I want to express my opposition to the Montague Planning Board’s proposed rezoning of a 15.6-acre of wooded land (Parcel 21-0-152) and a 13.2-acre plot known as Springdale Cemetery (Parcel 21-0-004), both located on Turnpike Road in Turners Falls to the right of the Montague Police Station.

The proposal calls for a zoning change from Neighborhood Business to General Business. The main difference would allow for manufacturing with a special permit. A local manufacturer has expressed interest in this site, but so far the identity and type of business has been withheld from the public.

After attending the Planning Board meeting on July 25, it seems apparent to me that the board is trying to bulldoze this through with little to no regard for the 100-plus nearby residents that would be affected by this change.

Many in the neighborhood are angry and have organized a group called Rest In Peace to fight this rezoning and to bring educated information to the public. The name reflects a respect for the deceased, their families, and their loved ones who enjoy the peace and tranquility of the two cemeteries in the area (Springdale and St. Anne’s), hiking the wooded trails, as well a desire as to perpetuate the peace and tranquility of the homes in that area.

This proposed change would bring additional traffic to an already busy Turnpike Road with an already busy four-way intersection at the police and fire station. Our children who walk or bike to the Gill-Montague School would be at further risk to their safety. Needless to say, noise levels in our neighborhood would increase dramatically.

I think it is the responsibility of our Planning Board to consider the negative impact of this site and challenge them to do their due diligence to find a better location for this facility. I would urge Montague citizens to attend the coming Planning Board meeting on Aug. 22, at 6:30 p.m., in the second-floor meeting room, Montague Town Hall. Don’t be bulldozed … become informed and make your voice heard.

Evelyn J. Walsh

Turners Falls