The Holyoke Finance Committee on Nov. 24 approved a $155,000 transfer from sale of real estate to capital outlay to demolish a city‑owned, fire‑damaged building at 115 Newton St.

Leslie, the building commissioner, said the October fire left the structure "extremely dangerous" and that previous efforts to demolish the long‑deteriorated building had been delayed. "This building... it's our responsibility to make sure that we get this dangerous situation taken care of," she said, noting she had solicited estimates from local vendors and expected demolition to occur "within the next couple of weeks at the very most" if the transfer passed. Councillor Sullivan questioned whether restoring a demolition supervisor and recurring demolition funding would save money. Leslie explained that the city's revolving fund for demolitions has a $100,000 cap and covers privately owned properties only, so city‑owned demolitions require city money.

The committee moved and approved the $155,000 transfer by roll call.

Separately, the committee approved a $5,000 transfer from building custodian to repair and maintenance for the war memorial after the onsite custodian resigned; Mike (DPW) and Laddie, the war memorial director, said the funds would cover cleaning and interim maintenance until the position is filled. The committee also received an update on chamber renovation sketches from Marco Centini Architecture describing a facelift that includes mural restoration and AV upgrades, and received City Health Benefit meeting minutes from Sept. 8. Item 11 (a proposed tax‑levy transfer to a crisis relief fund) was tabled for the mayor's appearance.