Holyoke Redevelopment Authority Gives Green Light to Two Proposals
HOLYOKE — The Holyoke Redevelopment Authority (HRA) Board reviewed and accepted two private investment proposals at its Oct. 21 meeting, directing Planning & Economic Development staff to negotiate and finalize agreement terms over the next few weeks in accordance with the City’s Urban Renewal Plan (URP) titled “Connect. Construct. Create. — A plan for the revitalization of Center City Holyoke.”
The first proposal, by WinnDevelopment, would create approximately 100 units of mixed-income housing for rent at 216 Appleton St., with on-site parking on the first level of the building, community space and on-site leasing offices for tenants. The development concept for the property will seek funding through historic preservation and housing tax credits over the next two years, which Winn has abundant experience in securing for similar mill redevelopment projects throughout Massachusetts. The project is estimated to represent an approximate $38 million investment.
The second proposal, submitted by Bueno y Sano/Good & Healthy Inc., intends to temporarily lease land between Main and Race streets along the second level Canal Walk to establish a mobile- food-truck operation that would produce a new line of smoked meat menu items, both for sale on-site and for sale at its stores in Northampton, Springfield, West Springfield, Amherst and Acton in Massachusetts, and in Burlington, Vermont. Bueno y Sano is a local, family-owned restaurant business based in Western Massachusetts serving burritos, tacos, quesadillas and salads. The operations are expected to be set up during the Spring of 2016.
“We’re happy to be part of the excitement in Holyoke,” said Bob Lowry, owner of Bueno y Sano/Good & Healthy Inc. “There is a strong sense of possibility and purpose. That is a great combination.”
Mayor Alex Morse praised the Redevelopment Authority for its actions, saying that “the success in attracting a projects like these isn’t a coincidence. It takes many years of aggressive marketing and hard work to make sites ready for private interest and successfully execute the City’s Urban Renewal Plan. I thank WinnDevelopment and Bueno y Sano for their interest to invest here and look forward to welcoming them to Holyoke.”
