HOLYOKE — Amid calls for better housing solutions, Mayor Joshua A. Garcia said he supported establishing an office of tenant protection.
“The complexity right now is time and funding actually to put it together,” Garcia said. “That’s why we’re starting with bringing on board a position that works out of this office.”
The renter’s advocate would work closely with the community, ensuring tenant concerns are addressed in real time. However, the mayor cautioned that the process might take longer than many hoped.
“We’re moving in that direction, but it’s not going to happen as fast as people would like,” he said.
The move responds to the year-long plea from some Holyoke residents.
The city of Holyoke must draft an ordinance creating the position, identify funding, and obtain City Council approval.
Neighbor to Neighbor Massachusetts, an advocacy group focused on housing issues, has spearheaded efforts to improve living conditions for 64% of Holyoke’s population who rent. As part of its strategy, it has organized renter rallies where it calls for better protections for renters. It held one in Holyoke on Sept. 13.
“We won’t stop until everyone has safe, dignified, secure housing,” said Katie Talbot, the group’s lead organizer.
The group has suggested solutions like a public registry of property owners and a support system to address tenant queries.
Highlighting the city’s proactive approach to addressing housing-related complaints, Garcia said his staff spends about a third of its time dealing with such issues.
With departments like the Board of Health actively addressing public health concerns and housing violations, the mayor sees the “missing element” as the face-to-face case management liaison, which the proposed housing navigator role would fill.
“The last 50 years of decisions have created the current housing crisis,” said Christiana Haramut, a rally speaker and member of Neighbor to Neighbor. “The Office of Tenant Protections is a local solution, and I’m eager to work alongside the mayor’s team.”
Yet, while Garcia’s support was well-received, residents and advocates continue to push for more decisive actions against neglectful landlords. Neighbor to Neighbor has backed state Senator John Velis’s statewide housing initiatives, including rent control and tenant purchase rights.
Melodi Johnson, a member of Neighbor to Neighbor, emphasized the urgency of passing legislation that would address housing issues across the state. “I’m not just a rent check. Legislation should protect renters,” she declared.
