Viewer - Live chat: Ask Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse your questions

Live chat: Ask Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse ...

Thursday January 31, 2013

1:56

Mandy Hofmockel:

Thank you for joining our live chat this afternoon. Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse will be joining us at about 3 p.m. Please enter your questions in the comment box below for us to get started.

Thursday January 31, 2013 1:56 Mandy Hofmockel

2:54

Mandy Hofmockel:

We'll be kicking things off here in just a few minutes, folks. Feel free to drop in any other questions or comments you might have. Thanks!

Thursday January 31, 2013 2:54 Mandy Hofmockel

3:00

Mayor Morse:

Good afternoon everyone - I'm looking forward to your questions!

Thursday January 31, 2013 3:00 Mayor Morse

3:00

[Comment From caihlyn caihlyn : ]

Winter carnival? What happened to all of the family friendly events Holyoke had last year?

Thursday January 31, 2013 3:00 caihlyn

3:02

Mayor Morse:

Thanks for asking - last year's Winter Carnival was held in January, this year we are having it in March. At the moment, it is being planned to include many of the same family-friendly events as last year, including the Dog Show. We will also have the kick-off event at our newly opened Community Field. Stay tuned for announcements about the entire Winter Carnival, it's events, and the dates. Look forward to seeing you there.

Thursday January 31, 2013 3:02 Mayor Morse

3:02

[Comment From Giorgiojorge Giorgiojorge : ]

When will the first major "opera", "ballet", or "classical concert" be held in the renovated Victory Theater? When will tickets go on sale?

Thursday January 31, 2013 3:02 Giorgiojorge

3:05

Mayor Morse:

Not in the near future, as the Victory Theater has not been redeveloped at this time. The City is working closely with MIFA - the organization that owns the building. The City recently received a $126,000 grant to do some design/engineering work, as well as to hire a consultant to do a fundraising feasibility and market feasibility study of the project. We recently went out to bid for that work and expect to hire a vendor in the next few weeks. I am committed to this project, as I think it will aid in the revitalization of Downtown. The project cost will total upwards of $30 million dollars, so there remains a steep financing gap. I am also addressing the structure of the project administration, as I want to make sure any organization leading the renovation has the capacity and resources to do so.

Thursday January 31, 2013 3:05 Mayor Morse

3:05

[Comment From musicman musicman : ]

Is there any thought to bringing back the electric trolley (formally Holoyke St. Railway) to portions of downtown Holyoke. A connection from the new train station to the bus station would be a nice addition.

Thursday January 31, 2013 3:05 musicman

3:10

Mayor Morse:

Good question - we have focused a lot of attention on transportation over the past year. While we have not discussed restoring electric trolleys, we do have plans to connect the new passenger rail platform with the transportation center on Maple St. Construction will begin this year on the $2 million dollar platform, and we also are working on design work for our TOD (transit-oriented design) work in this neighborhood (Dwight St, Front St. and Heritage St. reconstruction). We are also designing the platform and the surrounding area to accommodate buses that will connect people to the bus station. We will also begin construction on Phase II of the CanalWalk, which will be along the canal on Race St. between Dwight and Appleton Streets. We are very committed to connecting our downtown 4 neighborhoods (Downtown, Churchill, South Holyoke, and the Flats) - which we call key "nodes" that connect our major neighborhoods. I would also have you check out our urban renewal plan at www.holyokeredevelopment.com that includes our plans to upgrade public infrastructure that will improve the bikability and walkability of the Downtown.

Thursday January 31, 2013 3:10 Mayor Morse

3:10

[Comment From Sean Sean : ]

Mr. Mayor, when will the bridge on Lyman St. next to open square be be repaired?

Thursday January 31, 2013 3:10 Sean

3:11

Mayor Morse:

I don't have that answer on the top of my head. That is actually a state project governed by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, so I will have to contact someone there to get a finite schedule. Contact my office at 413-322-5510 or email me at morsea@ci.holyoke.ma.us to get this information.

Thursday January 31, 2013 3:11 Mayor Morse

3:12

[Comment From MassLive.com MassLive.com : ]

With this new calendar year underway, what are some of the key initiatives you'd like to pursue in 2013?

Thursday January 31, 2013 3:12 MassLive.com

3:14

Mandy Hofmockel:

We've gotten a number of great questions so far. Let us hear from you by sending your comments and questions to us through the box below.

Thursday January 31, 2013 3:14 Mandy Hofmockel

3:16

Mayor Morse:

We will continue to make progress on the work we started last year.

In economic development and public infrastructure, there will be a lot of construction happening in the Downtown this year. We will begin construction on the passenger rail platform, Phase II of the CanalWalk, skate park at Pulaski Park, finish up the $1.4 million upgrade of Veterans Park, and also hopefully kick off the rehabilitation of the old Holyoke Catholic High School and transform that campus into downtown living spaces. We will also be installing new way-finding signs, banners on our lampposts, and more waste receptacles. Other private development activities include a multimillion dollar expansion of US Tsubaki on Main St, which will retain and create new jobs. We are aggressively marketing the vacant parcel on Whiting Farms Rd, as well as Lynch School. We are also working with the owner of the land where the Holyoke Hotel sits to redevelop that property with a smaller, better hotel, and a few more dining options. This is just a small segment of the activity that will happen this year.

Thursday January 31, 2013 3:16 Mayor Morse

3:17

Mayor Morse:

We will also continue our focus on community policing, we recently hired 5 new officers and opened up new substation.

Thursday January 31, 2013 3:17 Mayor Morse

3:17

[Comment From Guest Guest : ]

Do you feel that you have represented the Holyoke to the best of your ability after changing your mind twice on the casino issue.

Thursday January 31, 2013 3:17 Guest

3:18

Mayor Morse:

Yes - thank you for the question.

Thursday January 31, 2013 3:18 Mayor Morse

3:18

[Comment From David David : ]

Is there any plan to upgrade the Scott Tower area?

Thursday January 31, 2013 3:18 David

3:20

Mayor Morse:

Many people are interested in upgrading Scott's Tower - and it is something that our Parks & Recreation Department continues to discuss. Any renovation of that area will require a significant investment from the City. I can continue to explore the possibility, but I would also reach out to the Ward 6 City Councilor if this is important to many people within that neighborhood of the City. I know we plan on tackling our parks one by one and making improvements when needed.

Thursday January 31, 2013 3:20 Mayor Morse

3:20

[Comment From Tom Tom : ]

The newspaper's recent article on the Holyoke casino mentioned that Eric Suher and city officials were trying to bring a restaurant to Pleasant Crossing site. Is that effort still happening, or is it dead?

Thursday January 31, 2013 3:20 Tom

3:22

Mayor Morse:

No, it's not dead - this parcel is not related to casino development. With that said, Eric Suher owns that land, as he purchased it from the city's Industrial Corporation (HEDIC) several years ago. Because Mr. Suher hasn't done anything with the property in many years, the City has the right to take the property back for $1.00 if we choose to do so, or the HEDIC Board can choose to give him another extension. Mr. Suher will go before the HEDIC Board in February (public meeting) to provide an update on the property and I expect him to request another extension. We have been working with him to attract a good tenant to the land, but we can't discuss anything further than that at this time.

Thursday January 31, 2013 3:22 Mayor Morse

3:23

[Comment From Samuel Slader Samuel Slader : ]

Mr. Mayor, do you have any further plans to develop Mountain Park, despite the casino turnaround?

Thursday January 31, 2013 3:23 Samuel Slader

3:25

Mayor Morse:

Not at the moment, although we are constantly exploring development opportunities everywhere in the City. The Mountain is not suitable for just any type of development, it has to be specific and appropriate. Mt. Tom is one of our region's greatest assets, and we have to work hard to develop a long term vision for this part of our City. I will be working with local and regional stakeholders to explore the possibilities, although I would like to bolster eco-tourism on the Mountain, as well as explore the feasibility of bringing skiing and other outdoor recreation activities to Mt. Tom.

Thursday January 31, 2013 3:25 Mayor Morse

3:26

[Comment From David David : ]

In the 1960's, there were 25 mile Hikes for Holyoke to raise money for the parks, do you think that would be worth looking into again?

Thursday January 31, 2013 3:26 David

3:28

Mayor Morse:

Sounds like a good idea. I'd be happy to explore that again. Any information or historical context you could provide would be very helpful in making it happen once again - we are always looking for more money to our parks.

Thursday January 31, 2013 3:28 Mayor Morse

3:29

[Comment From guest guest : ]

If the city votes for casino in November will you pursue it?

Thursday January 31, 2013 3:29 guest

3:30

Mayor Morse:

No, thanks for asking though.

Thursday January 31, 2013 3:30 Mayor Morse

3:30

[Comment From Bonnie Messenger Bonnie Messenger : ]

In your most perfect vision for Holyoke--and not worrying about logistics for this question!--what ONE thing would you change about our city?

Thursday January 31, 2013 3:30 Bonnie Messenger

3:33

Mayor Morse:

My most perfect vision for the City would be one where all our young people make it to high school, graduate from high school, and go on to college. Too many of our city's young people are falling through the cracks and dropping out of high school, and they remain in our community without basic life or job skills. This has a negative social and economic impact on our City. If we could drastically improve student outcomes and became a City where education is number one, it would do wonders for both economic development and public safety. Thanks for asking but I do want to make it clear that this vision is possible, and won't take an infinite amount of money - it will take the right vision and right people to make it happen.

Thursday January 31, 2013 3:33 Mayor Morse

3:34

[Comment From Sean Sean : ]

Has there been any discussion on how to improve safety and ways the city can take advantage of this?

Thursday January 31, 2013 3:34 Sean

3:37

Mayor Morse:

I'm assuming you mean public safety and crime related issues. You may be aware that we have made significant progress in public safety throughout the last year. I have made community policing our number one priority in the Holyoke Police Department. Since I've taken office, we've opened up two new community policing substations, we've put officers back on foot and on bicycles, we've launched a Mobile Community Policing Unit, I've funded a K-9 unit, and I've also implemented tasers in the HPD. All of these steps together have made for a safer Downtown and a safer City in general. We were very pleased that 2012 was the first homicide free year in over 25 years. We are clearly moving in the right direction and I look forward to continuing this trend. At the same time, we can't do it alone, and we count on the partnership of our residents and the business community to prevent crime before it happens.

Thursday January 31, 2013 3:37 Mayor Morse

3:37

[Comment From guest guest : ]

Why would you not pursue a casino if it was voted for?

Thursday January 31, 2013 3:37 guest

3:39

Mayor Morse:

Hello again "guest." I don't think elected officials are elected to take a poll of the voters then make a decision. We are elected to use our best judgement and make the decision which we think is best for the City. Check our my editorial on why I know casinos are a bad idea for Holyoke: http://www.commonwealthmagazine.org/Voices/Argument-and-Counterpoint/2012/Fall/002-No-dice.aspx

Thursday January 31, 2013 3:39 Mayor Morse

3:39

Mandy Hofmockel:

There's still about 20 minutes left for your questions in our live chat. Drop any last-minute questions or comments you might have in the box below.

Thursday January 31, 2013 3:39 Mandy Hofmockel

3:39

[Comment From Aaron Hohol Aaron Hohol : ]

Hey! Alex, are you in support of the youth seat on the City Council?

Thursday January 31, 2013 3:39 Aaron Hohol

3:42

Mayor Morse:

I am in support of this, although I have some concerns about how it is currently structured. Currently, the youth member would be appointed by the 15 members of the City Council, not our city's young people. If this person is to represent the youth of the City, why can't the youth themselves vote for this person. It seems like this process can be unnecessarily politicized. Also - I don't think we can put the burden of representing our city's youth on one young person's shoulders, as all young people have different backgrounds and different life experiences. Third, if we are serious about youth involvement in city government, it will take much more than a youth member on the City Council. We need to be sincere and genuine in this effort, and work to truly institutionalize youth voices. I would advocate for the City of Holyoke to have it's own Youth Department with an official Youth Commission that would advise both the Mayor and the City Council on youth issues. Other cities have this model and I think it would be much more effective.

Thursday January 31, 2013 3:42 Mayor Morse

3:43

[Comment From Sean Sean : ]

Holyoke has one of the best seasonal shad fisheries in the world. Hundreds if not thousands of people line the shores of the Connecticut River every season. Last year the shad derby was cut back to one weekend.

Thursday January 31, 2013 3:43 Sean

3:45

Mayor Morse:

You are correct in your assessment. I have met with some of the organizers of this event and I can look into why this decision was made. The City doesn't play a big role in the planning of this event, although Holyoke Gas & Electric does. This is an important event that brings many people to Holyoke and the area, and we should do what we can to support and grow this event. Thank you for bringing this to my attention.

Thursday January 31, 2013 3:45 Mayor Morse

3:45

[Comment From PapercityNative PapercityNative : ]

What caused the demise of Celebrate Holyoke and could it return at some point?

Thursday January 31, 2013 3:45 PapercityNative

3:48

Mayor Morse:

I asked the same thing when I took office. Apparently, the City could no longer afford to put on the event, as business sponsors cut back on their donations to make it happen. I have convened several meetings here at City Hall to discuss resurrecting Celebrate Holyoke, as it was always a huge boost to the City, and a great event to bring people and families together in the heart of Downtown Holyoke. I will continue to explore this possibility (let me know if you'd like to be involved). In the meantime, I urge residents and visitors to enjoy many of the other family friendly events we have in the City. Again this summer we will have the summer concerns planned by the Holyoke Rotary Club (summer concerts every Wednesday night for 6 weeks). We also have La Noche de San Juan, the Great Holyoke Block Party, and others. Stay tuned and keep checking the city website for updates on these and other good events. We will be launching a new city website in the next couple weeks that will have an up to date calendar on community events like these.

Thursday January 31, 2013 3:48 Mayor Morse

3:49

[Comment From Dave Dave : ]

In the article about the police officer appointments it was noted that Holyoke Police are budgeted for 120 police but only 91 at this time. Why such a big gap and wouldn't that go along way at making Holyoke safer?

Thursday January 31, 2013 3:49 Dave

3:50

Mandy Hofmockel:

Here's the article on the police officer swearing in that Dave is referencing: http://bit.ly/WnxmaG.

Thursday January 31, 2013 3:50 Mandy Hofmockel

3:52

Mayor Morse:

That's not true. I do the budget, and I budgeted the HPD for 93 patrolmen for Fiscal Year 2013. We do have additional bodies in addition to our patrolmen, that put the total above 100. If you were Mayor, and if you chose to have 120 patrolmen, you would no doubt increase everyone's property tax bill in the City by a considerable percentage. Everything is a trade off, and the HPD does a great job with the resources we have. We have continued to expand programs and increase outcomes without adding a great deal of more money to the budget. It's efficiency.

Thursday January 31, 2013 3:52 Mayor Morse

3:52

[Comment From MassLive.com MassLive.com : ]

You supported Elizabeth Warren in the Massachusetts Senate race. What might her win mean for Holyoke? How could she potentially impact the city if at all?

Thursday January 31, 2013 3:52 MassLive.com

3:56

Mayor Morse:

I would preface this by saying that the members of the House of Representatives have a much closer relationship to local Mayors and our work than our U.S. Senators. I have a great working relationship with Congressman Neal and I look forward to working with him to bring much needed federal resources to Holyoke. Senator Warren can be very influential in supporting Community Development Block Grant Funds (money that has allowed us to build new parks and sidewalks, etc), she can help us access funds to revitalize Lyman Terrace, as well as provide money to clean up blight and demolish buildings that are abandoned and not worth saving. On a greater scale, Senator Warren's work to protect the middle class will no doubt benefit our City, as she will continue to support legislation that would put more teachers in the classroom, and more officers on our streets.

Thursday January 31, 2013 3:56 Mayor Morse

3:58

[Comment From James James : ]

Hi Alex! What are some of the ideas the city is pursuing on what to do with Lynch School? Thanks.

Thursday January 31, 2013 3:58 James

4:00

Mayor Morse:

We are currently working on a new RFP for the school, and also trying to include the adjacent park land to make the RFP more attractive to a private party. I envision a mixed use space - perhaps combination retail and residential. It is a prime location in the City, right off of I-91. I also think a model similar to the South Hadley Commons for that space would be something worth pursuing. We need to give people a reason to get off the highway and come to Holyoke - and the opportunity is there.

Thursday January 31, 2013 4:00 Mayor Morse

4:01

Mayor Morse:

Thank you all for your questions this afternoon. As always, if I was unable to answer your question, don't hesitate to email, call, or stop in the office. Take care.

Thursday January 31, 2013 4:01 Mayor Morse