Holyoke Needs to Engage in Plan for Economic Success

Jobs and a robust tax base are essential to running a successful municipality. Holyoke is in need of comprehensive economic development. Citizens, along with government and business need to work together on determining how that tax base is developed. Holyoke needs to be an assertive player as opposed to a passive recipient, always desperate for proposals from outside the community.

The City Council has before it an order considering a spot-zone on a parcel of land on Whiting Farms Rd. The current zoning ordinances allow for residential and industrial business uses. “Spot zoning” unfairly favors the applicant of the zone change by giving preference to changes in access and traffic patterns that serve the applicant over those already established by the zoning in that area.

The Lowes proposal is “strip-mall” development not unlike the vacant and run-down area in the K-Mart Plaza which has proven not to produce promised benefits. Development in that area further disincentivizes development downtown, where it is needed most. A lack of investment in downtown is the source of our collapsing economy, as small businesses go under and Holyoke's building stock falls into disrepair.

The Lowes proposal is a project. It is neither a plan nor part of a plan for economic success in Holyoke. It is a stand-alone enterprise seemingly removed from any larger vision of what is best for the city as whole. An expansive vision of urban planning in Holyoke would look at many variables and ask whether this project is a contribution to the direction in which Holyoke residents want the city to move.

Holyoke was founded on a sophisticated and well thought-out plan for urban development that places the core of economic activity in the city center – downtown Holyoke. A new Lowes does not get us any closer to a revitalized and successful Holyoke. Any decision that diverts badly needed resources away from downtown is nothing more than a short sighted project going after short term dollars.

The Lowes project comes not only at the expense of the industrial and residential neighbors at Whiting Farms Rd., but also at the expense of small-business owners and the Latino community who have been holding a place for economic development downtown. Our city can no longer sustain decisions based on narrow and divisive self-interests.

The community needs to work together to forge a new plan for a new Holyoke. I hope that there are other residents, who like me, have greater expectations for what Holyoke can become. We need to see your support for a long term plan that will need a lot of help. Please call or email your City Councilors and urge them to vote against this zone change.

Sincerely,

Rebecca Lisi
Holyoke City Council At-Large