I'm not sure what Helen's argument was. From my own limited experience in small town government it didn't make any sense, and her disruption would have been considered out of order.
In much less time than it took Helen to object, the Planning Board had a vote, and accepted the zoning change. The Board quickly moved on to other business, and almost everyone in attendance got up and left.
The process now continues with the City Council, planning meetings, traffic remediation plans, and all that fun.
My Two Cents: I don't oppose Lowe's coming to Holyoke. Big box or not, they have the right to be here. I just wish they found space in Kmart plaza, or that dead mall where the charter school is now.
15 comments:
I think this will be a positive change that will bring about more traffic into the city. But living in Chicopee, I can tell you that the Walmart and Home Depot have brought more traffic into this area, which has cause quite alot of issues. The most common issue is traffic. But I think it is a positive step forward for Holyoke.
Jeff
Although it might not look like much, the mall where Charter School is now is being used by the flea market. It's only open on Sundays, but the entire space is in use.
when I first read this headline I was thinking Chuck Norris...
anyhow, I hope the "dead mall" remains the flea market so that the area stays quiet M-F for the charter school (and I just really like that flea market) Maybe someday the school with expand to include 9-12 and then they will need some of the space.
First off, traffic sucks!! No matter where you are... but I think Lowe's would definitely bring more positive to Holyoke than negative. Heck, Holyoke is a city.. and this is what cities do.
Secondly, there really isn't enough room by the Charter School, especially if they get their wish and are able to expand to include grades 9-12.
Put it on Whiting Farms, or over where Atlas Copco was.
Just my 2 or 3 cents ;)
I didn't mean to suggest the flea market should go. I just threw that out there as an example of zoned retail space that has historically been underutilized.
I just wish they found space in Kmart plaza, or that dead mall where the charter school is now.
Dead? The flea market is a jewel of Holyoke. Not sure if it still is but it was at one point the largest indoor flea market in New England. Plus it is a perfect companion for the school as it is not operating during school hours. Bad idea to replace what is there now and it is hardly "dead".
The colloquial, "dead mall" was coined long ago before the Charter School and Flea Market, and the name has stuck in some of people's heads, including mine.
FYI: It is no longer dead. The colloquial is itself dead. That space is providing valuable service to the community of Holyoke and surrounding (people come for miles to display and shop at the flea market). Please, come up with a new name for it.
Your right, and there are so many colloquial place names in Holyoke that are incorrect like "South Holyoke" which is no longer the southern most developed part of the city. A more accurate name would be "Employment Failure Zone".
"employment-challenged"
is probably better in today's pc world
-Daphne
Is the K-Mart Plaza the zombie mall?
Why would be called the Zombie Mall, Ive never heard that before.
Because it is 'undead'? Just a guess.
I totally want to make a map of holyoke with the zombie mall on it
-Daphne
Day of the living Plaza?
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