Holyoke DGR Committee Approves $1.18 Million in CDBG Funding Recommendations

HOLYOKE -- February 23, 2026, Holyoke's Development and Governmental Relations Committee approved roughly $1.18 million in FY2026 Community Development Block Grant recommendations at its February 23 meeting. Community Development Director Alyssa Zer and finance manager Zida Hoy walked the committee through allocations in three HUD-mandated categories, noting that final grant figures from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development have not been set because the federal budget remains unresolved. The largest single line item was $200,000 for the Holyoke Building Department for demolition of blighted properties; housing rehabilitation through the One Holyoke CDC NIP Program received $235,856 and the Revitalize CDC roof program received $235,855. Vice Chair Michael Sullivan argued to adopt the Citizens Advisory Committee's recommendations wholesale, while member Israel Rivera pushed to spread public service dollars more broadly, saying it "isn't fair" that a handful of entities consistently receive the bulk of available funds. The committee also tabled a home occupation permit for a tailor shop at 60 Westfield Road after required newspaper notices were never published, giving the applicant a two-week window to comply before the matter is subject to denial at the next meeting, and voted 5-0 on a roll call to approve a driveway special permit for Cindy Elie at 17 Myrtle Avenue.