The article on new and amended zoning bylaws being voted on at the Nov. 13 South Hadley Town Meeting just scratches the surface of residents’ alarm over the harm they will cause. The zoning hands our town to developers.

Even the chairs of the Tree Committee and Sustainability and Energy Commission oppose this zoning. The “purposes” section of the the Flexible Development bylaw is a case of ”greenwashing” — the deceptive act of making a policy appear more environmentally friendly or less environmentally damaging than it really is.

Contrary to published claims, this zoning does not strike a balance between residential growth and conservation. The zoning has weak protection for trees and open space, while allowing up to 11 housing units on just 3 acres. The parcel size was lowered from 5 acres to make it more developer-friendly. This dense housing would be allowed on 326 parcels of land all over town. Much of this land is wooded, some is in the Water Supply Protection District, and some is farmland.

By destroying trees, natural green spaces and farmland, developers create heat islands; property values decrease; air and water quality suffer; runoff increases flooding; wildlife habitats disappear; more residents experience a nature deficit; and biological diversity — essential for climate resilience — declines. The Flexible Development bylaw has been amended to allow construction with only a site plan review, rather than a special permit, which has been the requirement to date. With site plan review, the Planning Board handcuffs itself and must approve proposals that meet basic criteria.

I urge Town Meeting members to reject the proposed zoning bylaws. We need a genuine balance between new housing and conservation; a healthy environment for current residents and future generations; and to keep our town lovely, rather than congested and covered in pavement.

Linda Sachs

South Hadley