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Date: 9/10/2015
HOLYOKE – While the relocation of the Western Massachusetts Correctional Alcohol Center may have proven to be a hot button issue in the North End neighborhood of Springfield, Mayor Alex Morse would welcome its permanent placement in Holyoke.
Morse spoke about the center during a mayoral debate on WHYN’s “Adam Wright Show” on Sept. 4. He said he has been “proactive” in reaching out to Sheriff Michael Ashe to consider the possibility. The treatment center has been in the former Geriatric Authority nursing home facility near the Holyoke Mall since it had to leave its Howard Street location in Springfield because of the MGM casino project.
During the on-air discussion Morse noted the facility was costing the city $500,000 as a nursing home.
Morse added Ashe could save “millions” by using the Geriatric Authority building instead of building a new facility.
Whether or not the city replies to a Request for Proposal (RFP) from Ashe for a new location “depends upon the intent of the sheriff and his department,” Morse said.
Speaking to Reminder Publications later that day, Morse explained there is a Nov. 6 deadline for the RFP and the city will apply for it if Ashe shows interest in staying in Holyoke.
For Morse, having the treatment center at the former nursing home would fill an empty building and turn a “money loser into a revenue generator.”
He said the neighborhood has shown “very little to no opposition” to the treatment center.
“We see it as a win-win,” Morse added.
Morse’s two opponents, City Councilor Anthony Soto and businessman Fran O’Connell, also voiced support for the treatment center being in Holyoke.