04/21/2026
Routine Awning Replacement Halted After Village Calls Holly Police
Since the fire at the Arcade building on June 20, 2022, we have not received a single call or any meaningful communication from the Village of Holly Manager, not from the previous Village Manager and not from the current one.
The only contact we have had was a call in 2023 reminding us that, despite water and sewer services being shut off the day of the fire, we are still required to pay a monthly “connection” fee.
For nearly three years, there has been silence.
That silence ended today with enforcement.
Belle Isle Awning Company arrived to install a replacement front awning for the Hotel, an awning destroyed in a windstorm just weeks ago. As the crew began work, the Village Manager contacted the Holly Police Department and ordered the installation to stop, stating that a permit was required.
It is worth noting that at no point did the Village Manager contact either of us directly. Instead, after years of no communication, the first action taken was to call the police department. That choice is difficult to understand and, at best, disingenuous.
This was not a new installation. There was no redesign, no structural change, and no alteration of any kind.
The awning being installed is identical to what has existed since 1979, same location, same color, same style. The frame remained intact. This was a straightforward fabric replacement.
Work was halted immediately.
Chrissy arrived within minutes and requested that both a police officer and the Village Manager come to the Hotel to clarify the situation. The responding officer was unable to provide an explanation. Chrissy was advised that she could be ticketed for briefly stopping in the alley in front of the Hotel The installation crew was also instructed to move their truck and equipment out of the alley.
The officer contacted the Village Manager and relayed a request for him to come to the site. The Village Manager refused.
When Chrissy called him directly, he stated he was too busy to return and reiterated that a permit would be required.
There is nothing in the historic district regulations that requires a permit to replace fabric on an existing awning. No structural change was made. No design was altered. This was a like for like repair.
After nearly three years of silence, this is the first direct action taken by the Village Manager toward us. It was not communication, not assistance, and not cooperation.
At a time when our historic building is still recovering and waiting for the ability to move forward, this is their response.
Call it what you will. What occurred today reflects selective enforcement, unnecessary obstruction, or something far more concerning.
