Marrero to lead city's economic development

Date: 5/1/2012

May 2, 2012

By G. Michael Dobbs

news@thereminder.com

HOLYOKE — Mayor Alex Morse said that his pick for the position of the city's new director of Planning and Economic Development was "the right person at the right time."

Morse introduced Marcos Marrero at a press conference on April 25. Marrero will replace Kathleen Anderson, who left the position to assume the presidency of the Holyoke Chamber of Commerce.

Marrero will begin May 14 and will earn an annual salary of $68,000.

Morse noted that Marrero joins the city at a time when there are multiple projects happening, including the new senior center and library. He added there is a $1.4 million revocation of Veteran's Park coming up as well as the phase two of the Canal Walk next spring and the effort to convert the former Holyoke Catholic High School site into housing within the next 24 months.

Marrero said, "Holyoke has many unique attributes to be excited about. For me, it's about the residents."

Marrero comes to the city from the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission. He was involved with projects assisting communities with zoning, permitting, energy and food security policies.

A native of Puerto Rico, he is a graduate of the University of Puerto Rico and the Woodrow Wilson School at Princeton University, where he earned a dual master's degree in Public Affairs and Urban & Regional Planning.

"Marcos's diverse range of education and experience will bring a vibrant perspective and leadership to the planning and development of Holyoke at this critical juncture. I have full confidence in Marcos and his ability to take the lead on Holyoke's economic development and planning initiatives, "Morse said.

Marrero said he was excited by the direction Morse is taking the city, and added, "We have to retain and attract businesses. That's our bread and butter."

Both Morse and Marrero said one of their goals was to streamline the permitting process for businesses in the city.

"What's the [permitting] pipeline like?" Marrero asked. "Are people being diverted to one central location to take the guess work out of it?"

Morse selected Marrero after a two-month national and regional search. There were 25 applicants, from which there were five or six finalists selected, Morse explained.

He said that Marrero's experience "really set him apart from the other applicants."

Marrero admitted he had "a steep learning curve" and expected he would reach out to the city's business community once he starts the job.

Currently living with his wife in Springfield, Morse said Marrero would move to Holyoke in the next three months.