Holyoke CPA committee recommends $535,435 for community projects; funds set for Flats building, playgrounds, YMCA courts and a tiny home

The Holyoke Community Preservation Act advisory committee voted on a slate of project recommendations after reviewing a FY25 budget of $696,142 and confirming a $661,595 awardable pool after a 5% administrative deduction. The committee recommended funding for multiple projects across historic preservation, open space/recreation and affordable housing; the recommendations will be forwarded to Holyoke City Council, which must approve or adjust them.

The committee chair, Jay (committee chair), opened the meeting by noting the committee must use a conservative budget figure submitted to City Council. Committee staff Meg (staff member) confirmed the awardable pool of $661,595 and reminded members the CPA legislation allows carrying category minimums forward. The committee discussed the required 10% category minimum (about $66,160) and the option to set amounts aside for future years.

Committee members debated and voted on 10 substantive items. The top recommended awards were:

- Flats Community Building (historic preservation): recommend $100,000. Committee member Mary moved the motion; the committee voted to recommend the full $100,000 by committee tally (committee announced the result as 8–1).

- Lawrence School — Chimney and retaining wall restoration (historic preservation): after extended debate over eligibility and precedent for funding school maintenance, the committee rejected an initial proposal to fund $100,000 and instead voted to recommend a reduced…