Holyoke committee backs veteran parking at City Hall and senior center, solicitor says no home‑rule needed

The Charter and Rules Committee of the City of Holyoke City Council voted Feb. 4 to recommend adding veteran‑designated parking spaces at City Hall and at the senior center and to refer the matter to the Ordinance Committee for ordinance drafting and signage.

City Solicitor Mike Bissonnette told the committee he saw no statutory prohibition on a city designating veteran parking on its own property. "I don't I don't see any prohibitions on, city property for the city to be able to designate, veterans parking," he said, noting that cities and towns generally control parking on their own property and could direct the Department of Public Works to identify locations and signage.

Councilor Patty Devine described examples of well‑marked veteran parking in other communities and suggested the committee could recommend specific sites; the chair and other members agreed the committee could refer the order rather than pursue a home‑rule petition. The committee approved a motion to add a veteran space at City Hall and the senior center and to refer the idea to the Ordinance Committee for drafting and implementation. The motion was seconded and carried by voice vote.

Next steps: the referral means city staff and Ordinance Committee members will draft the ordinance language and return with a proposal for placement and signage. The solicitor noted special consideration may be warranted at school properties because of constrained parking.