UMass Amherst, Town of Hadley Sign New Cooperation Agreement

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AMHERST, Mass. – The Town of Hadley and the University of Massachusetts Amherst have signed a new cooperation agreement emphasizing open communication and joint efforts to deal with mutual challenges and opportunities.

The agreement, which runs from Jan. 1, 2018, to Dec. 31, 2020, includes an annual $60,000 payment to Hadley. A portion of the university’s annual payment will be allocated to public safety, and the university will provide an additional $14,300 in fiscal 2018 to buy a Speed Alert 18 Radar Message Sign to post radar alerts and community messages and $2,070 to purchase two Physio Control Lifepak 100 defibrillators.

The agreement calls for an annual meeting between the university chancellor and town officials, and quarterly meetings between the university director of community relations and select board members to share information of mutual concern.

UMass Amherst Chancellor Kumble R. Subbaswamy said, “Our partnership with the Town of Hadley has long been collaborative and of mutual benefit. I am pleased that we will continue to work together as new opportunities come forward and have open lines of communication when challenges confront us. Our area is thriving because of our shared commitment.”

Hadley Town Administrator David G. Nixon said, “The Town of Hadley is pleased to continue our partnership with the University of Massachusetts. Our collaborative relationship with the flagship campus provides townspeople, businesses and visitors with many opportunities to grow our community. We look forward to working with bright students, world-class research programs, and excellent academic and administrative leadership.”

The university and the town agreed to pursue economic opportunities, particularly around student needs and activities and university research. The university will also offer the town partnership opportunities with faculty on projects that can help assess economic impacts. Recognizing the value for both students and the town, the university will work to facilitate student thesis projects and internships, as well as student volunteer opportunities that respond to community needs.

The parties also agreed to work together to mitigate the effects of Route 9 traffic; to share information on long-range planning; to explore the potential for Hadley assisting in meeting the university’s water needs, and to explore issues of available and affordable housing for residents, students, staff and families relocating to the area.