Holyoke CPC hears progress updates: murals, Lady Liberty lighting, Scott’s Tower, fire truck and other projects

Committee members updated each other on a range of projects funded or supported through Holyoke’s Community Preservation resources and related grants.

MIFA murals: Committee members said language for the MIFA murals project has been finalized after coordination with NEFA and the Wisteria Hurst director; staff reported a draft communication will go to city council in the next few days. Action on the mural depends on whether city council accepts the revised scope of work.

Lady Liberty: Members reported that granite tablets had arrived but that final installation is waiting on electrical work funded from non-CPA sources. City staff and the project contact told the committee the tablets may not be installed until spring if weather prevents safe installation. Committee members noted the electrical and lighting work is paid from additional funding sources, not CPA funds.

Scott’s Tower: The committee discussed two elements: the land acquisition (FY21 award) and phase 2 preliminary design. Staff said the acquisition is largely complete and about $404 remains in that award; the phase 2 contract with vendor GZA has had invoices totaling $19,000, with roughly $6,000 left on that contract. Yoni (project contact) indicated an intent to complete preliminary design work within three months.

Girls Inc. & Bridal O’Connell preservation restriction: The Girls Inc. building contract is fully executed after an earlier delay caused by a missed electronic signature notification. The committee also noted a draft preservation restriction (PR) from Girls Inc.’s attorney has been circulated to the historic commission chair and assistant solicitor for review.

JFK Memorial signage and War Memorial signage: Committee members said the JFK Memorial sign project has stalled — the contact (Mark Joyce) has had intervening family matters and the committee will reach out to identify the specific holdup. War Memorial signage was reported complete and a photo was shared with staff.

Fire truck and stained-glass windows: The fire truck project was discussed at length. Staff said the project lead had indicated a possible overrun but had not supplied a formal quote; the committee confirmed it would need a written quote showing any additional cost before asking city council for more funds. Committee members referenced a verbal promise of up to $15,000 in additional funding but said additional funding would require council approval with supporting documentation. On stained-glass windows, the contract is drafted for $80,000; the project contact indicated they would not seek more money but proposed doing different windows. Staff and committee members said they would notify city council and prepare an amendment allowing funding for up to two windows rather than naming specific windows in the communication.

Committee members also reviewed the Chestnut Street preservation restriction (presented to the historic commission and moving forward), Jackson Street Habitat appraisals (113 and 117 Jackson Street) and remaining balances (117 complete; 113 appraisal received; $17,008.72 remaining on one Jackson Street project budget of $210,000), and other routine contract and invoicing matters.

No committee votes were held on these status reports; members discussed follow-up steps including sending communications to project contacts and preparing any required amendments for city council.