Solicitor FAQ's - City of Holyoke

I can’t afford an attorney. Can the Department represent me?

The Law Department does not represent private citizens. The Law Department only represents the City, and all officers, departments, boards, and commissions within the City, concerning any matter arising in connection with the exercise of their official powers. If you need an attorney, contact the Hampden County Bar Association at http://www.hcbar.org or call 413-732-4648. The HCBA can help identify legal resources for persons of limited financial means.

How do I initiate a claim for property damage or personal injury against the City?

To initiate a claim for property damage or personal injury against the City, you must complete a “Claim against the City of Holyoke” form and submit it to the Office of the City Clerk. This form is available online and in-person at the Office of the City Clerk

The City says I owe back taxes or other charges. With whom should I speak?

Laura Wilson, Collector of Taxes or Yaritza Rivera, Deputy Collector at 536 Dwight St. Room 6, Holyoke, MA 01040. Phone: (413) 322-5530 and Hours are Monday-Friday 8:30-4:30.
If your property is now in Tax Title Taking you will need to contact the City Treasurer’s office at (413) 322-5560.

I’d like to request a pay payoff figure for a lien/judgment. Where should I call?

Laura Wilson, Collector of Taxes or Yaritza Rivera, Deputy Collector at 536 Dwight St. Room 6, Holyoke, MA 01040. Phone: (413) 322-5530 and Hours are Monday-Friday 8:30-4:30.

Where do I call if I have a problem with my landlord? Where do I call if I am having a problem with a tenant?

Community Legal Aid	Mass Justice Project
http://www.communitylegal.org	http://www.majp.org
One Monarch Place, Suite 400,	57 Suffolk Street, 4^th floor
Springfield, MA 01144	Holyoke, MA 01040
Telephone: (413) 781-7814	Telephone: (413) 533-2660
Toll-free: 1-800-639-1109	Toll-free: 1-800-639-1209
Fax: (413) 746-3221	Fax: (413) 535-1777

The following is the contact information for the Western Division Housing Court.

Western Housing Court Division of Massachusetts
37 Elm Street, P.O. Box 559
Springfield, MA 01102-0559
Clerk’s Office (413) 748-7838
Housing Specialist Department (413) 748-7838

Whom should I contact to assist me with lead paint problems or other health concerns at my residence?

Board of Health- Sean Gonsalves,
20 Koreans Veterans Plaza,
Room 306, Holyoke, MA 01040.
Phone: (413) 322-5595,
Fax: (413) 322-5596.
Monday-Friday 8:30-4:30.

You can also contact: Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program. http://www.mass.gov/dph/clppp

My neighbor’s property is causing a public nuisance. Can the Law Department help me sue my neighbor?

The Law Department represents City departments and employees in their official duties, it cannot represent private parties. However, complaints about conditions at private properties can be reported to:

Board of Health-Sean Gonsalves-Director,
20 Koreans Veterans Plaza,
Room 306,
Holyoke, MA 01040.
Phone: (413) 322-5595,
Fax: (413) 322-5596.
Monday-Friday 8:30-4:30.

I’m involved with a case against the City. How can I find out which attorney is representing the City in my case?

Contact the Law department at (413) 322-5580 to obtain the name of the lawyer assigned to your case.