Acting Holyoke Mayor Terence Murphy hosts listening session for business owners
Updated 4:49 PM;
Today 4:49 PM
Acting Holyoke Mayor Terence Murphy listens to the concerns of business owners at City Hall on Friday, April 23, 2021. (Dennis Hohenberger photo)
Facebook Share
Murphy was recently sworn in as acting mayor and will serve until shortly after the November election.
John Brunelle of B and B Real Estate said the city’s greatest asset is Holyoke Gas & Electric. The city “dropped the ball” in not allowing the expansion of the area’s natural gas supply, he said.
In the past year, Brunelle said, developers “lost opportunities” as HG&E imposed a natural gas moratorium on new residential and commercial customers. More than 100 potential customers had to find alternative fuel sources, he said.
Holyoke City Councilors vie for acting mayor job, Home Rule Petition awaits governor’s signature
Updated 12:28 PM;
HOLYOKE – City Councilors Peter Tallman and Terence Murphy will vie for the acting mayor role once the governor signs a home rule petition.
State Rep. Patricia Duffy (D-Holyoke) said the Massachusetts Legislature passed the Holyoke’s Home Rule Petition on Monday. The document awaits Gov. Charlie Baker’s signature, a final step in the process.
Besides eliminating a costly special election and a likely special runoff, the petition would allow any city councilor to be appointed acting mayor while maintaining their city council seat.