Planning for Hadley’s new library and new senior center has gone on for more than three years.
Hadley voters have approved expenditures for both projects. The state has recognized the excellence of the library’s plans with a grant of $3.9 million. Now, long after voter review and approval of the linked plans for both projects, a nay-sayer moves to block the projects.
Parking at the American Legion, a pawn in this game, is being used to thwart projects that will welcome and benefit all townspeople. Planners have graciously amended the site plan to include shared parking with the Legion, but the compromise has been rejected.
The Legion’s existence is not threatened. 36 parking spaces remain on the Legion’s site. An unimproved town parking lot will now be improved with access for the Legion, seniors and townspeople.
How many additional steps will be needed by Legion patrons to access the new overflow lot? How many times a year does the Legion require overflow parking? Answers show the questionable nature of this challenge to the senior center/library project.
The Legion and the building committee were working together until articles 23 and 24 were added to the May 3 Town Meeting warrant. Then, additional meetings were canceled by the Legion. The prime backer of these articles raises challenges with inflammatory statements such as, “What they’re going to do is basically put the Legion out of business.”
No. The senior center project has offered compromise. The parking issue isn’t an existential threat. The parking issue is a smokescreen to cover the perceived lack of need and misguided desire to avoid spending.
Hadley residents are providing needed services for themselves. Past votes have clearly demonstrated Hadley voters’ support for the new library and new senior center. It is time to reaffirm the town’s support for a project that benefits all townspeople.
Stewart Clark
Hadley