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Welcome To Fall!
The Cold Days Of December Are Upon Us!
Snow is right around the corner...brush up (pun intended) on the snow rules!
2024 Annual Meeting
The annual meeting was held and the budget was passed unanamously
Dear Hadley Village Residents
As previously announced the South Hadley Planning Board held a meeting on March 4th 2024 regading a proposed zoning amendment to change the Liquor Town designation from Business A-1 to Business A-1 Residential. That would allow the construction of approximately 40 low income apartments in the rear of the abutting Liquor Town Retail Store. While we presented a substantive case the Planning Board voted to advance the proposal to the May Town Meeting by a vote of 5-1. It is important to know that the Liquor Town proposal included about 90 other business A-! zoned properties BUT not one of the owners of those properties have requested the zone change so that is prima fascia evidence of the attempt to circumvent the issue of spot zoning that would be illegal if it was proposed only for their property.
This is a proposal that would present a significant detriment to not only Hadley Village residents but the town in general. We all know how difficult it can be to enter/exit Hadley Village Road. Within a 500 feet space we have entrances for not only Hadley Village Road's 180 unit's residents but also the very busy Hanger Pub's and the Liquor Town store lots as well. We and the town need to also consider the heavy traffic from the Route 33/202 intersection which includes the Raymond Center Medical Complex, Pine Grove Condominium, the busy Mobil Gas Station & Convenience Store and others to Easthampton Savings bank all the way to 5 Corners in Granby.
The results of the above at the Town Meeting May 8th 2024:
ARTICLE 27: PETITION: ALLOW MULTIFAMILY IN BUSINESS A-1
Article Passed as Amended. Majority Vote Required. Recorded Vote of Amended Article: Yes – 75, No – 5, Abstain – 2, No Vote – 7
An amendment to the main motion was made and seconded. The amendment passed with the following recorded vote: Yes – 71, No – 11, Abstain 2, No Vote – 5. The amendment sought to make changes as follows (new text in bold; removed text in brackets);
§ 255-51 Multifamily Residential Development in Business A-1 zoning district
B. Moratorium on submittal of Applications until [March 1, 2024] June 1, 2025
1) To provide the Planning Board with reasonable and sufficient time to develop and adopt a separate Design Review process and associated rules and regulations as provided for in § 255-51(4)(b), no application for Site Plan Review under this § 255-51 is to be submitted or considered prior to [March 1, 2025] June 1, 2025.
(2) Whether or not the Planning Board has adopted a relevant Design Review process and associated rules and regulations pursuant to § 255-51(4)(b), after [March 1, 2025] June 1, 2025, submission of, processing of, and taking action upon Site Plans submitted under this § 255-51 shall proceed absent Design Review, but compliant with all standards specified in this § 255-51.
The Town voted to amend the Zoning Bylaw to allow multifamily residences within the Business A-1 Zoning District through amending the following: Chapter 255-10 (Terms Defined); the Zoning Use Regulations Schedule; and Article VII Supplemental District Regulations by inserting a new section 255-52 Multifamily Residential Development in Business A-1 Zoning District", as further articulated in the Planning Board’s Report to Town Meeting with the amended dates.
RESIDENT ALERT!
Package thefts by porch pirates are on the rise everywhere and Hadley Village due to it's density is no different. If you live in a one bedroom unit ask the shipper to leave the package in the common hallway (assuming the outer door is not auto-locking).
We have also had a few vehicle break-ins and a vehicle stolen recently. Lock your car doors and stow any valuables safely out of sight. Do not leave leave electronics out as they are prime targets.
Please be observant of the grounds especially if you see people that are acting suspiciously. If you see an unfamiliar vehicle or person in your area please don't hesitate to call the SHPD as they are more than willing to respond.
We can all look out for each other similar to a neighborhood watch and we will all be safer!
Recycling issues
A chronic problem is cardboard boxes are constantly being placed empty and intact in the can. They are also put in with Styrofoam and packing material in them. This is a tremendous waste of space and leads to the cans filling up faster than they should.
Please break down and flatten boxes prior to putting them in the can!
We are constantly finding non-recyclable material placed in the cans. Right after the holiday we found a refrigerator and air conditioner as well as a mattress and TV in dumpsters. In the past few weeks there were also an additional 4 mattresses and a box spring dumped on the ground on the side of dumpsters.
There are easy to understand instructions on a label on the front of each can. Instructions are also found on the FAQ/Documents tab and every unit in the Village was delivered a copy. It's not that hard to understand! Aside from unbroken down boxes some of the biggest things we need help with:
NO Styrofoam of ANY kind! Styrofoam is not recyclable by our hauler!
NO Packing Material of ANY kind unless it is paper or cardboard.
NO Bulk Items of ANY kind. See note below on bulk waste.NO Plastic Bags of ANY kind. If you have recyclables in plastic bags simply empty the contents into the recycling can and throw the bag in the rubbish. Paper bags are fine.
Please help keep Hadley Village a greener community :-)
Bulk Items - PLEASE READ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We have had mattresses and box springs stuffed into and left on the side of dumpsters. A new STATE LAW went into effect November 1, 2022: "Mattresses are banned from disposal or transport for disposal in Massachusetts". It is now ILLEGAL for mattresses and box springs to be thrown away as a bulk item in the trash or put in a dumpster.
All sizes of mattresses are included under the ban: California king, king, queen, full, twin, XL twin, and crib mattresses. It covers traditional mattresses constructed of metal & textiles, wood and foam; as well as latex, full-foam mattresses, and/or memory foam “mattresses in a box”.
It costs the Association over $100 each on top of the time and wear on the new truck to dispose of these!!!!
Massachusetts State Law requires all mattresses, box springs and textiles to be recycled.
Aside from matresses and box springs this new law covers textile furniture such as couches, chairs and recliners. If you dump these at Hadley Village you are not just violating our rules you are now committing a criminal act. If you are caught you will be fined and/or referred to the proper authorities for prosecution. Illegal dumping is just that...ILLEGAL!
We are also experiencing people putting old style TV's, stoves and appliances, furniture and other impermissable items in or on the side of dumpsters. Our waste hauler will not pick up items left on the ground and reserves the right to not service a can with these such items left in it.
It is not fair to others to dump bulk items due to higher costs, filling the can prematurely not to mention it's likely ILLEGAL
If you are getting new such items option for the haul away or make arrangements to have it properly disposed of. Individual residents can call the town and get a dump permit. South Hadley will not let the Association do so unless we purchase a prohibitive 180 permits - one to cover each unit.
Don't hesitate to report another resident doing this to the office. They are costing you money and you can do so confidentially.
It's not always residents who do this so if you see people dumping bulk items and you dont recognize them try to get a vehicle description and plate number. Some residents have done so and we have been very successful in getting the items removed by the offender. We will need to get aggressive in preventing this type of activity as it hurts everyone.
Be advised that construction debris is not allowed in the dumpsters. If you are having work in your unit DO NOT tell your contractor it's OK to put stuff (drywall, cabinets, carpet etc.) in the dumpsters.
Going forward offenders will be responsible for the cost of disposal at a minimum of $100.00 for every item illegally dumped in addition there will also be a $50.00 fine for each item applied to the unit owners account. If the assessments are not paid the unit owner will be turned over to our council for collection. As noted there may also be a referral to local authorities.
Landlords are responsible for the actions of their tenants!
Ways to dispose of bulk items - fees apply:
You can call 800.GOT.JUNK to have your bulk waste hauled away.
You can also bring items to Casella Waste Systems 686 Main Street in Holyoke 413.213.2797
also Valley Recycling 234 Easthampton Rd. Northampton, MA. 413.587.4279
Plumbing Problems
Recently we have seen an uptick in plumbing getting clogged by people flushing paper towels and wipes in the toilet. Paper towels are absolutely NOT flushable in any fashion. As for wipes it may say flushable on the package but please don't do it! "Flushable" wipes don't break down — they clog sewer pipes and equipment. Put them in the trash! Sewer systems, pipes and treatment plants were not designed to handle allegedly "flushable" wipes. If a clog can be traced to your unit that will be your responsibility to pay for it. The average cost is to take care of this can be $300-600+ per occurance. Please simply just throw them in the trash.
Window Air Conditioners
It is not recommended to use an extension cord unless it and the outlet is specifically designed for such use and used accordingly. It is a fire hazard to overload an outlet!
Some other very important things to read!
Parking Issues
We have several areas where people are parking on the road but not in visitor spaces typically on entrances and corners. Long ago these areas were deliberately left open to allow access for emergency vehicles. Imagine trying to get a huge piece of fire appparatus into a lot and there is a car or truck impeding access. Please do not park where you see yellow lines. This includes the entire yellow area...as in you don't park the back of your car in a space and the other half in a marked no parking zone.The larger areas are now conspicously labeled as No Parking and/or Fire Lane. As with anywhere else in the real world violators are subject to being fined and/or having their car towed. It's best - and less costly - to just walk a little further.
A Safety Reminder:
******Make sure that ALL smoke detectors are working and test them frequently! Smoke detectors must be replaced every ten years even if they are working. There is a date on the back of the detector.
******Also make sure that the dryer vent not just the filter is clear of lint! This includes the vent hose and the outlet from the back of the machine. A good rule of thumb is to do this at least twice a year when you check your smoke detectors. A half hour of your time can prevent a lifetime of regret
*****We are told by the SHFD that venting a dryer into an enclosed window well is a fire hazard as it does not allow the dryer to properly expell the large amount of air it generates. Please check and ensure that your dryer is properly vented to the outside to avoid a potentially dangerous situation. Please contact the office if you need more information on this.
Fire Hydrant
The fire hydrant on Hadley Village Road has been recently serviced and is in good working condition. Unfortunately we had to pay for this service as the water department didn't deem it their responsibility to perform this service even though we are 180 tax paying households and spend about $50,000 annually for water in addition to every unit within the association paying a sewer bill every 6 months. Keep this in mind when it comes time to elect the water commissioners for Water District #1.
Reminder: The Association has a $10,000 deductable on it's master insurance policy which is the unit owner's responsibility Our policy is not all encompassing so it's incumbent of every owner to review your coverages with your agent to assure that you are adequately protected. This was announced in previous annual meeting packets, at meetings and on this site for years. There will be no exceptions to this and the Association will bear no responsibility for it for simply "not knowing".
Again - please review your coverages with your agent and make sure that you are protected from this exposure!
Landlords are encouraged that they strongly recommend to their tenants that they purchase a renters policy as well to cover their personal belongings and alternative housing as the Master Policy covers neither.
