BELCHERTOWN

Belchertown has one of the largest land areas in Massachusetts and lies adjacent to the Quabbin Reservoir, one of the largest man-made reservoirs in the country. Although Belchertown is considered a "semi-rural" community with scenic landcape, it has experienced unprecedented residential development. As a result of this influx, the Town's population increased 27 percent to 10,579 in 1990 and is estimated at approximately 14,000 at this time... Housing today consists primarily of single family homes, though a considerable number of apartments have been constructed since the 1980's. Most of the newer residents commute to work in nearby urban centers. The Belchertown State School, once the largest employer in Town, closed in 1992 and an Economic Development and Industrial Corporation (EDIC) has been formed to market the site and attract development to the area... Belchertown has an Open Town Meeting, regarded as one of the purest expressions of democracy as a collective voice of the..