Although I respect the give-and-take of collective bargaining, and I recognize the right of workers to strike, as Mayor I am deeply disappointed and distressed by the PVTA drivers and mechanics’ refusal to meet and negotiate in good faith to avert a work stoppage. In Holyoke and throughout the Pioneer Valley, our most vulnerable citizens … Continued
HOLYOKE — The City of Holyoke invites interested residents of Ward 1 and Ward 4 to apply for interim appointment to the Ward 1 and Ward 4 School Committee seats. The two elected School Committee representatives for those wards have resigned from the board. Gustavo Romero of Ward 1, noted in his resignation letter to … Continued
After five months of discussions, research, and planning, members of the Holyoke School Committee on Monday, August 19, voted unanimously to adopt a Capacity Building Plan as the next step towards ending receivership in the district. The Capacity Building Plan spells out concrete steps and timelines to ensure the district’s elected board is well prepared … Continued
HOLYOKE — On Monday, August 19, Holyoke’s Local Control Subcommittee will present to the full School Committee and the public its plan that consists of trainings and professional development requirements in order to regain local control of Holyoke’s Public Schools. Implementation of the capacity building plan will begin during the 2024-25 school year. The presentation … Continued
HOLYOKE — Mayor Joshua A. Garcia is contracting with a public policy consultant to help Holyoke initiate a formal Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) policy. “Because we are a compassionate City, we are home to an exceptionally large number of tax-exempt nonprofits that offer a range of services to vulnerable populations,” Garcia said. “Along … Continued
HOLYOKE – The Search Committee tasked with evaluating candidates for the position of police chief and then forwarding their recommendations to the Mayor will hold a public listening session at Holyoke Media on Tuesday, August 27, from 5 to 7 p.m. Police Chief David Pratt announced his retirement on May 3. After 31 years of … Continued
HOLYOKE – The City’s Board of Public Works on Monday, July 29, voted 2-1 to ask Mayor Joshua A. Garcia to invite proposals from companies interested in taking charge of Holyoke’s wastewater treatment services. The existing 20-year contract expires September 29, 2025. The City has never switched contractors since its initial contract with Aquarion Water … Continued
La ciudad de Holyoke llevará a cabo una búsqueda para el próximo Jefe de Policía de Holyoke. Nos gustaría escuchar a la comunidad de Holyoke sobre lo que ellos piensan que es importante que el próximo Jefe de Policía se enfoque y las cualidades que el próximo Jefe de Policía debe poseer. Por favor, complete … Continued
The City of Holyoke will be conducting a search for Holyoke’s next Chief of Police. We would like to hear from the Holyoke community on what they think is important for the next Chief of Police to focus on and the qualities the next Chief of Police should possess. Please complete this survey by Friday, August … Continued
On Tuesday, June 11, the City Council convened to review and vote on the Mayor’s proposed FY25 budget (click to review budget). Watch the full City Council meeting here. In this phase of the budget process, the City Council can cut but can not add to the budget. The council made $62,290 worth of cuts which includes: … Continued
