR4hRH2jFtpWF6ogVuk14EsmALcqD01K-xFAaOSk0TOShmVXYIGiBPkhnFm51rE6wNOkr6-oxZdRjyFERO4H8E3iF3uJAIwfrpfq6-bFjLHOLQ8pvE8cb7q8HwWCgdcfEvRd9toEaNxn6EtYZxhhSfie0cyoqsULV8MeSU1Cz4TvOAp6ABMKp8x6uugLGUixpZw2MzfjCBK-QTPn~VPycM9GG7nLBQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Holyoke Redevelopment Authority voted to authorize execution of a deposit placement agreement proposed by Peoples Bank that would enroll HRA funds in the bank’s program to spread deposits across partner institutions for insurance coverage above standard limits.

Board members said the program would cover HRA funds in excess of federal insurance limits and the state-linked Deposit Insurance Fund (DIF) model that some regional banks use. HRA staff told members Peoples Bank will continue insuring deposits for customers through July 31, 2025, and is offering an option—at no immediate cost to customers—to place amounts above typical insured limits across multiple banks through a third-party placement service.

Why it matters: the HRA holds operating and project cash that can exceed federal insurance thresholds; without an arrangement HRA deposits above $250,000 would become uninsured when Peoples removes itself from its prior private-insurance arrangement. Board members said they sought a clear understanding of operational details—where swept funds are held, access to funds, and whether Peoples would pass placement costs to customers in the future.

What the agreement does: according to materials provided to the HRA, Peoples Bank’s placement service sweeps amounts above the insured threshold into partner banks so that each account remains under the standard insurance cap at each receiving institution. Staff said account holders can view daily placements through an online control panel and will retain access to funds as if the money remained in Peoples.

Board concerns and review steps: members asked staff and counsel to confirm the final terms before binding the authority. Staff said the HRA’s signature would be conditioned on review by counsel and the city’s OPEB/pension staff and that the HRA remains free to move cash among other banks if it prefers independent coverage.

Formal action and vote: an HRA member moved to authorize the chair to execute the deposit placement agreement proposed by Peoples Bank, subject to review by counsel and OPEB staff and to any material changes required. On a roll call the motion passed with three recorded yes votes: Carl (listed in the roll call as Carl [Leager/Eager]), Thomas (listed in roll call), and Patrick (listed in roll call). The mover and seconder were not specified on the public transcript; the authorization was recorded as approved.

Details to watch: board members noted Peoples pays a placement fee (staff said roughly 10 basis points to Peoples) that may be internalized by the bank and could affect future interest credited to customers. Members said they would continue to monitor which partner banks receive swept funds to avoid concentration risk with institutions where the HRA might also hold direct accounts.

Ending: staff will circulate the formal agreement and supporting documents to the board and to counsel for review; the HRA’s authorization was recorded as conditional on counsel and OPEB review and any required material changes.","The HRA voted to authorize execution of a deposit placement agreement with Peoples Bank, allowing the bank to move authority deposits into a program that spreads excess amounts across multiple banks for additional coverage; the vote was taken subject to counsel and pension/OPEB review.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Mayor's budget omits HRA development specialist; economic development clerk role to be cut June 30

HRA reports progress on South Holyoke Homes, Glen Development and phase-two planning

HRA discusses Beyond Walls lot activation on High Street; raises questions about agreement party and fund flow

Holyoke Redevelopment Authority authorizes deposit placement agreement with Peoples Bank