HOLYOKE — Members of the Historical Commission are seeking more support from city officials in reviewing projects, protecting buildings and making decisions, citing Mayor Joshua Garcia’s recent decision to allocate $2 million toward the restoration of the Victory Theatre without their input.

At a sometimes contentious meeting on Monday, Commission Chairwoman Paola Ferrario expressed frustration at both the lack of staff help for the commission, in a city where 200 buildings are on the National Historic Registry and 200 historic mills remain standing, and at the recent departure of the longtime building commissioner.

The meeting was held after Ferrario recently sent letters to supporters outlining her worries about preservation of historic buildings and the city’s plans to hire a demolition expert.

Ferrario told Garcia that the commission should be able to help businesses with obtaining historic tax credits and to do better examination of grants already in progress, like that for Scott Tower.

She offered a particularly pointed critique of Garcia’s announcement of $2 million in American Rescue Plan Act money being put toward the $61 million rehabilitation of the 1920 theater.

“That’s the thing — you come to us before you make such a big decision, because I think it could be even better,” Ferrario said.

Garcia, though, said the commission would have a role in that project at some point and his initial commitment is about the beginning of a process.

The idea of having a preservation specialist who would serve both the Historical Commission and the Wistariahurst Museum is likely not happening.

“We desperately need that position, and we want to be in a location that is optimum for us and protects the city,” Ferrario said.

Garcia said he could not support such a position in a city budget that is already strapped. “Currently, it’s just not a priority to add another position at this time, but there are ways we can do things different to achieve the very goals you want to achieve,” Garcia said.

Ferrario notes the city building commissioner, Damian Cote, recently departed, creating another challenge for the Historical Commission, but Garcia said he has strong candidates for a replacement.

“We should have an appointed building commissioner very soon,” Garcia said.

Still, Historical Commission member Elana Aubrey said there is a feeling that the commission is either not doing enough or its decisions are undermined, doubted or flagrantly ignored, and is accused of not being friendly toward businesses.

“The idea that business doesn’t want to come to Holyoke because of the Historic Commission is just a lie,” Aubrey said.

“I wish there were another circumstance we could have this dialogue in a more constructive way,” said commission member Luis Salazar.

How the commission is functioning, and whether there is turmoil, Garcia said, is for members to work out on their own. Garcia said he has spoken to each member about expectations and to understand their concerns and issues, and that he wants to support their efforts.

“We all know historic preservation, like everything else, is a priority,” Garcia said.

Ferrario said she is optimistic the commission can do its work going forward.

“I think we’re working very well as commissioners at this point,” Ferrario said, describing it as being guilty only of perfectionism.

“Let’s put this to rest, let’s show the city we have a Historical Commission,” said member Christopher Gauthier.

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