Relevant excerpts from the Hadley Zoning Bylaws. These are criteria that the Planning Board is to use in determining whether to approve site plans for development in Hadley. See bottom of page for how to get your own copy.

Hadley Zoning Bylaws

Q: What are the laws that the Hadley Planning Board is required to follow in considering whether or not to grant approval to a site plan?

A: Many laws apply, but some of the most important with respect to large commercial developments like the Wal-mart Supercenter and others now being reviewed include:

Bylaws excerpted below (emphasis added)

Sec. VIII Commercial Site Plan Review (adopted May 1, 1989)
subsec. A. Purpose
1. To promote the safety of vehicular and pedestrian movement with the site and in relation to the adjacent areas, highway traffic safety and protect the capability of state and local roads to conduct traffic smoothly.
2. To promote an attractive and viable commercial district and expand the commercial tax base of the Town.
3. To protect the rural character, aesthetic qualities, natural environmental features, historic features and property values of the Town and neighboring properties.
4. To discourage unlimited commercial strip development and curb cuts along highways, and encourage commercial growth in nodes and clusters.

subsec. G: Site Plan Review Criteria
The Planning Board shall consider the following criteria: …
1. b. The site plan minimizes traffic and safety impacts of the proposed development on adjacent highways or roads and maximizes the convenience and safety of vehicular and pedestrian movement within the site.
1. c. The proposed development to the extent feasible: a) is integrated into the existing landscape and protects abutting properties; b) minimizes adverse environmental impacts on features such as wetlands, floodplains and aquifer recharge areas; c) minimizes obstruction of scenic views from publicly accessible locations; d) preserves unique natural or historic features; e) minimize tree, vegetation, and soil removal and grade changes; f) maximizes open space retention; and g) screens objectionable features from neighboring properties and roadways.

… 1. e. The proposed development is served with adequate water supply and waste disposal systems and will not place excessive demands on the Town's services and infrastructure.

subsec. H: Commercial Development and Performance Standards

… 1. f. A traffic impact statement shall be prepared, which shall contain:
1) traffic flow patterns…
2) a detailed assessment of the traffic safety impacts…
3) a plan to minimize traffic and safety impacts…
4) an interior pedestrian circulation plan… to minimize safety problems…
5) adequate pedestrian and bicycle access shall be provided as follows: a) Sidewalk shall be provided to provide access to adjacent properties and between individual businesses…
g. In each case where a new building(s) or use of more than 10,000 sq ft., [the developer] shall prepare and submit a Trip Reduction Plan which clearly identifies a combination of transportation systems management strategies which are designed to reduce anticipated vehicle trips by 35%. …
5. Stormwater Runoff
a. The rate of surface water run-off from a site shall not be increased after the construction. …
b. Neighboring properties shall not be adversely affected by flooding from excessive runoff. …
8. Explosive materials
a. … Underground storage tanks are prohibited.

Note: The above are excerpts from Hadley Town bylaws. If you would like to read the full bylaws, copies can be obtained from the Building Inspector at (413) 586-7274 or inspections@hadleyma.org. The Town does not make its bylaws available online.