[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6282182,"mediaKeyId","2598220-67dcd89d9b9e30b6fa5159cafa6e2290","parentId",2598220,"title","Valley Blue Sox preview season and secure stadium and college contracts; team seeks more Holyoke host families","audioSeconds",1827,"startMs",3728000,"endMs",5555000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2598220-67dcd89d9b9e30b6fa5159cafa6e2290&start=3728&end=5555","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2598220-67dcd89d9b9e30b6fa5159cafa6e2290/thumbnail_3728000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6282182/Holyoke-City/Hampden-County/Massachusetts/Valley-Blue-Sox-preview-season-and-secure-stadium-and-college-contracts-team-seeks-more-Holyoke-host-families","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6282182-0f435078b4ebb86833d703508c939780/orig.mp4?Expires=1771203025&Signature=A1Sgjj6lgfdF73zcS1-twKbaIarvGOf~HJSv~uB6OabXmjxVIfHYN2tZ-2iyktJ9QmSgRHpAAzzZxjSaQLMIK5T2MuFJP9qaooaOTojWafrGQS-ai1GcYDxIskkvacv4Hu9E3yuv2d5b0Ooc6-q8N-K0brtY98sMv41mqISFIwIsFH8RYWCfdozrHIq4tdMLPFf8gYUnfpaEEHLidcbJObpKQhl6jzItWIdvOgSxWLoyD~gg8Vm-V~gk9fdlXruLk0DiALbyaSnBwpR9Px8h7PsK4EdIwCDcco5IWq0XjFA2Pp1hpvD4bmvmQnab8reZ0hrdUCzk0zFgZXmxk7JlHQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Holyoke City, MA","date","2025-03-11T00:00:00Z","article","The DGR Committee received a season preview from the Valley Blue Sox (New England Collegiate Baseball League) and approved city contracts for stadium use and a separate Elms College agreement for the 2025 season.

Owner Matt Drury described investments made for broadcast production (multi‑camera ESPN+ streaming), a mobile app and stadium backstop padding and said the organization now fields internships and community camps. Drury said the league is a top collegiate summer league and noted the Blue Sox have produced professional alumni, including seven players who reached Major League Baseball and nearly 90 professional alumni overall. Incoming head coach Andy Morales (video statement) said: “Very excited to be the next head coach for the Blue Sox. Very thrilled for the opportunity to go back to my hometown and back to an organization and a league that did so much for me.”

Drury and committee members discussed community partnerships, promotion, host families and stadium improvements. Committee members encouraged broader Holyoke civic engagement: Councilor Devine and others noted few host families are Holyoke residents and suggested outreach to Holyoke Media, the Chamber and local tourism partners to raise local participation. Drury said the club uses social media, road signs and Chamber connections to recruit host families and that most current hosts come from surrounding communities.

The committee considered two related agenda items: a proposed lease between the city (Parks & Recreation) and the Blue Sox, and a contract with Elms College for use of McKenzie Stadium. Late in the agenda the committee voted to approve both contracts and forward them for execution so the organizations can finalize plans ahead of the season. Councilors noted they intend revenues from the leases to be invested back into stadium maintenance; Parks & Recreation staff said recent repairs included dugout roof replacement and shed framing and that the city will continue to prioritize facility upgrades.

Committee members also recommended the Blue Sox continue to strengthen local marketing and to provide the city with schedules and promotional materials the city can distribute to attract visitors to Holyoke on game nights.

No formal vote was taken on sponsorships or event programming beyond contract approval; the committee recorded the contracts as approved and asked staff to finalize signatures so the season can proceed.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Holyoke City Development and Government Relations Committee 3/11/2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Valley Blue Sox previewed the 2025 season to the DGR committee, highlighted broadcast and community outreach investments, and the committee approved the 2025 stadium lease with Parks & Rec and an Elms College contract; owner Matt Drury and incoming manager Andy Morales emphasized local ties and plans for Holyoke Millers nights.","taxTitle","Holyoke City, Hampden County, Massachusetts","taxId",52807,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6282187,"Collins Center presents feasibility analysis for Holyoke pilot policy; recommends value‑based approach and negotiating team",1228,3111000,4339000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2598220-67dcd89d9b9e30b6fa5159cafa6e2290&start=3111&end=4339","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2598220-67dcd89d9b9e30b6fa5159cafa6e2290/thumbnail_3111000.jpg","/articles/6282187/Holyoke-City/Hampden-County/Massachusetts/Collins-Center-presents-feasibility-analysis-for-Holyoke-pilot-policy-recommends-valuebased-approach-and-negotiating-team","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6282187-008dab61ccdfc95d2684ac0b3e1daa18/orig.mp4?Expires=1771203025&Signature=mcP6hWRXtEu6Kc48ZFd6xtFsJ~db7IcJethJUG0CdKZgkNBPycZON-npPGFB9fA7rjdyzvWfte-Zv25Fw0ofWjXl-il-3aGAKOQjl1tWoF1c9CeYUueH~TvaGdj09ULi3NERufe1MJ-ZnttHaYVFhmyUHBjyL9fmB0Lx4h3OGky0xUe21kLXSCZuRk7E2nSAIJHzYQj8SG59ivzVaDXA~f~A~nTEnzUvpErKE~KExU7hZeYuylWyo4g3oNJ-TBI~i09v7osZNw2j9mmVTe97AsYKeDzmD19rZ7BfMMaNt2BVk53yhaIEy-K4V5Im3ihcQLThLr7h~mcbm8QTW8DeNw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Edward Collins Center for Public Management presented a feasibility analysis March 11 on whether the City of Holyoke can adopt a formal pilot policy seeking voluntary payments from tax‑exempt organizations (payments in lieu of taxes, or PILOTs).

Steven Cirillo, the Collins Center project manager, and his team described a multi‑step methodology: inventory tax‑exempt parcels, calculate a “would‑be” tax liability using assessed values, and apply a policy fraction to set target PILOT asks. Cirillo told the committee the centers his team has worked with in other Massachusetts communities often target roughly 25% of the hypothetical tax obligation, explaining that many tax‑exempt organizations do not use the full range of municipal services — but typically do use police, fire and public works. “A pilot is a payment in lieu of taxes,” Cirillo said.

The Collins Center reported Holyoke has roughly 900 tax‑exempt parcels in its database, though more than half of that value is city, state or federal property and therefore not a candidate for PILOT negotiation. Cirillo’s analysis calculated the hypothetical tax revenue at full taxation and then applied the 25% guidance used in several peer communities. The center emphasized the result is a policy framework, not an automatic levy: PILOTs remain voluntary and negotiated.

Cirillo and the mayor’s office outlined practical steps: (1) the Assessor’s Office should annually review and update tax‑exempt parcel valuations; (2) the city should designate a small, senior negotiating team (including the mayor) to approach organizations; (3) the city should include existing informal arrangements in a review to standardize terms and place agreements in writing; and (4) the city should prioritize targets where the parish, hospital, college, or other institution uses city services heavily. The center suggested allowing phased‑in payments over multiple years so organizations can agree to a rising schedule rather than an immediate full payment.

Mayor Josh Garcia told the committee the administration has begun nonpublic conversations with several tax‑exempt organizations and supports a systematic approach that avoids the appearance of an ad hoc “shakedown.” Councilors and staff identified existing pilot agreements, some under formal contract and others apparently administered informally; the presenters recommended converting or renegotiating informal or hand‑shake arrangements into written contracts tied to assessed value and an agreed formula.

Cirillo and his colleagues provided the committee with a spreadsheet of tax‑exempt parcels and illustrative calculations; they recommended city staff and council adopt a policy and then begin phased negotiations. Councilors asked about the fairness of a 25% target in Holyoke, which has a lower per‑capita income base than peer towns, and Cirillo said the number derives from cost‑allocation estimates for the municipal services tax‑exempt entities typically use and that communities may craft a lower percentage for small organizations. The DGR committee voted that the order to receive the Collins Center findings has been complied with.","The Collins Center for Public Management told the DGR Committee a formal PILOT (payment‑in‑lieu‑of‑taxes) policy is feasible for Holyoke and recommended a value‑based methodology (targeting about 25% of the tax liability) with a small negotiating team, annual assessment updates and phased‑in payments to secure agreements.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6282192,"Applicant for family burial plot told to secure Board of Health signoffs; public hearing continued",596,2440000,3036000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2598220-67dcd89d9b9e30b6fa5159cafa6e2290&start=2440&end=3036","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2598220-67dcd89d9b9e30b6fa5159cafa6e2290/thumbnail_2440000.jpg","/articles/6282192/Holyoke-City/Hampden-County/Massachusetts/Applicant-for-family-burial-plot-told-to-secure-Board-of-Health-signoffs-public-hearing-continued","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6282192-d2374cd3704921d9e700365233cba2ef/orig.mp4?Expires=1771203025&Signature=FrRgb9B96Qiq2HqyByFi9VxbdXI7fyr0n9B0eeKTuxjIcPPANGSv0Ytz661fcNdn2Vnejxfj94flh0BwcevEyMUvU8XlE2nsHMxjQ-Pb8DJoZir5M2c1dlnHsMlFblb2wkYY2DIrCjw908I4DARCC0eeFeOs-jq6RLVCXGAoQZPAYWR2Lhrm0bCeYxqLtcD7~jBsUnD0hwSY1HQ9P09GxCn2YFz6l7gWFC504VZdkoYRQy4vTxYeNw3TRSk60ebCOha6UbqDZx3nEObyCquffKWJi16VYj11rvA9TCKmiYB56AIJMWrubloYcB8Jd1EFYqnXkyNlLS~zJv-8hrDXDg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The DGR Committee heard March 11 from Alan W. Feeney, who applied for a special permit to establish a small family burial plot at 2 Feeney Road in Holyoke. Feeney said the proposed site is a 30‑by‑50‑foot clearing on pastureland he owns adjacent to the parcel and that he plans space for roughly five to six plots.

The committee read a written communication from the Holyoke Board of Health detailing technical requirements that must be met before burials can proceed. The Board of Health message stated, in part, that the applicant will need MassDEP approval, conservation commission approval and a \"final written approval from the local Board of Health.\" The Board of Health itemized specific submittals it requires: two copies of site plans, type of burial, number of plots, contact information for a licensed soil evaluator, setbacks from edible produce and nearby surface water, depth of burial, estimated seasonal high groundwater, separation distance from burial bottom to groundwater, and elevations and slope. The Board suggested the committee continue the application until the applicant obtains the Board of Health’s written approval.

Feeney told the committee he intends to perform a percolation (perk) test once frost and seasonal ground conditions permit and to submit required engineering and soil‑evaluation documentation thereafter. He said the site would not be publicly accessible without trespassing, that he owns the adjoining Westfield property that provides access, and that the plot would be on a pasture that is not farmed.

Committee members asked Feeney for more details: a marked sketch or photos showing the exact location and boundaries, a clearer estimate of the number of plots (Feeney estimated about five to six), and documentation of access and privacy. Councilor Bartley and others recommended tabling or continuing the hearing until the applicant obtains the Board of Health’s written approval and can provide the additional site plans and technical submittals.

The committee voted to continue the public hearing to the April 8 DGR meeting to allow Feeney to complete a perk test when ground conditions allow and to supply the Board of Health’s written signoff and required plans.

No votes on the permit were taken at the March 11 meeting.","Alan W. Feeney requested permission for a small family cemetery at 2 Feeney Road; the Holyoke Board of Health told the committee the applicant must obtain MassDEP, conservation commission and Board of Health written approvals before burials can proceed. The public hearing was continued to April 8.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":92,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6282197,"Holyoke committee continues special-permit hearing after neighbors object to home-accounting business",283,2753000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2598220-67dcd89d9b9e30b6fa5159cafa6e2290&start=2753&end=3036","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2598220-67dcd89d9b9e30b6fa5159cafa6e2290/thumbnail_2753000.jpg","/articles/6282197/Holyoke-City/Hampden-County/Massachusetts/Holyoke-committee-continues-special-permit-hearing-after-neighbors-object-to-home-accounting-business","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6282197-92db5eec271f6ee19dacf15f86a2d57c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771203025&Signature=OfniaZIam4upj-4-vD-xL4bUIBC1NuKX6E3XCeUugWtgkDouOMlxsZJgymwkWPc95lOPWc1tD5BKdhFZBqpugvgZW1qa7eZYB3gPNUwWzd0ERFvSnP-mWoCfYQi8LAvZPrsUehSUZZx5cspty512PvzysHh45epeIPGGk68hczD3csttAuDUGHuV4OznoA85vAwLWsPOt1jc4~cqudatecU4r-Jl6ryFNwc70S7HOGX~~b~0woZPxiH4228IJUFYxtxdGK4q3sN9hm8X02izaSS1M3CCHUOP4D6vH5rf5JvJiWDGfhekWXqWH1uCWsqMjmXaf6BL~OlA0LvrEULcjA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City of Holyoke development committee members continued to a future meeting a public hearing on a special-permit application from Amanda and Marcos Garcia to operate a remote accounting/home‑occupation business at 25 Bretton (Bridal) Lane.

The committee opened the public hearing March 11 and heard neighbors say the house functions like a commercial site because of daytime vehicle activity. Laurie Tetro of 10 McMahan Drive told the committee the property was remodeled to support a business and said it is “dark and uninhabited on nights, weekends, holidays.” Nicole Mueller of 9 Woodbridge Street said she has observed “between 6 and 8 cars there every day, all day.”

Amanda Garcia, who identified herself as “a full time professor of accounting at Elms College,” said she lives at 25 Bretton Lane and that the accounting and tax work is largely remote. “The only way [clients] would know is if they were in direct communication with me. I don't advertise it anywhere. There's no signage,” she told the committee. The application lists hours of operation as 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Garcia said those hours reflect variable days when she is available to meet clients.

Support and opposition were divided. Ralph Webb, a next‑door neighbor at 21 Bretton Lane, said he has “no complaints” and that the Garcias have improved the property. Dennis Barlow, 29 Bretton Lane, submitted a written support letter saying the Garcias cleaned up landscaping and repaired structures. Opponents argued the volume of cars and what they described as multiple nonresident vehicles suggests the site hosts more than a one‑person home occupation and could violate zoning and tax rules.

Council members pressed applicants on specific points. Councilor Devine noted home‑occupation rules usually require the business be unobtrusive and that “there's usually no signage.” Attorney Bissonnette, the city law department representative, explained the zoning code allows some home occupations but that this application requires a special permit because it involves customers coming to the property. Bissonnette said the committee may set conditions such as restricted hours, limits on foot and vehicle traffic, and no signage as part of a special‑permit decision. Councilor Bartley suggested the committee consider tabling the item until the applicants supply additional information about vehicles, other businesses tied to the address, and whether properties associated with the applicants are being used for related business activities.

At the end of the hearing the committee voted to table and continue the public hearing to the DGR meeting on April 8 to allow staff and the applicants to gather further details and for the applicants to notify immediate neighbors.

The committee directed that information to collect include documentation of the number of vehicles regularly associated with the address, clarification whether any other business operations (rental property management or construction work) are being staged from the site, and confirmation of residency (the applicants said they sleep at the Bretton Lane address but also use a second home to assist an elderly relative).","The DGR Committee continued a public hearing to April 8 on a special-permit application by Amanda and Marcos Garcia to run a remote accounting business from 25 Bretton (Bridal) Lane after neighbors raised traffic and zoning concerns; applicants say business began in 2023 and most work is remote.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Valley Blue Sox preview season and secure stadium and college contracts; team seeks more Holyoke host families

Collins Center presents feasibility analysis for Holyoke pilot policy; recommends value‑based approach and negotiating team

Applicant for family burial plot told to secure Board of Health signoffs; public hearing continued

Holyoke committee continues special-permit hearing after neighbors object to home-accounting business