Area Briefs: Hatfield plans ‘Flood Tour,’ Holyoke development opportunities and a hilltown hike

Published: 08-17-2023 1:13 PM

HATFIELD — The town’s Comprehensive Plan Committee invites the local community to a “Flood Tour” event Wednesday, Aug. 23, from 5 to 7 p.m. beginning at the corner of Maple and Prospect streets.

Water resources and climate change specialist Rich Niles, senior project manager at Woodard & Curran, will guide the tour that will visit three locations that could face future weather-related challenges in Hatfield and will address flooding concerns, impacts, potential mitigation, and emergency management.

Bus rides will be available from the first location at Maple and Prospect Streets (5 p.m.) to the second location, the dike at the end of South Street (5:45 p.m.), and then to the Chestnut Street Bridge (6:25pm).

The community is invited to meet at the start of the tour or to join the committee at any of the three locations.

For more information visit www.hatfield2040.pvpc.org.

Holyoke seeks bids on properties

HOLYOKE — The city of Holyoke is seeking proposals for the purchase of several foreclosed properties.

■736 Dwight St. and adjacent lot. The city is seeking proposals for a mixed-use development that includes new housing and first-floor commercial space. Situated in a growing downtown corridor, this property is near the Holyoke Transportation Center and the downtown commercial district and offers an excellent investment opportunity.

■118 Newton St. and two adjacent lots. Proposals are being sought for a development that will improve the area for residential, commercial, or other uses.

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■277 and 285 Main St. These would be great additions for abutting properties for expansions or to add amenities such as an outdoor space for tenants.

“It’s important for us to get these parcels back into responsible hands and on our tax roll, preferably to owners that are committed to the economic development and housing objectives of the city of Holyoke,” said Mayor Joshua A. Garcia.

The request for proposals and the sale notices, each containing instructions and more detailed information, are available from the Holyoke Purchasing Department by calling (413) 322-5650 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, or by email request to morrowj@holyoke.org.

For more information, go to holyoke.org/purchasing-current-public-bid-surplus-sales/.

Additional property information can be accessed by entering the address or map, block and parcel ID at: https://holyokema.mapgeo.io.

Hilltown hike on sculpture trail

MIDDLEFIELD — The Western Mass Hilltown Hikers will hold a group hike Aug. 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., on the Andrew DeVries Sculpture Trail, 42 East River Road.

The trail features more than 40 works on 15 acres, including outdoor figurative and abstract works in bronze created by DeVries. They are installed in two shaded groves and along the meadows’ back hedge that follows the middle branch of the pristine Westfield River. New this year are recently installed aluminum signs of poetry by various writers.

This hike will be an exclusive tour of this trail by DeVries himself. His gallery, DeVries Fine Art International, formerly in Lenox, is also on the property and contains indoor bronze works and paintings.

Registration per carload is requested at westernmasshilltownhikers.ticketleap.com. Maps and bottled water are provided. Be prepared for rocks, roots and some elevation. Hike is rain or shine; no dogs allowed. Suggested donation is $5.

More details at www.hilltownhikers.com. Questions: email westernmasshilltownhikers@aol.com or call/text 413-302-0312.

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