Planning Board endorses two land-transfer plans, hosts agricultural-zoning listening session.
Planning Board endorses two Approval Not Required land transfers and holds extended session on farm-zoning reform. Mount Holyoke College's transfer of 1,673 square feet at Morgan Street and South Hadley Electric Light Department's Pine Street substation reconfiguration both passed unanimously.
Planning Board · Meeting of March 23, 2026
SOUTH HADLEY — Planning Board endorses two Approval Not Required land transfers and holds extended session on farm-zoning reform. Mount Holyoke College's transfer of 1,673 square feet at Morgan Street and South Hadley Electric Light Department's Pine Street substation reconfiguration both passed unanimously. Director Anne Capra presented draft amendments consolidating eight scattered agricultural sections into two bylaws distinguishing exempt and non-exempt uses, with poultry allowed in Agricultural and RA1 districts only at one bird per 500 square feet (maximum 12), equine animals permitted in Agricultural through RB zones on two-acre minimums, and non-equine livestock restricted to Agricultural zoning.
Two hours of public testimony raised concerns about chicken bans in RA2 residential districts, enforcement constraints, noise from farm entertainment, and residential livestock slaughter; board members noted existing uses are grandfathered and cited Right to Farm protections before next steps follow the May Town Meeting.
In the full story:
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Source: the Planning Board meeting of March 23, 2026, compiled from the official minutes.
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