Whiting Street Reservoir Study Committee (WSRSC)

Executive Summary
The Whiting Street Reservoir Study Committee (WSRSC) which was created by order of the Holyoke City Council in 2019, was given a charge “to consider all aspects of the Whiting Street Reservoir to include reviewing costs to maintain and repurposing it for future use as well as ensuring that reasonable environmental considerations are maintained.”
To accomplish its charge, the Committee decided on the following tasks:
• Investigate the laws and protections that currently exist for the reservoir
• Investigate the effect of the current uses and any future plans of the adjoining
properties to the reservoir
• Hold a public meeting to gather public input and understand future needs and
wants regarding the reservoir, and
• Consider potential new revenue sources including expanded uses
After completing these tasks, the Committee has reached the following conclusions and recommends the following:
• Develop a Vision Statement and North Holyoke Master Area Plan to guide use, protect resources, engage stakeholders and benefit the citizens of Holyoke.
• Implement the vision and major components of the North Holyoke Master Area
Plan, by establishing an Areawide Management Council, sponsored by the City of Holyoke; the Council would include adjoining property owners or managers, and engage citizens, in order to coordinate area management.
• Ensure long term protection of the Whiting Street Reservoir (WSR) as a resource for the Citizens of Holyoke, through conservation restrictions or other means
• Assure availability of the reservoir to serve future water needs for the City of
Holyoke
• Allow for passive recreation while enhancing visitor safety, environmental
education, and accessibility to the communities of Holyoke and to the public.

Come To Mt. Tom

Naomi

Whiting Street Reservoir Study Committee (WSRSC)

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