Holyoke adds more one-on-one meetings for residents to talk key issues

HOLYOKE ― Holyoke residents eager to talk taxes, parks, housing and youth programs with Mayor Joshua Garcia filled his calendar so quickly that he added more one-on-one meetings next Friday.

In a statement on Facebook on Friday, Garcia said he and residents will talk about issues such as small business support, building permits, new development, neighborhood safety, housing costs for older adults, parks, infrastructure, youth programs, corporate ownership of homes and homelessness.

Garcia said interest was high, and more people signed up than he could meet in one day. He plans to meet with those residents on Jan. 9.

He announced the one-on-one sessions Dec. 26, saying he wanted to try "something new."

"One of the things I value most is hearing directly from you — your concerns, ideas and vision for our city," he said at the time. "Your input helps shape the agenda, so I'm trying something a little different."

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