Oppose Construction of the MHC Power Plant in the Center of South Hadley
The Issue
Greetings supporters of this petition. On June 5, MHC hosted an informational session at which they announced the were going to put the plans for the Geothermal energy plant on hold and “take it out of the 2025 timeline”. Many of us are uncertain what that exactly means. Several more appropriate options on where to site this building were brought up by attendees. Many are hopeful MHC will respect the community and do just that. If you want to read more about what transpired, the June 7 edition of THE REPUBLICAN reported on the meeting. The byline is …College’s pump hub plans placed on hold. I’ve decided to continue to get signatures. Although they are “rephasing some of the project” we have no guarantee that they will do what’s right for us. It’s a way to stand firm in continuing to express dismay with the site selection of this building. As they occur, I will make periodic updates. Thanks for signing this petition.
We, the undersigned strongly oppose the proposed construction, by Mount Holyoke College, of an electrical power plant in the center of our town.
Our reasons for opposing this facility:
- Zoning Violation: The proposed location for this power plant is zoned Residential. The facility will be Industrial. Allowing construction is a clear departure from the intended use of this land and sets a dangerous precedent.
- Health and Environmebntal Harms: The operation of an electrical power plant in the heart of a residential neighborhood poses serious risks from noise and the toxic fumes emanating from gasoline beneath the soil. Both will harm the health, well-being, and quality of life of nearby residents, those with pre-existing health conditions and people who work and shop nearby.
- Ruin the appearance of town: The facility design is starkly industrial and modern, clashing with the architectural character of South Hadley's historic town center. It will ruin the charm, visual harmony, and aesthetic and historical integrity of our New England community.
We believe that development must respect the safety and welfare of residents and long-term vision of the town. This planned facility does the opposite. Mount Holyoke College needs to continue to be a good neighbor and find an alternative location within their own campus or in an industrial zone.
We respectfully urge the town's decision-makers to reject this plan and to stop the placement of this facility in our town center.
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The Issue
Greetings supporters of this petition. On June 5, MHC hosted an informational session at which they announced the were going to put the plans for the Geothermal energy plant on hold and “take it out of the 2025 timeline”. Many of us are uncertain what that exactly means. Several more appropriate options on where to site this building were brought up by attendees. Many are hopeful MHC will respect the community and do just that. If you want to read more about what transpired, the June 7 edition of THE REPUBLICAN reported on the meeting. The byline is …College’s pump hub plans placed on hold. I’ve decided to continue to get signatures. Although they are “rephasing some of the project” we have no guarantee that they will do what’s right for us. It’s a way to stand firm in continuing to express dismay with the site selection of this building. As they occur, I will make periodic updates. Thanks for signing this petition.
We, the undersigned strongly oppose the proposed construction, by Mount Holyoke College, of an electrical power plant in the center of our town.
Our reasons for opposing this facility:
- Zoning Violation: The proposed location for this power plant is zoned Residential. The facility will be Industrial. Allowing construction is a clear departure from the intended use of this land and sets a dangerous precedent.
- Health and Environmebntal Harms: The operation of an electrical power plant in the heart of a residential neighborhood poses serious risks from noise and the toxic fumes emanating from gasoline beneath the soil. Both will harm the health, well-being, and quality of life of nearby residents, those with pre-existing health conditions and people who work and shop nearby.
- Ruin the appearance of town: The facility design is starkly industrial and modern, clashing with the architectural character of South Hadley's historic town center. It will ruin the charm, visual harmony, and aesthetic and historical integrity of our New England community.
We believe that development must respect the safety and welfare of residents and long-term vision of the town. This planned facility does the opposite. Mount Holyoke College needs to continue to be a good neighbor and find an alternative location within their own campus or in an industrial zone.
We respectfully urge the town's decision-makers to reject this plan and to stop the placement of this facility in our town center.
The Decision Makers
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Petition created on May 16, 2025