Fairwell to Pelham?

There's an op-ed piece in the Amherst Bulletin that suggests Pelham should give it up and go out of existence. The article doesn't really break new ground, since Pelham already tried (and failed) to disestablish itself as a town. That was awhile ago - try 1854 - according to a Massachusetts Historical Commission Reconnaissance Survey Town Report .

According to the survey, Pelham reported supporting more paupers than any other town in Hampshire County. Believing that taxes and expenses would be less if they were part of an adjacent town the good Pelhamites petitioned the legislature to be divided up between Amherst and Belchertown. Apparently Amherst and B'town were not thrilled at the prospect of absorbing a low rent district so the legislation failed. The petition was repeated from time to time into the 1870's. No takers, so at some point Pelham simply decided to continue to work things out on its own.

Pelham's potential merger with Amherst popped up during budget discussions last April but the override provided at least temporary relief and things sort of trailed off. The issues of sustainability and regionalization are real ones and need to be looked at carefully and not just for Pelham.