I am writing to alert the citizens of South Hadley to a very important community forum on Jan. 16 at 6 p.m. in the Community Room of the South Hadley Main Public Library.

This coming forum is the fourth in a series of informational and interactive sessions on the rezoning of Routes 202/33. The rezoning of this thoroughfare has been an ongoing process with a consulting firm, an appointed five-member advisory board of citizens, and the director of Planning and Conservation, Anne Capra.

On Jan. 16, at community forum No. 4, the final recommendations will be made by the public in attendance as to the rezoning of these two routes. All residents of the town, especially homeowners, renters, business owners, and abutters along Routes 202/33 are urged to attend this workshop to make their opinions and preferences known. The future of the kinds and nature of residences, businesses and services to be located along these busy thoroughfares is at stake. Please plan to attend.

What kinds of housing would you like to see allowed along this corridor: more dense apartment buildings, clustered smaller units or cottages, or the conversion of existing single-family homes into duplex, triplexes or more? Would you like to see more automobile repair-related services, more gasoline filling stations, and more convenience stores, or “softer” kinds of commercial uses?

It is evident that your input is vital. So, please mark your calendar and come to this all important community forum.

Here is a link to online information to learn more about the rezoning of Route 202/33 in South Hadley: southhadley.org/1400/Route-202-33-Corridor-Re-Zoning.

Martha Terry

South Hadley