MassPike exit number conversions to begin December 13

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is in the process of converting all exit numbers on freeways to a milepost-based numbering system, per Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) requirements. Currently, interstates and freeways in Massachusetts utilize a sequential exit numbering method. Construction began in the Fall of 2020 and is anticipated to be completed in the Summer of 2021.

Exit numbering conversion will begin on the MassPike/Interstate 90 on December 13, 2020. Construction details are as follows:

• Corridor: Interstate 90 (Massachusetts Turnpike)
• Location: Boston to West Stockbridge
• Approximate start date: Dec. 13
• Approximate construction duration: 4 weeks
• Hours of operation: 8:00 PM – 5:00 AM

Please note that all work is weather dependent and construction dates may be adjusted accordingly. This work will not impact the tolls on this roadway. For more information on the project and construction status, to leave a comment or sign up for project updates, please visit: https://www.newmassexits.com/

Falls Redevelopment Visual Preference Survey

The public is invited to join the South Hadley Falls Redevelopment Authority in a conceptual exploration of the redevelopment of a Main Street Property into a mixed-used development. The South Hadley Planning and Conservation Department has received a Massachusetts DHCD Downtown Initiative Grant to produce illustrations to help envision the conversion of the SHELD property into other uses. 

The survey will be open through November 30, 2020. Those wishing to participate are encouraged to view an online webinar for more information about the project and additional details about the design ideas featured in the survey. Links for both the webinar and the survey can be found at: https://www.southhadley.org/462/Redevelopment-Authority

South Hadley Landfill Proposal

At the November 10, 2020 South Hadley Selectboard meeting a developer working in the disposal industry presented a proposal to use space at the now-closed solid waste facility at 600 New Ludlow Road for construction soils that cannot be used onsite because of site constraints, geotechnical properties, or levels of contamination of the materials. The South Hadley facility was closed and capped in 2014, with groundwater testing and environmental monitoring to continue. The Selectboard has encouraged Closure Management, the Holyoke company formed in 2019 that made the proposal, to attend meetings of the Conservation Commission, Board of Health, and Planning Board to gauge interest and possible support.

The public is also being encouraged to review the proposal and comment on the project using a Google Form set up by the Town. A recent news story published on November 12, 2020 in the Daily Hampshire Gazette provides some additional information.

Shadowbrook Annual Meeting

This year’s Annual Meeting of unit owners of the Villages of the Shadowbrook Estate will be held online at 7:00pm on Tuesday, December 1, 2020. An information packet is forwarded by mail to owners before the meeting and this will be followed by an email (or letter for those not using email) from NAI Plotkin with meeting access instructions about ten days before the meeting. Those without access to a computer or tablet will receive details for calling in from a landline. Your attendance is important. If you can’t attend, please be sure to return your proxy form by mail as soon as possible to NAI Plotkin to ensure that a quorum of owners is represented.

Shadowbrook Reserve Study Presentation

Shadowbrook has a new Reserve Study, done by Reserve Advisors (RA) earlier this year. A reserve study provides recommendations to the Board for future spending on major capital projects, such as roofs, roads and decks, and helps to guide the Board through the planning process. A joint committee, with members from the Board and the Financial Advisory Committee (FAC), has been meeting since June to help the RA engineer refine the study by providing more detailed research into prior history, and to make additional recommendations to the Board. Please plan to attend an online presentation for owners about the study:

Shadowbrook Reserve Study Presentation
Wednesday, October 28 at 6:30pm on Zoom

PDF files with study documents and meeting/RSVP information were sent to unit owners via email on Friday, October 23. If you did not get the email with these documents, please contact Melanie at <Shadowbrook@splotkin.com>. Participants will be able to join the presentation online with a computer or mobile device (video/audio), and log-in information will be sent to all who have RSVP’d by Wednesday morning.

Red Foxes

A number of residents have noticed recently that the fur on some of the foxes living around Shadowbrook doesn’t look right. This is likely due to Sarcoptic mange, which is apparently fairly common among foxes. Animals with this condition are not generally considered a threat to people and pets, but people should not interact with them. Affected animals will seek protection from wind, shade, and sun because it affects their ability to thermoregulate, and it’s itchy. The website links that follow provide some additional information:

MA Division of Fisheries and Wildlife–Living with Foxes Fact Sheet (general info about foxes)
MetroWest News–South Shore Mange Sightings 9/15/19:
https://www.metrowestdailynews.com/news/20190915/experts-urge-caution-amid-spate-of-south-shore-mange-sightings
Tufts Wildlife Clinic:
https://wildlife.tufts.edu/wildlife-mange/
Fox Wood Wildlife Rescue Blog:
http://www.foxwoodwildliferescue.org/2017/01/05/treating-sarcoptic-mange-in-red-foxes/

South Hadley Election Information

  •   Presidential Election on Tuesday, November 3, 2020
      October 24, 2020 is the last day to register to vote for the Presidential Election.

To vote by mail this fall: Registered voters who submit a 2020 Vote-by-Mail application will receive their requested ballots by mail. You may promptly fill out your ballot, place it inside the signed yellow ballot envelope, and then put the yellow ballot envelope into the postage-paid return envelope provided. The return envelope can be returned either by mail or by dropping it in the secure ballot box located behind town hall by the police station. The box is monitored and contents are picked up regularly. Each return envelope has a return address sticker with a barcode so you can track your ballot online at www.sec.state.ma.us/wheredoivotema/track/trackmyballot.aspx. If you decide not to mail the ballot back or if it doesn’t reach Town Hall by election day, you can still vote in person either during early voting hours at the Library or at South Hadley High School on election day.

To request a vote by mail application if you have not already done so:
https://www.southhadley.org/DocumentCenter/View/6982/2020-Vote-by-Mail-Application

ON THE BALLOT:
The ballot will include the national offices of President, Vice President, US Senator, and US Representative. State offices include Governor’s Council, state Senator, state Representative, and other offices. There will be two Massachusetts ballot questions, on automobile repairs and ranked choice voting. A PDF of the booklet that was mailed out to residents can be found at: www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/elepdf/IFV_2020.pdf

In-person EARLY VOTING for the November 3, 2020 election is scheduled at the South Hadley Public Library, 2 Canal Street:

  •    Sat, Oct 17, 9am-1pm
  •    Sun, Oct 18, 9am-1pm
  •    Mon, Oct 18 through Fri, Oct 23, 10am-2pm
  •    Sat, Oct 24, 9am-1pm
  •    Sun, Oct 25, 9am-1pm
  •    Mon, Oct 26 through Fri, Oct 30, 10am-2pm

On Election Day, all South Hadley precincts will vote at:
South Hadley High School, 153 Newton Street, South Hadley
Election Hours are usually 7:00am to 8:00pm

Be sure you’re registered to vote—check/update your status, or register at:
Massachusetts Online Voter Registration (OVR) System

For more South Hadley election information:
https://www.southhadley.org/156/Clerk

September Asphalt Repairs

During the summer months the Board and Property Manager reviewed an updated proposal from Wilson Contracting for the second and third phases of the extensive asphalt repair project that began last year.  The project involves repairs throughout the property. The contractor offered a discount to complete the project this year and the board agreed.

We have just been informed that Wilson Contracting has an unexpected opening in their schedule and they will therefore begin asphalt repairs on the driveways, roads, and sidewalks on Thursday September 17.  Work will continue through next week. Unit Owners whose driveways will be involved in this final phase of the project will be individually notified in a separate email.  If your driveway is being repaired and the repair extends across your driveway, please avoid driving over the new asphalt for a 48 hour period to allow the asphalt to harden. If for some reason you must drive over the new asphalt, please don’t stop or park your vehicle on the new asphalt. 

Should you have any questions or concerns regarding this information, please feel free to call the NAI Plotkin management office at (413) 732-2158. 

Fibersonic High-Speed Internet and Optional Phone Service

We are still on track with South Hadley Electric Light Department (SHELD) for a study to be completed so their high-speed internet and VOIP phone service can be available to us in 2021 or early 2022. Please visit the www.fibersonic.com website to learn more. Use the ‘click here to apply’ button and then enter your address on the next page. There is NO obligation—this will just help SHELD gauge interest from Shadowbrook. A presentation about services and ‘cord-cutter’ cable alternatives will be held at a future date.