News

COVID-19 Report Holyoke 12-20-20

Posted on December 20, 2020

STOP THE SPREAD TESTING SITES EXTENDED TESTING THROUGH March 31ST STOP THE SPREAD HOLIDAY HOURS HCC drive-through site: Monday 12/21 & 12/28: 7am-12 Tuesday 12/22 & 12/29: 1pm-7 Wednesday 12/23 & 12/30: 7am-12 Thursday 12/24 & 12/31: Closed Friday 12/25 & 1/1: Closed Appleton Street walk-up site: Wednesday 12/23 & 12/30: 10am-1...

COVID-19 Report 12-18-20

Posted on December 18, 2020

Holyoke Winter Farmers’ Market Opens December 19th

Posted on December 16, 2020

This winter, the newly relaunched Holyoke Winter Farmers’ Market will bring an array of locally-grown vegetables, meat, eggs, and more to the heart of the city. The market launches on December 19th, and will run from 11 am-2 pm at the Holyoke War Memorial at 310 Appleton Streeton on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of...

COVID-19 Report 12-14-20

Posted on December 14, 2020

STOP THE SPREAD TESTING SITES EXTENDED TESTING THROUGH March 31ST Beginning this week, staffing at both test sites will be increased. The staff at the drive-through site has been doubled in order to lower wait times and increase the volume of vehicles that can be accepted. Changes have been made in operations at the...

Update from the Board of Health

Posted on December 11, 2020

Hello All, It has been a few weeks since my last correspondence and I thought I would provide an update of where Holyoke is at as it relates to the pandemic. To begin, these communications are going to shift away from a direct focus on the metrics. The case counts are so far beyond what...

Massachusetts Rolls back to Phase III, Step I

Posted on December 11, 2020

Effective December 13, all cities and towns in Massachusetts will revert to Phase 3, Step 1 of the Re-Opening Plan. View the Rollback Order here

Testing Site Improvements

Posted on December 3, 2020

Dear Community Members, I am happy to announce that there will be increased staffing and a few changes in operations at the Stop the Spread test sites in Holyoke. Beginning this week, staffing at both test sites will be increased. The staff at the drive-through site has been doubled in order to lower wait times...

Statement From Mayor Alex B. Morse Regarding His Future

Posted on December 1, 2020

Next month will mark ten years since I stood on the steps of City Hall and declared my candidacy for mayor of the city of Holyoke. What a day that was. Weeks shy of my twenty-second birthday, I stood in the freezing cold, surrounded by family, friends, and my earliest supporters, and I made my...

WANTED: new members for the Biking and Pedestrian Committee

Posted on November 30, 2020

WANTED: new members for the Biking and Pedestrian Committee Do you like to walk or bike around Holyoke? Are you interested in advocating for safer streets and promote walking and bicycling? Then the committee needs you! The Holyoke Biking and Pedestrian Committee was established in 2016 to advice City Departments and City Council on bicycle...

City Seeks Residents to Join the Library Board of Directors

Posted on November 17, 2020

The Holyoke Public Library is seeking to fill 3 (three) positions on their Board of Directors as City Representatives. If you are interested in applying, please send a letter of interest and resume to: mayorsoffice@holyoke.org The deadline for applications is December 1, 2020 For more information please contact the Mayor's Office at (413)...

Mayor Morse Announces Leadership Transition in the City’s Office of Planning & Economic Development

Posted on November 12, 2020

Mayor Morse announces leadership transition in the City’s Office of Planning & Economic Development Director Marcos Marrero departing in January, Mayor appoints outgoing State Representative Aaron Vega as successor On Thursday, Mayor Alex B. Morse announced the resignation of Marcos Marrero as Director of the City’s Office of Planning & Economic Development (OPED). Marcos’...

Holyoke COVID-19 Antibody Study / Estudio de anticuerpos contra la COVID-19 de Holyoke

Posted on November 10, 2020

Holyoke COVID-19 Antibody Study Holyoke Residents! The Holyoke Board of Health and Massachusetts General Hospital are conducting a research study to determine how COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, has spread in our community through antibody testing and surveying selected households. To learn more, go to the Holyoke Board of Health’s website or MGH...

HCC COVID-Testing Site to Change

Posted on November 4, 2020

As of Thursday 11/5/2020, the location of testing at Holyoke Community College will change. The change is being made to prepare for the cold weather months. The testing will remain at HCC, but now take place at Lot H. The test site will still be drive-through. Hours and days of operation will not change. Holyoke...

COVID-19 Community Impact Survey

Posted on October 28, 2020

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MA-DPH) is gathering information regarding the experiences and challenges Massachusetts residents have faced due to COVID-19. MA-DPH has launched the COVID-19 Community Impact Survey. The Survey is open to any Massachusetts resident aged 14 or older, whether or not they have ever had COVID-19. It will record valuable information...

Heritage Street becomes one-way on Tuesday October 13th

Posted on October 13, 2020

As construction of the Dwight, Front, and Heritage Street project winds down, drivers will notice some changes in the project area. Beginning Tuesday, October 13th signage will be installed making Heritage Street one-way from Appleton Street to Dwight Street with a dedicated bike lane and parking on the Heritage State Park side of the street....

El Corazón / The Heart of Holyoke Placemaking fall virtual events!

Posted on September 29, 2020

El Corazón / The Heart of Holyoke Placemaking announced two early fall virtual events today. The first is kicking-off the second phase of artistic projects on Tuesday, September 29th with a virtual event titled “¡Comenzamos!”. The event will present the selected local artists which will be doing large scale photos on four buildings facing Main Street...

Street Paving & Closures for 9/28 & 9/29

Posted on September 25, 2020

Due to street paving, we recommend avoiding Dwight Street, Fron Street, and Heritage Street on Monday and Tuesday (9/28 & 9/29). Please note that Front Street will be fully closed on Monday, September 28. John, Hampden, & Oliver streets will be open to local traffic only, drivers will need to use connecting alleys to get...

Track and Field Public Access Restriction

Public Access to the Track and Field at Roberts Field to be Restricted

Posted on September 25, 2020

In order to protect our High School Athletes, the City will be restricting public access at Roberts Field between the hours of 2:00 pm to 6:pm on weekdays, effective from 9/28 - 11/20. Limiting public access to the facility during this time frame is in compliance with the City of Holyoke and the Commonwealth...

Help us serve you better: Holyoke Website Survey

Posted on September 11, 2020

The City of Holyoke wants you to have the best possible experience using Holyoke.org Please take 10 minutes to fill out this short survey. Let us know what's working, what needs to be improved, and what additional services we should add to the website in order to serve you better. Link to English...

UPDATE: Cabot Street & Willimansett Bridge to Close for One More Day

Posted on September 11, 2020

Update: Cabot Street & Willimansett Bridge to Close for One More Day ----- To enhance safety at the rail crossing on Cabot Street, near the Willimansett Bridge, the Pioneer Valley Railroad & their contractor RailWorks will be installing cantilever arms/flashing lights and a new rail bed at this crossing. This work will require Cabot...

West Nile Virus Confirmed in Mosquito from Holyoke

Posted on September 10, 2020

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) confirmed today that the West Nile virus (WNV) has been detected in mosquitoes collected from Holyoke Holyoke had one WNV positive mosquito sample identified on September 2, 2020. The mosquito was trapped in the southwest quadrant of Holyoke. This mosquito was collected and identified through monitoring provided...

Keeping Time: A Short Documentary on the Restoration of Our Clock Tower

Posted on August 4, 2020

Keeping time is a beautifully made video highlighting the historic City Hall building in our City. Narrated by Dave Cotton who graciously donated his time (over 700 hours) and resources to restore and clean the clock which was out of commission for decades. Video published by Kate Way on Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/user36808308

Anticipated Vulnerabilities: Displacement and Migration in the Age of Climate Change, a report on the experiences of the effect of Hurricane Maria on the City of Holyoke.

Posted on August 3, 2020

Anticipated Vulnerabilities: Displacement and Migration in the Age of Climate Change, a report on the experiences of the effect of Hurricane Maria on the City of Holyoke. Hurricane Maria was a deadly category 5 Hurricane that devastated the Caribbean on September 20, 2017, especially the island of Puerto Rico where it’s destructive force is...

Holyoke Public Schools Student Enrollment Is Easy!

Posted on July 17, 2020

If you know anyone with children in the Holyoke Public Schools please encourage them to enroll their child(ren) into (PreK, K, and all grade levels) by visiting www.enrollholyoke.com and upload forms, or call (413) 561-0862 to make an appointment for assistance on the phone or to set up a time to exchange the paperwork with...

Mayor Alex Morse calls on PVTA to Waive Fares for Remainder of Coronavirus

Posted on July 15, 2020

Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse is calling on the PVTA to extend their fare collection moratorium for the remainder of the Coronavirus crisis. The PVTA, which has been operating fare-free for two months, announced last week that they will be resuming fare collection beginning July 19th. “Resuming fare collection during the pandemic should be a last...

Holyoke/West Springfield – Design Public Hearing webinar and Comment Period

Posted on July 15, 2020

A Design Public Hearing Webinar will be published on the MassDOT website on July 15, 2020 to present the design for the proposed rehabilitation of Route 5 & shared use path in Holyoke and West Springfield, MA. For more information please visit: https://www.mass.gov/event/holyokewest-springfield-design-public-hearing-webinar-and-comment-period-2020-07-15t000001 For the design plans follow this link: (1/2) MassDOT Route 5...

Mayor Alex Morse Joins Mayors for a Guaranteed Income

Posted on July 10, 2020

Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse Joins Mayors for a Guaranteed Income An effort to realize Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s economic dream, the coalition will commit to advocacy in favor of cash-based policies, and explore guaranteed income programs in cities reaching more than 8 million American residents. Mayor Alex Morse is joining 15 other mayors...

Yard Waste Facility on Berkshire Street to Re-Open by Appointment Only

Posted on July 8, 2020

Starting on July 11th (from 8:00am to 4:00pm) the Yard Waste Facility on Berkshire Street will re-open by appointment only. Appointments will be made for yard waste that can’t be left at the curbside only, such as brush and woody debris. Appointments can be made by calling: (413) 322-5645. If there is no answer, please leave...

Call for Planning Board Applicants

Posted on June 25, 2020

There is an open position available on the City of Holyoke Planning Board. The Planning Board consists of 5 members, and one Associate Member appointed by the Mayor for staggered 5-year terms. A complete description of the role is below. Qualifications: Applicants must be Holyoke Residents. Ideal applicants will have a demonstrated record of community...

Statement From Mayor Alex Morse on Soldiers Home Report

Posted on June 25, 2020

"I find little solace in the report commissioned by Governor Baker regarding the Holyoke Soldiers Home or even the subsequent press conference. While I generally concur with the findings, there is no amount of reporting, resignations, or renovations that will bring back the heroes we have lost. We know today what those responsible for caring...

June 17, 2020 Executive Order From Mayor Alex Morse

Posted on June 18, 2020

Mayor Alex Morse has issued an Executive Order declaring Racism and Police Violence to be matters of public health that constitute a public health emergency. The Executive Order includes a list of initial actions that the City is taking to combat this public health crisis. Included in the Executive Order is a provision that provides...

Mayor Alex Morse Responds to Planned Hospital Closures

Posted on June 16, 2020

The Following Statement from Mayor Alex Morse is in response to the recently announced planned closures of the Holyoke Medical Center Birthing Unit and the Providence Hospital Inpatient Psychiatric Facility. Hospital Closures Demonstrate Broken Healthcare System and Government Failures The recently announced closures of Providence Hospital’s Inpatient Psychiatric Services and Holyoke Medical Center’s Birthing Unit...

Mayor Morse is Calling for Residents and Community Members to Apply to the Newly Announced Civilian Review Committee by June 13.

Posted on June 10, 2020

Mayor Morse is calling for residents and community members to apply to the newly announced Civilian Review Committee, with the goal of engaging the community through direct participation while collecting feedback and issuing policy recommendations to the city’s policing policies to the Mayor, the Chief of Police, and the City Council in the event of...

Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse and Police Chief Manny Febo Release Updated Policies, Announce Civilian Review Committee

Posted on June 5, 2020

Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse and Police Chief Manny Febo Release Updated Policies, Announce Civilian Review Committee Holyoke codifies the “8 Can’t Wait” policies, Mayor Morse signs Mayor’s pledge called on by the Obama Foundation Mayor Alex Morse and Police Chief Manny Febo have released an updated set of policies for the Holyoke Police Department in...

The United Veterans of Holyoke and Veterans’ Services in Cooperation with Holyoke Media to Provide Memorial Tribute

Posted on May 13, 2020

The United Veterans of Holyoke and Veterans' Services in cooperation with Holyoke Media will stream a Memorial Day Tribute, Monday, May 25, 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM. Special highlights will include a Montage of Departed Residents from the Holyoke Soldiers Home, remarks from Mayor Alex Morse, Holyoke City Council President Todd McGee, State Representative Aaron...

Two polling places for the May 19th Special Election Have Moved

Posted on April 29, 2020

Two polling places have been moved for the upcoming May 19 special election: * Precinct 3A voters will cast their ballots at Metcalf School instead of the Elmwood Fire Station. * The polling station for Precinct 1B has been moved from Prospect Heights to City Hall. City Clerk, Brenna Murphy McGee would also...

City of Holyoke Health Department Issues Mandatory Orders on Face Coverings

Posted on April 23, 2020

The City of Holyoke’s Public Health Director, Sean Gonsalves, issued orders, effective Sunday, April 26th, 2020, at 12:01 a.m., establishing that all consumers and employees must wear face coverings at all times when social distancing can not be maintained, at any businesses providing essential services within the City of Holyoke. This letter has been adopted from...

Public Statement from Mayor Morse Calling on the State to take Emergency Operation Control of Long Term Care Facilities, Citing Failed Response

Posted on April 21, 2020

PUBLIC STATEMENT Holyoke, Massachusetts, April 21, 2020 — The recently released State data on positive cases in long term care facilities is alarming, but to the best of our local knowledge, it is an undercounting of the true nature of the spread of this virus in these facilities. The Holyoke Board of Health has been speaking...

City of Holyoke Launches Video Contest to Promote Social Distancing

Posted on April 3, 2020

#HolyokeAtHome The City of Holyoke is encouraging social distancing through a contest called #HolyokeAtHome. Residents are encouraged to submit a creative 30-second video of themselves at home. The contest will be open from 6 pm tonight until 6 pm on Friday the 10th when voting will open to the public. Three winning entries will be chosen...

Mayor Morse Remarks on Situation at Soldiers Home

Posted on March 30, 2020

“It has been devastating to hear about the full extent of the COVID-19 outbreak at the Soldiers’ Home. While I am grateful that the State is now taking swift action to ensure residents and staff get necessary care and treatment, I am grief-stricken for those we have already lost, and my heart goes out...

Weekend Report 3/28 & 3/29

Posted on March 30, 2020

On Sunday President Trump extended the voluntary national shutdown through April 30. The federal guidelines recommend against large group gatherings and urge older people and anyone with existing health problems to stay home. People are urged to work at home when possible and avoid restaurants, bars, non-essential travel and shopping trips. Massachusetts has created a website...

Mayor Alex Morse Announces the use of Community Development Block Grant Program to Support Community Efforts

Posted on March 27, 2020

Mayor Alex Morse Announces the use of Community Development Block Grant Program to Support Community Efforts PROVIDES ADDITIONAL FUNDING TO SOCIAL SERVICE AGENCIES, RENTAL PROPERTY OWNERS WHO PROVIDE STABLE HOUSING TO LOW-INCOME RESIDENTS To meet the increased community needs during the COVID-19 Emergency, Mayor Alex Morse and the Holyoke Office for Community Development are...

City of Holyoke Escalates Response in Preparation for Coronavirus Impacts

Posted on March 25, 2020

Mayor creates dedicated response teams to address the local economy, social services and shelter needs caused by Covid-19 The City of Holyoke today announced a new Incident Command Structure designed to rapidly respond to the needs of Holyoke citizens during the COVID-19 public health emergency. Anticipating the volume and complexity of the challenges to come,...

Holyoke Water Works Reminds Residents to Throw Wipes in the Garbage System

Posted on March 24, 2020

Holyoke Water Works is urging all residents to reject the label on so-called ‘flushable wipes’ or other wipes and dispose of them in the garbage. That’s because they are clogging sewer systems and blockages caused by wipes cause utility workers to remove them in confined places – many times this must be done by...

City of Holyoke Issues Order for Closure of Personal Service Establishments

Posted on March 20, 2020

The City of Holyoke is taking appropriate steps to protect the public health and well-being of the community and has taken prior actions to limit the congregation of people within retail establishments. At this time the City of Holyoke is taking additional steps to reduce the opportunity for close contact among the public and...

City of Holyoke Issues Updated and Enhanced Guidance for Retail Closures

Posted on March 18, 2020

COV Order #3: Updated Order on Retail Closures to the Public The City of Holyoke is taking appropriate steps to protect the public health and well-being of the community. Of particular concern is limiting the opportunities for indoor congregation of persons, which aids the spread of infection. On Tuesday, March 17th, 2020 the City...

Holyoke Senior Center to Close & Suspend All Services Until Further Notice

Posted on March 17, 2020

In accordance with city-wide policy, and amid growing concerns regarding the potential spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the Holyoke Council on Aging and Senior Center will be closed until further notice beginning Thursday, March 19. All services will be suspended. Seniors in need of assistance during this time are encouraged to leave a message...

Notice of Closure of the Holyoke Mall and other Retail Establishments

Posted on March 17, 2020

The City of Holyoke has declared a state of emergency in order to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus in our community and is taking appropriate steps in order to protect the public health and wellbeing. Of particular concern is limiting the opportunities for indoor congregation of persons, which aids the spread of infection....

Remarks From Mayor Alex Morse Regarding City Response to COVID-19

Posted on March 13, 2020

“Yesterday I declared a state of emergency in the City of Holyoke. Beginning on Monday, March 16th City Hall and City Hall Annex will be closed to all public walk-in traffic, but will remain open for City Staff. Members of the Public seeking City Hall assistance are asked to contact (by phone or email) departments...

Statement From Superintendent Dr. Stephen Zrike in Regards to School

Posted on March 13, 2020

“In collaboration with state and local officials, Holyoke Public Schools has made the difficult decision to close for two weeks beginning Monday, March 16, due to Coronavirus (COVID-19) concerns. Pending new information regarding the health and safety of students and our community, the tentative plan is to reopen schools on Monday, March 30. All school-related activities and events are...

City of Holyoke Encourages Residents to Sign up for its Emergency Notification System

Posted on March 12, 2020

Sign up for our Emergency Notification System! In a disaster, there are never too many ways to receive a possibly life-saving alert. That’s why the City Holyoke will use multiple ways to reach you if there is a threat to your life or property. The best way to ensure you receive critical alerts is through our...

Holyoke St. Patricks Parade and Road Race events canceled

Posted on March 10, 2020

Statement from Mayor Alex B. Morse: This afternoon, we announced that the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Road Race will be canceled this year in an effort to prevent the spread of Coronavirus. This decision was made this morning following a meeting of the Mayor’s Emergency Management Advisory Council which includes the Police...

For Residents Needing Housing Assistance as a Result of Fire, Condemnation, or Ordered to Vacate

Posted on February 12, 2020

HOUSING ASSISTANCE HOLYOKE RESIDENTS DISPLACED BY FIRE, BUILDING CONDEMNATION, OR A CITY ORDER TO VACATE FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN: Emergency Shelter Springfield Office of MA Department of Housing and Community Development 243 Cottage Street, Springfield, MA 413-858-1000 or call 1-866-584-0653 and speak with a Homeless Coordinator Housing search and financial assistance for qualified households ...

Lyman Street Bridge to be Closed Until Late 2021 for Reconstruction

Posted on February 6, 2020

Effective Wednesday, February 12th, the Lyman Street Bridge over the First Level Canal will be closed to traffic as the next phase of work on the removal and reconstruction of the existing bridge begins. This much-needed project in downtown Holyoke is being completed by New England Infrastructure (NEI) working for the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT). In addition...

Hazen Paper Company Making Super Bowl History Since 2004

Posted on February 4, 2020

HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP) – Since 2004, the NFL and publisher H.O. Zimman has trusted Hazen Paper Company in Holyoke to make the annual Super Bowl game book POP with a touch of holography. Hazen Paper Company has been in business in Holyoke since 1925. While most paper mills in Holyoke closed after World War II,...

City of Holyoke Seeks Residents to Serve on Boards and Commissions

Posted on January 30, 2020

The City of Holyoke is seeking to fill vacancies on essential boards and commissions appointed by the Mayor. Boards and commissions offer an opportunity for community members to fully engage in their local government and bring a range of new experiences, skills, expertise, and perspectives to share to make their community a better one. City...

United States 2020 Census: Now Hiring!

Posted on January 8, 2020

Are you looking for ways to help your community? The U.S. Census Bureau is currently hiring temporary positions for the 2020 Census in our area. All 2020 Census jobs are temporary. The largest number of positions available are for census takers. By working for the Census Bureau, you can help them reach their goal for...

Welcome to our future website!

Posted on July 25, 2019

Welcome to our future website! As you can see, there’s not much here yet, however, true to the principles of the U.S. Digital Services Playbook, we’ve launched this test site (what we call ‘Alpha’), so we can build openly, iteratively and collaboratively with our community. Phases There are three phases to our official launch: Alpha:...