Dear Constituent,
On January 6, 2009, an important vote is going to take place before the City Council that has generated a great deal of interest from throughout the city. I am speaking of course of the zone change proposal for Konover Developers to build a new Lowe's on Whiting Farms Road. The land is currently owned by the Holyoke Gas & Electric Department after it acquired the property from Holyoke Water Power and NorthEast Utilities when the G&E purchased the Dam. This beautiful 18.7 acre parcel is a gem and located in the very valuable Ingleside section of our city. The property is currently zoned for industrial uses and the developer is requesting that the City Council vote to change the zone to commerical to allow Lowe's to be built.
I attended numerous public hearings and have spoken to every neighbor that wished to speak to me. I have also listened to all Holyokers throughout the city regarding the impact of this project on the city. I am overwhelmed by the thoughtful and articulate comments made to by people of good will on both sides of the issue. Many of the people who called me, I have known for many years. I deeply value everyone's opinions on this issue but the time is near for the vote and you deserve to know where I stand on this issue.
After studying the issue carefully and weighing the pros and cons, I have decided to cast my vote of YES in favor of the zone change and allow Lowe's to come to Holyoke.
In the midst of the most fragile economy our nation has faced in 50 years that is in recession, Holyoke's workers deserve the 150+ jobs that will come from this project. The city will reap $350,000+ in new tax revenue per year. The Holyoke Gas & Electric Department will also receive $3 million which the Manager has assured me will be used for economic development of the downtown and for electric and gas rate stabilization. When Holyoke voters voted to acquire the Dam in 1995 and in the final pact that acquired this property - the sale of these lands were contemplated and deemed necessary to pay the bonds for the Dam. The Dam purchase has been a huge success for the city and so will Lowe's be.
Economic and planning officials for the city have also assured me that the will hold the developer's feet to the fire to make the necessary traffic improvements to ensure the orderly flow of traffic along Whiting Farms Road. These improvement requirements may range as high as an additional $1 million from the developer. There is currently 13,000 cars a day that travel the road according to experts. The city needs to think out of the box and think big on the long term solutions to ensure the reasonable flow of traffic through our highly desirable commerical sector at Ingleside.
I am also reminded by the fact that it will take 3 years after our approval for the opening of a Lowe's. This gives us time to get it right and put in motion a plan that will Grow Holyoke and also improve traffic and protect our neighborhoods.
It continues to be my pleasure to serve you on the City Council. Thank you for your trust and the opportunity.
Re-Elect Holyoke's Fiscal Watchdog!
