The CDBG Program funds all sorts of activities in Holyoke.  Here’s a summary of recent CDBG funded activities- both completed and in progress.

CDBG-funded activities completed in the last three months include:

 

Remediation of the former National Guard Firing Range on Mountain Road:

A historically contaminated site, CDBG funds were used to remove contaminated soils and restore this parcel to its natural beauty.

 

Vista Pruning at McNulty Park, Lincoln Street:

Once a beautiful overlook of Log Pond Cove, the Connecticut River, and Mt Holyoke Range, this park suffered from years of neglect.  The tree canopy had not been properly pruned and the beautiful views had been lost.  In the skillful hands of Cotton Tree Service in partnership with the City of Holyoke Conservation Commission and the Parks and Recreation Commission, the panoramic views have been restored.  A grand re-opening will be held in the spring.

 

Demolition of 569 South Bridge Street:

A long-time priority of the Problem Property Group, this vacant collapsed property had been a nuisance to the neighborhood; however, it was demolished and the lot cleared with a partnership between the Building Department and the Department of Public Works.

   

 

Demolition of the former Springdale Park Bathhouse/Maintenance Garage:

An eyesore at Springdale Park, the former maintenance garage was demolished by City staff.

  

Center City Pedestrian Plaza:

A priority of Mayor Morse, this project provides an open-air plaza for downtown residents and public event space.  The design was completed by Milone and MacBroom and site contractor was Mass-West Construction.

 

Veterans Park Monument:

To honor Holyoke’s three Medal of Honor recipients, a granite monument was placed in Veterans Park.  The project has been a collaboration between the Parks and Recreation Department, Veterans Department and the Historical Commission.

                  

 

Demolition Along Main Street:

The City demolished 285 Main Street (the former El Tropical Building) and 405 Main Street.  The demolition contractor for both properties was American Environmental.

Rental Neighborhood Improvement Program

Provides low-interest loans to multi-family property improvements to provide quality housing in the City.

 

292-294 Pine Street

Before

 

      

After

      

 

 

Over the winter, municipal departments have been busy coordinating spring projects.  This spring construction season, the following CDBG-funded activities will be launched:

 

Ely Park:

A new basketball court and park amenities will be installed.  The City has contracted with Berkshire Design Group to assist with the park design, public outreach, and bid documents. Mass-West Construction was selected for the job.

   

 

Carlos Vega Park:

The City has several dominoes/games tables to be installed in the park.  Local game leagues will have the opportunity to host outdoor dominoes tournaments. Mass-West Construction was selected for the job.

Pulaski Park:

New benches and an outdoor fitness equipment circuit for teens and adults.  The outdoor fitness equipment features several weather-resistant exercise machines including an exercise bicycle and parallel bars installed with specialty surfacing.  Mass-West Construction was selected for the job.

Soucy Park:

The City installed a new play structure and child-sized table and benches and painted a mural on the former handball wall at Soucy Park near the intersection of Main and Cabot Streets.

Valley Arena Park:

A new basketball court and park amenities will be installed. Mt. View Landscaping was selected for the job.

Sidewalks:

Nearly $150,000 of new sidewalks will be installed in CDBG-eligible residential neighborhoods. Varandas and Sons Construction was selected for the job.

270 Pine Street:

Habitat for Humanity was awarded HOME funds to build a house for a first-time homebuyer.

 

Demolition of 28 Cabot:

The City demolished 28 Cabot Street.