For the past 10 months, a proposed 440,000-square-foot development, “Sierra Vista Commons,” on 33 acres behind Starbucks, above the Manhan River (formerly Tasty Top) has been reviewed by Easthampton’s Planning Board and Conservation Commission. To date, no approvals have been granted for this massive and complex proposal; not in compliance with city zoning bylaws. The fate of this land hangs in the balance.

Presently, the project is undergoing comprehensive environmental reviews under the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) to analyze its diverse impacts, including air and water quality, loss of farmland and habitats, wetlands, traffic, lighting, etc. to determine whether the applicant has applied all feasible means to avoid damage to the environment or, if not avoidable, to minimize and mitigate such damage to the maximum extent feasible. These reviews will go on for several months or longer.

The plans call for 202 residential units, 35 affordable (the minimum required by zoning) in nine three-story, 30,000-square-foot buildings; 510 parking spaces; and 60,000 square feet of commercial space including a 220-seat restaurant, all on 12 acres of impervious surface with almost four acres of trees cut. This development will generate 4,400 new vehicle trips a day, adding to 1,000 trips a day from Starbucks onto an already congested Route 10.

In many ways this project is a throwback to times when there wasn’t a climate or biodiversity crisis and land was viewed as a commodity to be exploited. Easthamptonites and the state have repeatedly come out in favor of wise development, farmland/open space protection, climate-resilient solutions and supporting biodiversity.

Yet, 25 acres of state-listed prime farmland on the site will be developed. Buildings and pavement would cover over the land near the Manhan River, harming the river’s ecosystems.

Twelve acres of impervious surfaces will be created and macro and micro habitats will be destroyed. This humongous development will impact us for decades to come. Will it be something we can be proud of or an insult to the land and the community?

Meanwhile, in complete contrast to Sierra Vista, Kestrel Land Trust is buying 54 acres along Main Street, where 90 environmentally friendly, affordable housing units are planned alongside 43 acres protected for farmland and habitat conservation. That — a project endorsed by the mayor — is smart growth!

In an Oct. 9 article in the Gazette about that project, Mayor Nicole LaChapelle said the following: “This project is what a mayor hopes for for housing in their city. Something that conserves land, something that bring high-quality housing and really deep environmentally conscious housing for those who have the most housing insecurity.”

“You can walk out your back door and have 26 acres to explore, with just dynamic wildlife that takes you to the beautiful Manhan River … It’s otherworldly,” the mayor said. “It’s really where more projects need to be right now for us to really effectuate carbon reduction.”

How are we to understand that in light of the other proposal, which she also supports? That she is OK with an environmentally damaging project in one area of the city and is enamored with Kestrel’s wise and visionary project elsewhere? Where is the pushback to make Sierra Vista Commons align more with what the mayor and others value in this community?

Several months ago, Pascommuck Conservation Trust presented alternative concept plans to the city that includes land conservation and other eco-friendly components. To date, they have been ignored. This developer has not made any concessions unless forced to do so. His project is only possible if the city grants him zoning waivers and a special permit. The project is not allowable by right.

Information about the project is available through the city’s website and at meetings. Many people here have little knowledge about what is being planned and think Starbucks is the Sierra Vista development. This is by far the largest development proposed in the city in the modern era. We deserve to be kept better informed about it. This project can and must be better.

So, what can people do? There will be opportunities for public comment during the MEPA reviews and at future Planning Board and Conservation Commission meetings. Express yourself! Speak to your friends and neighbors. Contact your city councilors, the mayor and state politicians. Stay informed. The voice of the people has power.

Marty Klein and Kathy Ahern live in Easthampton.