Ground Breaking: Phase II Canalwalk
June 16, 2014
June 16, 2014
Beautiful view across canal (taken from Race St) where Phase II will be - with power lines. Please help us STOP this alteration of Phase II plans.
Response from Mayor Morse
Here is the mayor's reply - August 26, 2013.
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Letter to Mayor Morse
The Friends of the Canalwalk sent the following letter to Mayor Alex Morse in response to the news of the change in design plans; keeping the utility poles and electric lines above ground - August 12, 2013
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Order of Taking Approved by City Council
The FOC have learned that the Order of Taking was approved by the Holyoke City Council on June 18, 2013. From there ROW plans were finalized and recorded by the Registry of Deeds. The Planning Office is awaiting comments from MassDOT on the Bridge and those will be incorporated into the PS&E plans to be put out to bid...
We were also informed in this letter: "It was decided that the utility lines would be kept above ground for Phase II. The cost of burying the lines was upwards of $1,000.000 for the one block area of Phase II and would have to be paid for using City funds. However, during construction the existing poles will be realigned so that their spacing is maximized and the number of poles will decrease. (Chuck Murphy-Romboletti)
We were also informed in this letter: "It was decided that the utility lines would be kept above ground for Phase II. The cost of burying the lines was upwards of $1,000.000 for the one block area of Phase II and would have to be paid for using City funds. However, during construction the existing poles will be realigned so that their spacing is maximized and the number of poles will decrease. (Chuck Murphy-Romboletti)
100% Design Plans Received from City
The Friends have received a copy of the 100% design plans for Phase II from the Office of Planning and Economic Development. Thank you!
The City is awaiting comments back from MassDOT.
There will also be 2 sub-committee meetings for Canalwalk Phase II easements:
Redevelopment Committee: 6P, Monday, June 17, 2013
Finance Committee: 7P, Monday, June 17, 2013
We will have more information after both of these sessions.
The City is awaiting comments back from MassDOT.
There will also be 2 sub-committee meetings for Canalwalk Phase II easements:
Redevelopment Committee: 6P, Monday, June 17, 2013
Finance Committee: 7P, Monday, June 17, 2013
We will have more information after both of these sessions.
Minutes from MPO Mtg 5/1/13
The Friend's group is still awaiting a copy of the 100% design plans and will post when we receive them from the City.
Updates from MassDOT District One and District Two Officials on Relevant Transportation Issues and Projects of Interest to the Pioneer Valley MPO Members
Mr. Bench called on Paula Simmons of the MassDOT District Two Office in Northampton to give an update on District 2’s relevant transportation issues and projects of interest to the MPO members. Ms. Simmons stated that the MassDOT District Two Office has advertised three projects that are currently in the region’s FFY 2013 - 2016 TIP, namely: the Northampton Park and Ride Project (project bids have been opened); the West Springfield Route 5/I-91 Connector Project; the Northampton Norwottuck Rail Trail Rehabilitation Project (project bids have been opened); the Westfield Route 187 Project which is now at 100% design stage; the Easthampton project # 602486 which is at the 100% design stage; the Pelham Amherst Road Project #601154 which is listed in this year’s TIP and is progressing; the Homestead and Lower Westfield Road Project which is at the 100% design stage; the Westhampton Bridge Project #604339 which is progressing; Project #606345 in Springfield which is being fast tracked; the Holyoke Canal Walk Phase 2 Project, #603263, which is now at the 100% design stage; and the Agawam Bike Loop Project, #603731 which has all permits in place and will soon be ready to be advertised. Mr. Bench thanked Ms. Simmons for her report on behalf of District 2 and moved to the next update.
Updates from MassDOT District One and District Two Officials on Relevant Transportation Issues and Projects of Interest to the Pioneer Valley MPO Members
Mr. Bench called on Paula Simmons of the MassDOT District Two Office in Northampton to give an update on District 2’s relevant transportation issues and projects of interest to the MPO members. Ms. Simmons stated that the MassDOT District Two Office has advertised three projects that are currently in the region’s FFY 2013 - 2016 TIP, namely: the Northampton Park and Ride Project (project bids have been opened); the West Springfield Route 5/I-91 Connector Project; the Northampton Norwottuck Rail Trail Rehabilitation Project (project bids have been opened); the Westfield Route 187 Project which is now at 100% design stage; the Easthampton project # 602486 which is at the 100% design stage; the Pelham Amherst Road Project #601154 which is listed in this year’s TIP and is progressing; the Homestead and Lower Westfield Road Project which is at the 100% design stage; the Westhampton Bridge Project #604339 which is progressing; Project #606345 in Springfield which is being fast tracked; the Holyoke Canal Walk Phase 2 Project, #603263, which is now at the 100% design stage; and the Agawam Bike Loop Project, #603731 which has all permits in place and will soon be ready to be advertised. Mr. Bench thanked Ms. Simmons for her report on behalf of District 2 and moved to the next update.
Correspondence and Updates on Phase II from City Hall
November 13-15, 2012
The letters below document an exchange between FOC, Mayor Morse and Karen Mendrala following a meeting of the Metropolitan Planning Organization at PVPC in early November.
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Minutes from Design Public Hearing - Phase II
July 11, 2012 - City Hall - Holyoke, MA
Reference below a letter presented by Mayor, Alex Morse, supporting the timely construction of Canalwalk. And the minutes of the meeting.
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The Commonwealth of Masssachusetts DOT - Highway Div. Announces Notice of Design Public Hearing
Wednesday, July 11, 2012 @7p
Please refer to the attached file for information about the Phase II 25% design hearing (Project file #603263) at Holyoke City Hall Council Chambers 536 Dwight St. Holyoke, MA 01040. We are encouraged that this is finally happening and welcome all to attend.
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Phase II of Canalwalk Construction Moved Out to 2013
11/22/2011 0 Comments Edit | Settings | Delete
The Friends group learned this summer of MassDOT changes to Phase II construction. At the August MPO Meeting at The Pioneer Valley Planning Commission, the MPO voted to set back construction since the design submissions had not received a prompt review (by the MassDOT). Members of the Friend's group attended this meeting, along with Kathy Anderson and Mayor Pluta in order to voice our opposition to this change. The Friends group was very concerned and disappointed by this news and have been actively advocating to restore Phase II to the 2012 construction year. We invite you all to follow the correspondence posted below to gain a better understanding of what has transpired. We have also provided a time line which shows what needs to be done and when in order to restore the project to the 2012 construction year.
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Phase II Design Plans
At the public meeting, November 17, 2010 the following design and engineering plans were presented. Some public discussion and preferences were aired. VHB and the City of Holyoke will publish meeting minutes and follow up plans and will be published here when available. Here are the two plans. You may make comments, suggestions or critique directly to the Department of Planning and Development or to us via our comments page.
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Holyoke Canalwalk Phase II Design Public Meeting
The City and VHB have received authorization to move forward on the engineering and design of Phase II of the Canalwalk from MassDOT.
A public meeting will be held on Wednesday, November 17, 2010 at 6:30p to gain public input on the 25% design of Phase II. Come and share your ideas - at Heritage State Park - between Appleton and Dwight Sts. Please Note: This meeting was postponed from 11/10/10
A public meeting will be held on Wednesday, November 17, 2010 at 6:30p to gain public input on the 25% design of Phase II. Come and share your ideas - at Heritage State Park - between Appleton and Dwight Sts. Please Note: This meeting was postponed from 11/10/10
Friends of Canalwalk 'walk-through' 2001 Phase II Plans, August 16, 2010
On Monday evening, August 16th a small group of The Friends walked through the existing 25% design plans for Phase II of the Canalwalk - Race Street between Dwight and Appleton.
photos: www.danoverton.com
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, June 25, 2010
Phase I ribbon cutting was held on the Canalwalk on June 25, 2010 @11am
Ribbon Cutting, Phase I
We have heard from the Office of Planning and Development that a Ribbon Cutting ceremony is being scheduled for Friday, June 25, 2010 at 11am at the site of Phase I of the Canalwalk Holyoke.
Canalwalk News....March 5, 2010
We have just heard from the Mayor's Office of Planning and Development about Phase II construction.
Mass Highway has given verbal approval to begin the Engineering and Design of Phase II.
They expect the process to finalize after the proper signatures are completed. We hope to see A Notice to Proceed in one month - April 5, 2010. Stay tuned...
We have just heard from the Mayor's Office of Planning and Development about Phase II construction.
Mass Highway has given verbal approval to begin the Engineering and Design of Phase II.
They expect the process to finalize after the proper signatures are completed. We hope to see A Notice to Proceed in one month - April 5, 2010. Stay tuned...
Construction On Canal Walk Begins
By Katelyn Gendron
05/08/2009- The Reminder
HOLYOKE -- City, state and federal officials gave Holyoke the old heave-ho last week.
Mayor Michael Sullivan, State Sen. Michael Knapik and Congressman John Olver heaved some dirt, signifying the groundbreaking of the first phase of the Holyoke Canalwalk on May 1. The approximately $5 million, three-phase project will create an outdoor landscape for shops, artists and leisure activities linking Dwight, Appleton, Lyman, Race and Cabot streets.
"This investment in downtown Holyoke is [paramount]," Sullivan said. "It's a wonderful catalyst for downtown [revitalization]."
He went on to thank residents and all parties involved for their "patience and support for a project long overdue."
Kathleen Anderson, director of Economic Development, noted that the Canalwalk has taken 10 years from conception to groundbreaking.
The Canalwalk will feature a brick walkway for pedestrians and bikers with seating, lighting and gazebos with space for public events, art exhibitions and businesses.
Anderson explained that Phase I will cost $790,000 and will connect the first level of the Canalwalk on the east side of the canal between Dwight and Appleton streets.
The Canalwalk is funded by several allocations including $1.2 million from the Transportation Bond Bill, $3.5 million from the TEA Bill, a $258,188 grant from MassHighway and $81,000 in city funds.
"[This project] does not come under the Recovery and Reinvestment Act [of 2009] but will create jobs and help Holyoke's redevelopment," Olver said. "We turn a little bit of dirt today and see it grow."
He added that the plan includes connecting the two-mile Canalwalk to the Connecticut River Walk in Chicopee, and the Manhan Rail-Trail in Easthampton.
Knapik noted that the Canalwalk will also highlight the old mills along the canal, landmarks documenting Holyoke's rich history as the Paper City of the World.
Anderson added that Phase II -- the second level on the east side between Dwight and Appleton streets and portions of the west side -- is out to bid for design completion.
Phase III will connect the Canalwalk to Race Street between Appleton and Cabot streets.
Anderson said future projects will include linking the Canalwalk to the Dam and Fishlift and Pulaski Park.
© 2008 Western Massachusetts Economic Development 1441 Main Street Springfield MA 01103
(413) 755-1368 fax: (413) 755-1371
Canalwalk Groundbreaking May 1, 2009
Kathy Anderson, Director of Planning and Development, John Olver, US Congressman, Elaine Pluta, City Councilor, Don Welch, City Councilor
Chris Curtis, PVPC, Kathy Anderson, Congressman Olver, Mayor Sullivan, State Senator Knapik