City of Holyoke continuing to take actions against property owners with code violations

HOLYOKE, Mass (WWLP) – In the beginning of the year, the City of Holyoke sent out notices to landlords, property managers and homeowners of units of three families or more who were not in compliance with building codes.

“When that communication came out back in February, a lot of folks came forward, worked with the building department, did what they had to do and we still have some stragglers that are out there” said Holyoke Mayor Joshua Garcia.

In Holyoke, fines on both landlords and private individuals have now reached $20.7 million dollars as of September 9th.

“What we are trying to do is have compassion work hand in hand with enforcement” said Mayor Garcia.

There were a total of 634 individual letters sent to 424 property owners. 177 owners have made changes and are now in compliance, but still owe the fine to the city.

Mayor Garcia said property owners can come forward and make changes to lower the amount they owe, but after December 31st of this year, all sums that are unpaid will be handed off to the city tax collector.

“Our main goal is compliance, so we would prefer to avoid it coming to my office” said Laura Wilson, a tax collector in Holyoke.

If property managers work with the building inspector, their fines can be lowered as much as 80%, but they will still have to pay the remainder of the fine..

“For the property owners that have not been responsive at all, they can look forward to these, some very large leans, being applied to their property” said Wilson.

Wilson said if funds aren’t paid to the tax collector, the case will go to land court and property owners could lose their property.

Mayor Garcia said the city is currently sending out follow up notices to people who have not responded.

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