Committee recommends updates to stop-street ordinance and traffic schedules tied to City Center Connector and MassDOT program

Holyoke — The ordinance committee recommended three traffic-related ordinance changes to the full City Council on July 29, approving updates to the Code of Ordinances that would add and standardize stop-street listings and other traffic-control schedules.

Why it matters: The changes apply to specific intersections across Holyoke and to updates associated with the City Center Connector project; they put previously installed stop controls into the official ordinance and add signs at locations identified in a MassDOT safety program. Updating the ordinance aligns the written code with field conditions and allows the city to accept related materials or grant agreements.

The packet included three items filed by Councilor Devine (items 8–10). Item 8 proposed adding side-street stops on Homestead Avenue/Route 202 side streets; staff noted a handful of locations need physical signage while several already have signs but were not listed in the ordinance. Item 9 implements MassDOT’s "always stop control" (ASWC) recommendations at locations including Appleton Street at Elm, Cabot Street at Nichols/Cosmos Way, Dwight Street at Pine Street, and multiple intersections on Sargent Street. Item 10 updates multiple traffic schedules (parking, bus stops, lane control, bicycle lanes) tied to the City Center Connector project on Maple/Capet and Race Street alignments.

Victoria Hula, assistant city engineer, explained that several stop signs already operate in the field but were omitted from the city schedule; some locations will require new signs and MassDOT will fund sign materials for the ASWC program, with the city responsible for installation. "Some of them already had stop signs, but they aren't in the ordinance," Hula said, noting that the changes correct inconsistencies.

Committee members praised the technical work and recommended approval of the ordinance changes in legal form to the full council. Councilor Reagan thanked staff for detailed work and said she would support forwarding the items.

Votes and next steps: The committee voted to recommend approval to the full City Council in legal form; the roll-call was recorded as unanimous in committee (Reagan, Bartley, McGrath Smith, Jenny Rivera, Israel Rivera recorded as voting yes). Staff said the MassDOT-related items will be followed by grant or agreement paperwork to accept materials or funding.

Ending: The ordinance updates will move to full council as a package; staff will follow with any required agreements tied to MassDOT funding and the City Center Connector project.