Listening sessions taking place to discuss Holyoke’s comprehensive plan

HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP) – Holyoke held its first listening session to present and discuss its comprehensive plan for the city.

The city of Holyoke hasn’t updated its comprehensive plan since 1999. And local leaders say it’s a long time coming to refresh Holyoke’s vision for its future.

Massachusetts law requires cities and towns to maintain a comprehensive plan for their long-term physical development. Through comprehensive plans, communities can quote, “envision aspirational futures for themselves and identify implementation pathways for achieving them.”

These plans span all aspects of physical development, from the types of housing in a community, to transportation, and even climate change resilience.

What is it that our community wants to see our city be in the next 20 to 25 years? It’s a tangible document that we can refer to when we are trying to make important decisions and how we invest resources to improve the quality of life in our city.

Mayor Joshua Garcia, Holyoke

These meetings are bilingual and residents can get involved by taking a Holyoke Comprehensive Plan survey. The city anticipates by spring of next year the plan update will be completed.

The next community listening session is slated for Saturday, October 26 at the Holyoke North High School from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The following is another being held on Thursday, November 21 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

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