Amherst Commission Deliberates on Fearing Street Project Impact
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Meeting Type:
Historic Preservation Commission
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Meeting Date:
04/29/2024
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Recording Published:
04/30/2024
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Duration:
135 Minutes
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State:
Massachusetts
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County:
Hampshire County
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Towns:
Amherst
- Meeting Overview:
The Amherst Historic District Commission recently convened to deliberate on several property applications, with the most issue being a proposed three-unit structure on Fearing Street. While some applications, such as exterior lighting on a garage on Mclellan and window replacements on Sunset, were approved with relative ease and public support, the Fearing Street project sparked debate regarding its scale, design, and compatibility with the historic neighborhood.
At the center of the discussion was a proposal brought forward by Charles Roberts and Tom Rey for a new structure on Fearing Street. The plan, which had been revised from an earlier proposal of three duplexes, now aimed for a single building housing three units. Despite the scaling back, the project faced scrutiny over its potential to disrupt the visual landscape and historical character of the district. Presenters provided detailed visual aids, including architectural elevations and GIS mapping, to demonstrate the building’s design and its integration with the surrounding area. They also discussed stormwater management and efforts to minimize the impact through architectural choices, screening, and landscaping.
Commission members voiced varying opinions on the project. Concerns were raised about the building’s scale and mass, with some suggesting that the addition of units to an existing garage might be a more suitable alternative. Public comments echoed these concerns, with residents such as Melissa Young and Jennifer Tu articulating worries about the impact on green spaces, parking, and the neighborhood’s viewscape. Other residents like Roger Mage, Pat Brinkman, and Dorothy Pam highlighted the project’s potential to alter the character of the area and questioned its compatibility with the historic district.
The debate extended to the ethics and emotional implications of the development, with residents expressing fears of losing the residential nature of their neighborhood and facing declines in property values. The visibility of the proposed structure from various points in the neighborhood was also a point of contention.
In response to the concerns, the commission considered several alternatives. Suggestions included reducing the size of the proposed structure, bringing it closer to the existing house, or adding more screening. A motion was made to deny the application for a certificate of appropriateness, citing the inappropriateness of the scale within the historic district.
Further, some commission members expressed discomfort with the idea of making decisions based on what they viewed as incomplete sketches, highlighting the need for thoroughly vetted proposals. It was emphasized that the commission’s role is to preserve the historic and residential character of the neighborhood, not to prioritize profit or increased density.
The commission ultimately decided to continue the discussion at a future meeting, with a strong recommendation for the applicant to consider a smaller-scale proposal that would be more in tune with the neighborhood’s character.
While the Fearing Street project took center stage, the commission successfully navigated other applications with less controversy.
Paul Brockelman
Historic Preservation Commission Officials:
Steven Bloom, Nicole Miller, Greta Wilcox, Karin Winter, Nancy Ratner, Elizabeth Sharpe, Nate Malloy (Senior Planner)
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Meeting Type:
Historic Preservation Commission
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Meeting Date:
04/29/2024
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Recording Published:
04/30/2024
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Duration:
135 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
Massachusetts
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County:
Hampshire County
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Towns:
Amherst
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