Holyoke Disability Commission Reelects Officers, Votes to Pursue State Funds Account

HOLYOKE — January 22, 2026 — Holyoke's Commission on Disabilities reelected its full officer slate and unanimously voted to reinitiate the state Section 22G accessible transportation funds account at its January 22 meeting. Chair Lynn Haran was returned for another year alongside newly seated Vice Chair and Treasurer Jessica Lebron Martinez and incoming Secretary Betty Larvy, replacing outgoing secretary Sarah. The commission also approved a $200 expenditure for official business identification cards and voted to form a small subgroup — below the quorum threshold — to draft questions for a planned community disability survey, with a goal of full commission approval by March and distribution through HG&E billing inserts by late spring. On transportation, Marlene reported the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority expects to deliver an accessible electric vehicle to Holyoke in 2027, with a public informational meeting set for January 28 at Holyoke Media. The commission denied two handicap parking sign applications for insufficient demonstrated need and approved four others.