Committee closes public hearing on group-home notices; asks law to draft notification language for council

The committee closed a public hearing on proposals to require notice to the City Council when group homes or other uses seek to operate in Holyoke and requested the law department draft legal language for council consideration.

The order before the committee sought a process to notify councilors when group homes or similar uses apply so the council is not ``blindsided'' by applications that do not trigger normal zoning notice. Attorney Bissonnette told the committee that a notice or special-permit-style process could provide public awareness while staying within state law. He recommended language that would require departments to notify the council and to confirm a proposed use meets all applicable building, fire and health codes before an occupancy permit is issued.

The committee heard public comment during the hearing; a member of the public identified as Derek Bridal spoke during the comment period and used a racial slur. The committee chair closed public comment, and members reiterated that while the council cannot lawfully prohibit group homes due to state licensing and anti-discrimination rules, the council can require notification and seek assurances that state density rules and other applicable requirements are met.

Committee members voted to close the hearing and asked the law department to place Attorney Bissonnette's proposed notice language in ordinance form for the next full council meeting. The committee also agreed that the broader item on notice for changes in building use should be handled through the same draft language.