The Future of Holyoke: Housing, Infrastructure & Economic Development with Eric Nakajima

In this episode of ASK, host Linda Pratt welcomes Eric Nakajima, the Director of the Office of Planning and Economic Development (OPED) for the city of Holyoke, Massachusetts.

Eric shares his extensive background in city and regional planning (including his past work as Assistant Secretary for Innovation Policy under Governor Deval Patrick) and explains why he has been “enchanted” by Holyoke for decades. They dive deep into current and future projects aimed at boosting the local economy, improving infrastructure, and creating a vibrant, inclusive community.

⏱️ Timestamps:

• 00:00 – Introduction: Meeting Eric Nakajima

• 00:45 – Crossing the “Tofu Curtain” & Eric’s background

• 03:25 – Past investments: The MGHPCC Computing Center

• 04:00 – Infrastructure Update: Appleton & Bigelow Bridges timeline

• 05:32 – Proof points of Holyoke’s economic potential

• 09:30 – The Downtown Housing Boom (Affordable vs. Market-Rate balance)

• 16:56 – Moving past Cannabis & Paper: Holyoke’s modern industrial identity

• 20:15 – Sneak peek: New light manufacturing and Kmart Plaza redevelopment

• 23:00 – Homegrown growth: A creative vision for food-based business incubators

• 28:10 – Local spotlights: Valley Malt & the Coastal Queen system

Recorded at the sound room on May 15, 2026.