Why Holyoke should vote down the Prop. 2 1/2 Debt Exclusion Tax Override:

There's a Better Way For Holyoke!


Please vote NO on Question 1 on Nov. 5th

Absentee Ballot Application
Solicitud Para Votar En Ausencia

News

Events

July 30, 2020
Vote set Aug. 11 on bank, shopping center proposed at former Lynch School in Holyoke

March 5, 2020
Holyoke City Council committee considers rebooting middle school plan; project would have just 1 building

January 28, 2020
Forums scheduled on selection of Holyoke’s next state school receiver

January 12, 2020
Holyoke schools superintendent/receiver job posted by state with $250K salary

January 8, 2020
Developer sues Holyoke Planning Board over Lynch School project rejection

December 11, 2019
What’s next for Holyoke’s Lynch School? Colvest Group weighs options after Planning Board rejects retail, bank proposal

November 27, 2019
Holyoke councilors eye committee to study middle school options

November 27, 2019
Holyoke Planning Board to weigh shopping center at former Lynch School site

November 13, 2019
Residents speak out on Holyoke middle school plans after election defeat

November 5, 2019
Holyoke voters reject middle schools project

November 7, 2019
Holyoke mulls next steps on school building projects

November 8, 2019
With Holyoke voters saying no to tax increase, what’s next for middle school plan?

November 7, 2019
Alex Morse focused on career advancement, not being Holyoke’s CEO (Letter to Editor)

Victory!


November 6, 2019
Holyoke voters overwhelmingly reject tax hike to fund middle school projects

November 6, 2019
"Morse rebuked" - Holyoke voters tell mayor to find other answers for schools (Editorial)


November 1, 2019
The more you know, the more you'll vote NO

October 31, 2109
Vote on new schools seen as crucial for city’s future by both sides

October 29, 2109
Holyoke Taxpayers Association reveals the numbers behind the budget and the true cost if Question 1 passes

October 28, 2019
The Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce urges a NO Vote on Debt Exclusion
Read their statement (Back button to return)

October 18, 2109
Linda Vacon Letter to Editor
New Holyoke middle schools: Gift or burden?

October 17, 2109
Video: Holyoke voters to decide on new middle schools in November

October 3, 2019
Holyoke override foes fear tax impact on business, elderly

October 1, 2019
Morse, Zrike push for new schools as override vote looms

September 1, 2019
Holyoke searches for affordable path to newer, better schools (Editorial)

August 30, 2019
Holyoke City Council committee denies resident’s nonbinding ballot question on proposed middle schools

August 28, 2019
State awards $73.2M for Holyoke middle school construction; Proposition 2½ override vote looms

June 13, 2019
Holyoke City Council approves Proposition 2 1/2 override ballot question; middle schools remain in play

May 23, 2019
Holyoke city councilor proposes building 1 middle school instead of 2

April 26, 2019
Holyoke committee tables Proposition 2 ½ override question as Holyoke Mall cites potential hardship

Don't believe the anecdotal claims that "new schools will attract more residents, which will attract more businesses, which will pay more taxes, which will give relief to the home owners" claim.
Case in point, the claim that the Springfield casino income would help to lower their city's property tax rates. NOT!

Millions of dollars from MGM Springfield help city budget, but tax bills continue to climb

Related news - The Holyoke Mall is the City's biggest taxpayer. They must remain vibrant and solvent to provide that level of financial support for Holyoke. Malls everywhere are struggling as it is:

Dead Mall Stories

Berkshire Mall’s new owner Durga Property Holdings Inc. reportedly misses first tax payment to Lanesborough, owes $92,000

Berkshire Mall sold for $1M; new owner has mixed track record

Silver City Galleria mall sold at auction [PDF]

Shopping mall sells for just $100 [PDF]

Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2019
6:30 p.m.
Ordinance Committee Meeting


On the Agenda:
Item 2: Ordered that the City Council establish a school building study committee to review options and recommend steps for improvements within our city budget.
Membership to include but not be limited to:
  • Mayor
  • Receiver
  • one school committee member
  • one CC member
  • one small business owner
  • one large business owner
  • a parent with children in the public schools
  • a renter
  • a senior citizen
  • one teacher
Membership should represent all wards of the city to the greatest extent possible.

Email the building committee with questions and suggestions: MSredesign@hps.holyoke.ma.us

Excerpt from Holyoke Sun

Victory Party at Pics,

8 p.m. Tuesday night

Video, Oct. 17 Informational Forum

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release
Contact: Pres Macy, Chairman
Keep Holyoke Affordable for All Committee in Holyoke to Host Informational Forum to Provide Information on Both Sides of $133 Million Proposed Tax Increase to Build 2 New Schools in Holyoke!
Click here to continue reading ...
HOLYOKE – The Keep Holyoke Affordable for All Committee is hosting an Informational Forum at the Holyoke Senior Center (291 Pine Street, Holyoke) on Thursday, October 17 from 630pm – 830pm on the issue of the Debt Exclusion Tax Override Vote (Proposal to Build 2 New Middle Schools) on November 5th.

There will be a Presentation, Panel Discussion and Question & Answer Period. A distinguished panel of Business leaders, Elected Officials, Seniors, and others will be on board to offer unique perspectives to this issue and give thoughtful answers to voters’ questions.

Voters are also encouraged to submit any question they want answered by placing their question in advance on website www.betterforholyoke.com or on the Keep Holyoke Affordable for All Facebook page as a message to the organizers.

The event will be moderated by Richard Berrena, a Holyoke Resident and Taxpayer.

The Forum will discuss the pros and cons of the current proposal, and other options available to the city.

The event is open to the public. Refreshments will be served.

The media is strongly encouraged to notify the public of the forum and attend.
Finished reading, close text

Thursday, October 17, 2019

Ballot Question Forum
  • Host: Keep Holyoke Affordable For all Committee
  • Location: Holyoke Senior Center
  • Date: Thursday, October 17, 2019
  • Time: 6:30 - 8:30 p.m., doors open at 6
Learn why a "Yes" vote would be so costly to Holyoke residents and business, not to mention the City! Also hear about affordable alternatives for our school system.

September 20, 2019
At forum on Holyoke override, school officials say new middle schools needed; Holyoke Mall manager says tax hike would put shopping center in ‘harm’s way’

Ballot Question Forum
  • Host: The Holyoke Taxpayers Association
  • Location: Holyoke Senior Center
  • Date: Wednesday, September 18, 2019
  • Time: 6:30 - 8:30 p.m., doors open at 6