The Holyoke Caledonian Pipe Band was the first order of business at this week’s City Council meeting. The St. Patrick’s Parade begins at 10 am on Sunday from the K-Mart Plaza on Northampton Street to Beech to High streets, concluding in front of City Hall.

City Councilors approved a proposed plan at their March 18, 2025 meeting by Mayor Joshua García for tax-exempt entities in the city to pay some taxes to the city, given that they all rely on the city’s police, fire, DPW, sanitation and other services.

“(It’s) Long overdue,” said Councilor Michael Sullivan. He said there is a “shocking number of nonprofits” — 938 — that exist in the city. “That’s a staggering amount.”

Many of the tax-exempt entities are religious, Councilor Israel Rivera noted.

“Everyone should pay their fair portion,” Rivera said, adding that a number of them may not be in a position to pay into the PILOT program, which stands for Payments In Lieu Of Taxes.

The proposed Sports Complex being led by César Ruiz is continuing its mission, said Councilor David Bartley as he summarized what is happening with the plan.

“Mr. (Aaron) Vega (director of the city’s Office of Planning and Economic Development) explains, it is his understanding that the Sports Complex group is continuing their due diligence efforts for the site, which is the HEDIC property,” he said. HEDIC stands for the Holyoke Economic Development and Industrial Corporation.

Last year, a small group of men led by Ruiz embarked on buying 11 acres of land. According to a press release by the mayor’s office: “The proposed sports complex is poised to revolutionize Holyoke’s sports landscape, hosting over 30 events and tournaments annually. With an anticipated economic impact of $41 million, the complex promises to invigorate the local economy and provide unparalleled recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike.”

Neighbors of the proposed complex have recently appeared before the City Council to oppose the plan because studies have not been conducted on how the traffic and new buildings would affect the area.

Other Items

lawsuits pending against the city for sexual harassment and/or abuse, zoning issues and other issues can be viewed here.

Also, how the city allocated ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) to entities is available to review here. So far, federal taxpayers footed $37,686,568 to the city. The spreadsheet was submitted by Alicia Zoeller, director of the city’s Office for Community Development.

The agenda and other documents pertaining to this City Council meeting can be read here.

Ordinance Committee members from left, City Councilors David Bartley, Chairman Israel Rivera, Jenny Rivera and Meg MaGrath Smith. Also on the committee and online was Councilor Linda Vacon.

Also this week, the Ordinance Committee met. The link to the video is here, and the agenda and documents associated with the meeting are here.