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New Events:
Ward 5 Update February/March 2025
Hi Everyone and have a Happy Saint Patrick's Day!
1) Pot Hole Season is Upon Us:
If you have contacted me about a specific street, I have followed up with DPW and I understand they have filled potholes. You can reach out to DPW or to me for specific areas of need as there are many throughout our city this year.
2) Water Rates:
I stand corrected as of today March 19th! Sorry for the old information.
The current mimimum rate is $62.09 for 0-10,000 gallons
The current rate for 10,000 gal and above is $6.21 per 1,000 gallons
The rate information is available at the center of your water bill.
3) Transition to Appointed Treasurer:
The Charter & Rules Committee and Ordinance Committee will meet jointly in April to make changes following the special election.
4) Schermerhorn's project:
It is great to see the progress being made to update and rebuild this longstanding Holyoke business here in Ward 5!
5) Lithium Battery project in Westfield MA:
The City of Westfield has been opposed to this huge (219 units) battery project planned to be located close to the Barnes Aquifer. One big concern is that of toxic fumes should a fire break out. Lithium fires are severe and records show a number of fires that had not been anticipated when the storage systems were located without considering the impact of a potential fire. Mayor Garcia is aware of this project and that officials from Westfield may be reaching out to surrounding communities that would be affected, including Holyoke.
Please call, text or email ([email protected]) any questions or concerns
Thank You,
Your Ward 5 City Councilor
Linda Vacon
210-6077
Recent Events:
Ward 5 Update January 2025
Hi Everyone: I hope you have a great 2025!
PLEASE REMEMBER TO VOTE ON TUESDAY JANUARY 28TH!
1) Special Election - January 28th:
Treasurer question on the ballot: Should the Treasurer be appointed?
A special vote will take place. Voters will decide if we move to a Treasurer appointed by the City Council or keep the position elected. A yes vote will change it to appointed.
In-person voting will only take place on January 28th.
2) We welcomed our new Police Chief Brian Keenan in a well-attended swearing in ceremony.
He gave a great speech. We look forward to his leadership for improved quality of life on matters such as speeding, crimes of disorder and street level drug dealing. He noted some of the biggest problems are drug issues, gun violence, prostitution and domestic violence and promised to hold community meetings in every neighborhood.
3) Please Slow Down project:
I offered "Please Slow Down" signs as part of my Ward 5 Safety Project. They have been distributed to those who requested them. I have one more left if someone wants it where drivers are speeding.
4) Please Be Careful at the traffic light at Apremont Hwy and Westfield Rd
(Rt 202)!
It has been reported drivers are running the red light as they are proceeding toward Westfield!
Thank You,
Your Ward 5 City Councilor
Linda Vacon
210-6077
Past Events:
CITIZEN'S FORUM
Meet with Linda at Dino's Pizza, Homestead Ave.
Monday, Dec. 16, 2024
5:30 p.m.
Topics:
- City Council Updates-Budget-Treasurer Special Election-January 28th - Treasurer question on the ballot: Should the Treasurer be appointed?
- CPA ballot question - 66% in favor of reducing from 1.5% to 1%
- Tax rate to be set soon: Impact of budget
- Raised crosswalk update
- Update on schools from Jay Whelihan
- Questions, concerns & comments
- Other issues as requested - please email me so I can provide accurate information.
VIEW/PRINT Forum Minutes [PDF]
Ward 5 Update for November 2024
Hi Everyone: I hope you have a Happy Thanksgiving!
1) The CPA VOTE on the ballot Nov. 5, 2024, passed:
with 66% of voters approving the change to 1% from 1.5%. I hope my colleagues on the City Council will take note that our citizens are feeling over- taxed with the costs of basic living expenses increasing so much over the past few years.
I was happy to work with a number of other City Councilors for more than a year to protect your rights and ensure your right to vote. A big thank you also goes out to volunteers who worked to make sure voters' petitions were received! As your City Councilor I am here to represent you, rather than make decisions for you.
2) Homestead Avenue repaving:
from Fairmont Street to Westfield Road has been completed.
3) A schedule is not yet available for the removal of the raised crosswalks on Homestead Avenue. I will provide it when it is known.
4) Police Chief interview:
Finalist for Holyoke Police Chief
To Be Interviewed in Public Session:
Holyoke - The finalist for the position of Police Chief will be interviewed by Mayor Joshua A. Garcia in a public session on Thursday, December 5, at 4 p.m. The interview will be conducted in City Council Chambers at Holyoke City Hall, 536 Dwight Street. The interview will conclude a competitive selection process facilitated by Public Safety Consultants, LLC. together with an advisory search team.
Mayor Garcia invites residents to attend the December 5 interview in person. Residents who are unable to attend in person are welcome to join via Holyoke Media on cable Channel 15 and
streamed live at: boxcast.tv/channel/d0fbxuecgtqbfmbop6ax
Interviews will take place at Holyoke City Hall, 536 Dwight St, City Council Chambers and can also be accessed remotely via www.zoom.us
us02web.zoom.us/j/89333587055?pwd=cFQBVKK85wAOyDwvjXIGL68IXHxdPS.1
- Meeting ID: 893 3358 7055
- Meeting Passcode: 381900
- or by call in at 1 (646) 558-8656 with same Meeting ID and Passcode
Thank You,
Your Ward 5 City Councilor
Linda Vacon
210-6077
Ward 5 Update for October 2024
Hi Everyone: Happy Halloween!
1) Raised crosswalks:
This month, the City Council approved a public process before raised crosswalks are added in a neighborhood. All related departments and the public will have input before they are installed. This item was taken up at the Ordinance Committee meeting September 25th and will be taken up by the City Council on October 1st.
2) CPA VOTE will be on the ballot Nov. 5, 2024
See below Question #6, the last question on the ballot.
Your right to vote on this matter was protected by seven city councilors who ensured you could vote on this surtax. Some have asked for clarification of this question. Please review this information below: A "yes" vote approves a 1% rate (Currently the rate is 1.5%).
3) Homestead Avenue repaving info:
From Fairmont Street to Westfield Road
- Milling - Oct. 23rd to Oct. 24th
- Adjustment of Structures - Oct. 28 to Oct. 29th
- Paving - Nov. 4 to Nov. 5th
Thank You,
Your Ward 5 City Councilor
Linda Vacon
210-6077
Ward 5 Update for September 2024
Hi Everyone: Happy Fall season!
1) The traffic light at Apremont Hwy and Rt 202:
Final Update on this light! The trees on Westfield Road have now been trimmed back so the traffic light now visible for a much greater distance on the hill. This was completed after I filed an order to have them cut back due to safety concerns when the line of sight was very short.
2) Raised crosswalks in Ward 5- Update:
No update is available about the removal of the raised crosswalks on Homestead Ave. I will update you when I receive new information.
3) I have filed an order to include raised crosswalks along with speed humps in our city ordinances. This will create a public process before raised crosswalks are added so that all departments and the public can have input before they are installed. This item was taken up at the Ordinance Committee meeting September 25th and will be taken up by the City Council on October 1st.
4) CPA VOTE will be on the ballot Nov. 5, 2024 See below Question #6, the last question on the ballot. See Ballot question
Your right to vote on this matter was protected by seven city councilors who ensured you could vote on this surtax. Please review this information: A "yes" vote approves a 1% rate.
For more information on local issues and articles please visit my Facebook page
Linda Vacon Ward 5 City Councilor or website at lindavacon.org
Thank You,
Your Ward 5 City Councilor
Linda Vacon
210-6077
Ward 5 Update for August 2024
Hi Everyone: I hope you are enjoying your summer as we approach fall!
1) The traffic light at Apremont Hwy and Rt 202:
The trees on Westfield Road are to be trimmed back by DPW. The Director is aware that they are obstructing the light for drivers heading toward Holyoke from the Westfield area and on August 28th, he assured me they would take care of them.
2) Raised crosswalks in Ward 5- Update:
Due to safety concerns about the raised crosswalks recently installed on Homestead Ave that were communicated by residents and city officials after they were in place for a short while. This led to the determination that the crosswalks need to be returned to standard crosswalks with push button rectangular rapid flash beacons. Bids are anticipated to be received in early September to complete this work. There is no date set at this time.
3) I have filed an order to include raised crosswalks along with speed humps in our city ordinances. This will create a public process before raised crosswalks are added so that all departments and the public can have input before they are installed.
4) Streets for re-paving:
Due to delays with contracts and the bid process we have just been informed it is unlikely any streets will be repaved this year. Please see letter below from Mayor Garcia:
For more information on local issues and articles please visit my Facebook page
Linda Vacon Ward 5 City Councilor or website at lindavacon.org
Thank You,
Your Ward 5 City Councilor
Linda Vacon
210-6077
Ward 5 Update for July 2024
Hi Everyone: I hope you are enjoying your summer!
1) The traffic light at Apremont Hwy and Rt 202 is OPERATIONAL as of Friday 7/26/24!
BE CAREFUL as drivers are becoming accustomed to the change!
The trees on Westfield Road are to be trimmed back by DPW. The Director is aware that they are obstructing the light for drivers heading toward Holyoke from the Westfield area.
2) Raised crosswalks in Ward 5 - Update
Raised crosswalks were installed recently in a variety of areas in Ward 5 due to recommendations made by previous Holyoke engineers. Most of these have increased safety and have been welcomed by residents in neighborhoods.
Safety concerns about the raised crosswalks recently installed on Homestead Ave were communicated by residents and city officials after they were in place for a short while. This let to an evaluation of all recently installed raised crosswalks by our current contracted engineer. As a result of this review, I received the following letter-please see below:
Councilor Vacon -
Thank you for speaking with me yesterday about the raised crosswalks recently installed on Homestead Avenue. As discussed, Homestead Ave. is not an ideal candidate street for raised crosswalks or speed humps given its roadway classification, speed, and daily traffic. While the history of these crosswalks predates both me and DPW Director, Carl Rossi, we can only presume that the residential surroundings and proximity to McMahon School factored into the decision to make an exception to standard practice and proceed with their installation.
Since their installation, the raised nature of these crosswalks has raised concern amongst residents and City staff and, as such, the City has determined that replacing these crosswalks with standard crosswalks to remain accompanied by push-button rectangular rapid flash beacons (RRFBs) is appropriate at this time. We understand that this countermeasure will be met with mixed reviews from the public although we are hopeful that most people will understand that both the original installation and replacement was driven by the desire to increase safety for all.
As you know, temporary "Raised Crosswalk" signs have recently been placed in the area and these will remain in place until the replacement is completed. The Contractor is currently on vacation and we will know more about the schedule for replacement next week.
Thank you and please let me know if you have any further questions.
Victoria Houle, P.E.
Interim City Engineer
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3) I have filed an order to include raised crosswalks along with speed humps in our city ordinances. This will create a public process before raised crosswalks are added so that all departments and the public can have input before they are installed.
4) Streets for re-paving: I will post updates when I receive them.
Dupuis Road
Homestead Ave (NORTH section) from Fairmont Street to Westfield Road
5) Keep it Clean initiative:
I was able to participate in this cleanup effort on July 27th. These happen once each month with the City Flex Squad and volunteers. The next one will happen on August 24th for any one interested in volunteering. The contact person is Nayroby Rosa, Director of Community Engagement at One Holyoke-413-533-7101-main office.
For more information on local issues and articles please visit my Facebook page
Linda Vacon Ward 5 City Councilor or website at lindavacon.org
Thank You,
Your Ward 5 City Councilor
Linda Vacon
210-6077
Ward 5 Update for June 2024
Hi Everyone: I hope you are enjoying your summer!
1) Installation of traffic light at Apremont Hwy and Rt 202 Update:
I have been informed by Carl Rossi, Director of Public Works, that the lines will be painted, the trees cut back and the light will be fully operational next week (week of July 1st).
2) Budget:
The budget was finalized this month and represents a 5% increase again this year. That along with increased valuations of homes will result in an increased tax bill for Holyoke taxpayers. Those of us who supported 1M in cuts to the budget were defeated on most votes this year. Only three small cuts were made to the budget.
3) Ballot Questions for November 5th 2024:
A. CPA ballot question to change the CPA surtax to 1% from 1.5% will be on the ballot on November 5th. in the Finance Committee once again. If you vote YES, the rate will become 1%. With the costs of everything increasing and home values increasing over 10%, this is one opportunity to have a say on what you are paying in the tax surcharge.
B. A binding question to change Treasurer from elected position to appointed position will be a special ballot question on November 5th. If you vote yes, the position will be appointed instead of elected.
4) Orders filed in response to citizen concerns:
- 64. Vacon- ORDER: That the law department issue a compliance letter to JB Hunt company regarding the need to comply with the truck restriction hours on Homestead Avenue.
- 65. Vacon- ORDER: That lights be added to the STOP sign (and a larger stop sign be placed) at the Keyes & County Rd. intersection to increase visibility. There have been accidents at the Keyes/County and (Whiteloaf/Southampton) intersection.
- 66. Vacon- ORDER: Please clear the obstructed traffic signs on County Rd (intersection sign) and Westfield Rd (going toward Holyoke). They are overgrown by tree branches and constituents are requesting they be cut back.
- 67. Vacon- ORDER: That temporary speed humps be place on Apremont Highway near Dupuis to help slow traffic. Constituents have requested traffic calming in the area.
- 68. Vacon- ORDER: Please cut back brush on Lower Westfield Rd next to the union building. This is a constituent request. Sent from my iPhone 69. Vacon- The City of Holyoke amend Zoning Ordinance section 4.3(A)(8) to require a special permit prior to granting permission for this use in all residential districts in the City of Holyoke and no longer allow the use as of right; the special permit is to be issued by the City Council or the Planning Board only after a public hearing.
- 69. Vacon- ORDER: The City of Holyoke amend Zoning Ordinance section 4.3(A)(8) to require a special permit prior to granting permission for this use in all residential districts in the City of Holyoke and no longer allow the use as of right; the special permit is to be issued by the City Council or the Planning Board only after a public hearing.-this order was sent to the Planning Board to hold a public hearing and make a recommendation to the City Council.
- 82. Vacon- ORDER: Trim the low branches on two city trees across from #88 Meadowbrook Rd. The low branches are hitting vehicles and causing drivers to move into the wrong lane.
- 61. Vacon- ORDER: That the sunken manhole cover near 292 Westfield Rd be repaired. Refer to Veolia & DPW
- 62. Vacon- ORDER: That a temporary speed hump also be placed at the top of Apremont on the hill going toward Rock Valley Rd.
For more information on local issues and articles please visit my Facebook page
Linda Vacon Ward 5 City Councilor or website at lindavacon.org
Your Ward 5 City Councilor
Linda Vacon
210-6077
CITIZEN'S FORUM
Meet with Linda at Dino's Pizza, Homestead Ave.
Monday, May 20, 2024
5:00 p.m.
Topics:
- City Council Updates-Budget-Treasurer question
- Traffic Light at Apremont & Westfield Rd
- CPA ballot question
- PVTA meeting 5/22/24
- Questions, concerns & comments
- Other issues as requested - please email me so I can provide accurate information.
VIEW/PRINT Forum Minutes [PDF]
Holyoke to offer "how-to" presentation On obtaining Certificate of Inspection
HOLYOKE - The City's Building Department on Thursday,May 23, at 6 p.m. will give a presentation on the steps required to obtain a Certificate of Inspection. The presentation - a short tutorial followed by Q&A - will be held at Holyoke Media on Suffolk Street.
Though open to the public, the one-hour session is designed for owners, property managers, and landlords of all multi-unit buildings with 3 or more units.
Over the past several months, the Holyoke Building Department has sent out over 500 letters to property owners who do not possess a current Certificate of Inspection, as required in the state building code. Most recently, letters have gone out to hundreds of owners of 3-family buildings. For most of these owners, that notification was the first they had heard of such a requirement.
The code stipulates that it is up to the property owner to apply for and obtain this certificate. The letter advises that there is a fine for non-compliance. The letters were sent as a courtesy to the property owners to remind them of the requirement. The May 23 presentation is intended to guide as many property owners as possible of the necessary steps to come into compliance and avoid penalties.
Information: Holyoke Building Department, 413-322-5600.
Ward 5 Update for April 2024
Ward 5 Update for April 2024
Hi Everyone:
1) Installation of traffic light at Apremont Hwy and Rt 202:
As of this writing, I have no further update and we continue to wait for the installation of the mast arm for this traffic light. It is due before the end of June 2024.
2) Ward 5 Spring Clean Up:
One Holyoke helped out by placing Rt, 202 Westfield Road from Westfield line to the top of Apremont on their project list for a cleanup. The Sheriff Dept. may have been asked to assist as this is a very dangerous area with the two lanes and high speeds of traffic. I am happy to report that the clean- up happened this month and it has made a huge difference and been noticed by many!
3) CPA Surtax Petition for Ballot Question on November 5, 2024: Public meeting May 7th at 7PM
A petition signed by more than 130 registered voters calling for the reduction of the CPA surtax to 1% from 1.5% to be placed on the November ballot was received at the last City Council meeting. The meeting called for and required in our City Charter is scheduled for May 7th at 7PM. This matter has been before the City Council for two years and it requires seven votes at City Council to move it on to the ballot. Mayor Garcia has indicated he will not veto the ballot question this time when/if the City Council passes it.
Because the CPA was originally placed on the ballot by the City Council, the City Council must approve of the ballot question in order for citizens to vote on this tax issue. 7 City Councilors have blocked the voters' ability to vote on this tax surcharge. If you believe city councilors should support your right to vote on this tax, please call the following Councilors, below, who have voted No on your ability to have this question on the ballot so far:
- Tessa Murphy-Romboletti 519-0564
- Jenny Rivera 539-3377
- Kocayne Givner 650-2979
- Juan Anderson-Burgos 561-561-5454
- Meg Magrath Smith 535-7500
- Israel Rivera 552-9350
Please let them know you want the ballot question to be voted on this November 5th.
Patti Devine recently sent an email indicating she will now vote to put the reduction of CPA to 1% from 1.5% on the ballot
On May 7th you can attend in person or on zoom if you wish to speak at this public meeting regarding your right to vote on the CPA surtax.
For more information on local issues and articles please visit my Facebook page
Linda Vacon Ward 5 City Councilor or website at lindavacon.org
Thank You,
Your Ward 5 City Councilor
Linda Vacon
210-6077
Ward 5 Update for March/April 2024
Hi Everyone: I hope you are doing well!
1) Installation of traffic light at Apremont Hwy and Rt 202:
As of this writing, we continue to wait for the installation of the mast arm for this traffic light. It is due before the end of June 2024.
The contractor is having a new mast arm manufactured that will fit on the already constructed base.
2) Ward 5 Spring Clean Up:
In late April, One Holyoke has placed Rt, 202 Westfield Road from Westfield line to the top of Apremont on their project list for a cleanup. The Sheriff Dept. may be asked to assist as this is a very dangerous area with the two lanes and high speeds of traffic.
3) Possible Ballot Question topics for November 2024:
A. CPA ballot question to change the CPA surtax to 1% from 1.5% is in the Finance Committee once again. It is expected to be taken up in April. It requires seven votes at City Council to move it on to the ballot. Last year it was approved and the Mayor vetoed it. Mayor Garcia has indicated he will allow it on the ballot this year when/if the City Council passes it. Because the CPA was originally placed on the ballot by the City Council, the City Council must approve of the ballot question in order for citizens to vote on this tax issue. 7 City Councilors continue to block the voters ability to vote on this tax surcharge.
B. To change Treasurer from elected position to appointed position will be debated at the next City Council meeting on April 2nd. A point of discussion is who will have the appointing authority. A stated goal is to merge the Treasurer position with City Collector, currently appointed by the City Council, so it makes sense to make the Treasurer appointment by the City Council. Others argue that the Mayor should appoint the Treasurer. City Council has already delegated day to day supervision and coordination of financial departments to the Mayor and our Charter indicates the Mayor is the top Financial executive for our city. I support the change from an elected to appointed Treasurer due to a long history of unresolved issues with that office. I support the appointment to be made by the City Council to ensure a balance of power between the executive and legislative branches of our local government.
For more information on local issues and articles please visit my Facebook page
Linda Vacon Ward 5 City Councilor or website at lindavacon.org
Thank You,
Your Ward 5 City Councilor
Linda Vacon
210-6077
CITIZEN'S FORUM
Dino's, Homestead Ave.
Monday, February 12, 2024
5:30 p.m.
Topics:
- City Council Updates
- Pending projects in Ward 5
- Questions, concerns & comments
- Other issues as requested-please email me so I can provide accurate information.
VIEW/PRINT Forum Minutes [PDF]
Ward 5 Update for January 2024
Hi Everyone: I hope 2024 is going OK for you so far.
1) Installation of traffic light at Apremont Hwy and Rt 202:
The contractor is now having a new mast arm manufactured that will fit on the already constructed base. This change will result in a delay for completion of the installation possibly as late as the end of June. It has been reported to me that this will not result in any additional cost to the city.
2) Gloutak Park:
Constituents have asked about upgrades to the playscape at Gloutak Park and I reached out to our Parks and Rec Director. The park has been evaluated and some painting of the pillars and benches will be completed in the spring, but the play scape has been found to be safe and sound for use at this time, so is not eligible for a full replacement. There will be consideration of possible additions to the playscape.
3) Ward 5 Clean Up:
A big thank you to Ryan Allen, Karen Spear, Andrea, & John! Concerns had been brought to me about litter and trash in certain areas including Lower Westfield Road from CVS and the Plumbers building to Devonshire and the bus stop. On Saturday January 6th, before the snowstorm, our team of 5 spent a couple of hours and filled quite a few trash bags! Before and after pics are on Facebook at the Holyoke Ward 5 community forum page and my Linda Vacon Ward 5 City Councilor fb page. DPW provided bags and One Holyoke provided grabbers.
4) Ward 5 Spring Clean Up:
Stay tuned for the spring! In April, One Holyoke has placed Rt, 202 Westfield Road from Westfield line to the top of Apremont on their project list for a cleanup. The Sheriff Dept. may be asked to assist as this is a very dangerous area with the two lanes and high speeds of traffic.
For more information on local issues and articles please visit my Facebook page
Linda Vacon Ward 5 City Councilor or website at lindavacon.org
Thank You,
Your Ward 5 City Councilor
Linda Vacon
210-6077
Archive of Past events
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