Historical Commission

Chicopee Historical Commission Voting Record and Minutes The Historical Commission of the City of Chicopee public hearing for Tuesday, June 11, 2024 at 4:00 PM, in the Chambers Conference room, City Hall Annex and via Zoom. Meeting was called to order at 4:00 PM by Josh Clark, Historical Commission Chair Historical Commission attendance: Member Present Absent Excused Joshua Clark, Chair X Ray Hoess-Brooks X Vice Chair Linda Menard-Mruk X Clerk Louise Osetek X Kathryn Gawron X Vacant Vacant Planning Staff attendance: Member Present Absent Excused Lee Pouliot, X Director James Dawson, X Development Manager Patrick Collins X Nick Kiser X Item 1: Presentation by Valley Opportunity Council on the redevelopment of the former Belcher School into 20-25 apartments. VOC is requesting a new letter of support from the Commission. The last letter of support was issued in March of 2024. Notes: VOC provided the Commission with an update on the project. They explained they closed on the Belcher School property two weeks ago and interior demolition had begun with asbestos and lead removal. The project will consist of 25 apartments, and they expect occupancy by July 2025. Motion to issue a letter of support was made by Louise Osetek and seconded by Kathryn Gawron. Vote was 5 to 0 to issue a letter of support. Member Approve Deny Table Abstain Joshua Clark X Raymond Hoess-Brooks X Linda Menard-Mruk X Louise Osetek X Kathryn Gawron X Item 2: Nominations for Board Positions in preparation for Board Elections in September. Notes: • Linda Menard-Mruk nominated Raymond Hoess-Brooks for Chairperson; he accepted. • Raymond Hoess- Brooks nominated Louise Osetek for Vice Chairperson; she accepted. • Kathryn Gawron nominated Linda Menard-Mruk for Clerk; she accepted. Elections will be held at the September 10, 2024 meeting. Item 3: Minutes from May 14, 2024 Motion to approve the minutes was made by Raymond Hoess-Brooks and seconded by Louise Osetek. Vote was 5-0 to approve. Member Approve Deny Table Abstain Joshua Clark X Raymond Hoess-Brooks X Linda Menard-Mruk X Louise Osetek X Kathryn Gawron X Item 4: Discussion/New Business Notes: • Staff reported that someone called about doing some work on an historic house. It was explained to the individual that they would need to contact the Historical Commission. The person did not call back. • Mr. Ron Chimelis attended the meeting and will send a letter to the mayor requesting a seat on the Historical Commission. Item 5: Adjournment – Next regularly scheduled meeting is September 10, 2024. Motion to adjourn was made by Louise Osetek and seconded by Linda Menard-Mruk. Vote was 5-0 to adjourn. Member Approve Deny Table Abstain Joshua Clark X Raymond Hoess-Brooks X Linda Menard-Mruk X Louise Osetek X Kathryn Gawron X Meeting adjourned at 4:23 PM