Save the Farr Mansion - 399 Appleton St

Many thanks to the neighbors (including the Board of the Carlos Vega Townhomes and the Spanish Church of God) who signed our petition against the YMCA's application for a zone change at 399 Appleton, and many thanks to the Ordinance Committee of the City Council who voted to recommend denying the zone change last Tuesday. The full City Council vote (the final vote on this matter) is TONIGHT at 7 pm at City Hall. Please consider attending the vote and/or contacting your councilors to urge them to vote NO against this illegal spot-zone. If this zone change is passed, this changes our neighborhood irrevocably: a business commercial zone allows for a number of future uses that are not in keeping with the Downtown Residential feel and existing zoning. The YMCA had --and still has--options to solve its perceived parking problem beyond changing the zoning of this small parcel. http://www.masslive.com/news/index.ssf/2015/03/holyoke_ymca_needs_12_council.html

Holyoke YMCA needs 12 Council votes for parking lot zone change Normally, a zone change requires approval from a two-thirds majority of the City Council, or 10 votes.

A year ago this happened. I wonder if the Holyoke YMCA has any regrets.

A year ago this happened

http://www.citylab.com/design/2014/09/in-its-last-days-a-house-turns-to-gold/380345/

In Its Last Days, a House Turns to Gold A Pittsburgh-area artist commemorates the derelict house next door, starting with a coat of paint.

http://seeclickfix.com/issues/1086400

This is not a parking lot. It is not zoned for parking. The lot is a mess and an eyesore as it is uneven and with debris strewn about. There are currently nine cars parked on the lot illegally despite empty spaces on street and in the YMCA lot.

2/12/14
We gathered at Open Square to greet those attending the Greater Holyoke YMCA Annual Dinner and to pay last respects to the Farr Mansion, which the YMCA demolished mid-winter, 1/27/14. Thanks to Sara Krohn for the lovely visual documentation.

Reference for the hashtags in the post below, for those who need a laugh. Perhaps the Y could re-read its own tweets and consider its recent actions v its words.

Thanks to the HPD, YMCA patrons now have to park on the street instead of parking on the public sidewalk. There is a cruiser out informing people now. Walk a few extra feet and

'Farr mansion' in Holyoke razed, YMCA appears set for new parking lot at 399 Appleton St. The YMCA's schedule to seek approval from the city to build a parking lot was unclear.

A year ago this happened

Associated is on site and prepping for demo.

Good morning Monday, goodbye Farr Mansion.

People are continuing to sign our petition. Here's a comment from yesterday:
"I have moved to this area for my love of old buildings. Holyoke is a gem. Let's not loose our perspective on the irretrievable beauty of it's buildings, once they are gone. I was shocked and dismayed that it was the Y that is posing to raze this beautiful property. I have literally just returned from becoming a member there. "
-Lisa Burke, South Hadley
https://www.change.org/petitions/holyoke-ymca-don-t-demolish-the-historic-farr-mansion-for-parking

Holyoke YMCA: Don't demolish the historic Farr Mansion for parking The prevailing wisdom in Holyoke, MA is that what is good for the YMCA is good for the surrounding community/neighborhood. In the case of the YMCA's...