The Development and Governmental Relationships Committee voted Oct. 6 to declare two adjacent parcels on South Bridge Street surplus property to allow a planned transfer and redevelopment along Carlos Vega Park in South Holyoke.

Matthew Mayneville, introduced as executive director of the Holyoke Housing Authority, told the committee the parcels are part of Phase 4 of a redevelopment effort around Carlos Vega Park. "We are looking to...declare these as surplus for transfer for development of 2 units of Habitat for Humanity housing," Mayneville said, describing partnership work with the Redevelopment Authority and the city.

Mayneville said the project follows earlier phases: 12 rental units have been completed in Phase 1, 20 homeownership units in Phase 2 are near completion with the first purchase-and-sale signed that day, and a future rental phase (Phase 3) has funding. He said the Phase 4 parcels were once occupied but the building was demolished by the city and are currently vacant.

The order presented to the committee stated one parcel is assessed at $38,700 and another parcel on the assessor map was listed as assessed at $22.08 (figures as read aloud during the meeting). Councilor Bartley asked whether homes would be put on the city tax rolls; Mayneville confirmed "They're gonna be sold fee simple...and will be on the tax rolls."

Aaron (identified in the record as a representative of HRA) and other housing officials clarified that the committee's action was a first step to declare the parcels surplus; a separate transfer order to move the parcels to the Housing Authority would follow.

Committee members voted to approve the orders to declare the parcels surplus and to forward the recommendation to the full City Council. The chair said the matters will be filed for the next council meeting along with a transfer request.

Mayneville invited councilors and the public to open houses on Saturdays in October to view completed units and the development progress. Councilors praised the work; Councilor Bartley said he would connect potential buyers with the housing authority.

The committee distinguished the surplus declaration (a procedural step enabling transfer) from the later transfer and development approvals; the actual conveyance and any conditions would be handled in subsequent orders and meetings.