The city is tackling a $10.5 million combined sewer overflow project, continuing efforts to prevent untreated stormwater from reaching the Connecticut River.The wastewater system now stops around 70% of solid waste from bypassing the treatment plant during heavy rains, a marked improvement from previous performance.Vega also points to innovative approaches on the horizon: “We’re talking with companies about anaerobic digestion, utilizing our waste sewage to create energy. We’re really trying to look for those innovative opportunities when it comes to utilities and infrastructure.” Mayor Garcia emphasizes visible improvements that residents experience daily.A $10 million federal grant through the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration will accelerate aging infrastructure replacement. The Center City Connector project brings a roundabout to the intersection of West Franklin and Beach Streets, while the High and Maple complete reconstruction project moves forward for a 2029-2030 completion. “I think those three projects, if they happen quickly enough around the same time, might curve some of that perception issue,” Mayor Garcia says.“People will start seeing what’s deteriorated infrastructure or what some will describe as blight driving throughout downtown will have a whole new look and feel and how the community interconnects and that feeling of safety.” CELEBRATING DIVERSITY WITH THE PUERTO RICAN CULTURAL DISTRICT The November 2024 designation of Holyoke’s Puerto Rican Cultural District marks formal recognition of what residents have built over decades. Spanning eight blocks along Main Street from Race Street to South Canal Street, the district showcases vibrant COMMUNITY IS OUR MIDDLE NAME. HOLYOKE COMMUNITY COLLEGE | COMMUNITY IS OUR MIDDLE NAME. HOLYOKE COMMUNITY COLLEG | COMMUNITY IS OUR MIDDLE NAME. HOLYOKE COMMUNITY COLLEGE | COMMUNITY IS OUR MIDDLE NAME. HOLYOKE COMMUNITY COLLEG | COMMUNITY IS OUR MIDDLE NAME. HOLYOKE COMMUNITY COLLEGE | Community is our middle name. hcc.edu/bcs 120 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 11
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