The public hearing for this proposal, a continuation from the August 7, 2024, meeting, outlined the plans for the development. Attorney Tom Rey introduced the development team comprising Barry Roberts and representatives from CRiddle Architects and Civil Design Group, who provided an in-depth overview of the project. The development encompasses four lots totaling 5.31 acres, with variances allowing for buildings up to 57 feet tall over five stories. The potential introduction of an overlay district could permit an additional sixth story, further increasing density.

Rey described the site layout, which includes 259 beds across two buildings, with the northern building housing 49 units and the southern 36 units. Approximately 12% of these units, translating to about ten units, are designated for affordable housing. The commercial space ranges from 10,000 to 14,000 square feet, depending on the use of second-floor areas. The project also features 186 parking spaces, split between 72 covered and 114 open-air spots.

The development aims to balance increased impervious surfaces, from approximately 94,000 to 103,000 square feet, by maintaining substantial wetland buffer zones. Specific measures include a phased construction approach, beginning with stormwater infrastructure and sediment control, followed by the demolition of existing structures and the erection of new buildings. The project’s design features porous pavement to mitigate environmental impact, with a landscape plan proposing around 770 new plantings.

The board members and public participants raised various points during the presentation. One member highlighted the lack of dedicated bicycle paths. Another member questioned the necessity of extensive parking, given the site’s proximity to the university and existing bike paths, and requested a review of the lighting plan to ensure it aligns with dark sky standards. The potential for a six-story structure was also discussed, with a need for visual representations to be presented at future meetings.

Concerns about the impact on the wetland buffer zone led to discussions on the project’s compliance with MassWorks grant conditions. The Under Secretary of the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities is expected to review the project in October, contributing to the grant’s evaluation process.

The meeting also included a public hearing regarding accessibility improvements to Amherst College’s Cattigan House. The project aims to meet modern accessibility codes by creating a compliant accessible route into the building, which has been repurposed to support new student services. The improvements involve reconstructing the main entrance stairway and providing an ADA-compliant sidewalk and parking space. Discussions centered on the placement of the ADA parking spot and the construction of a new walkway, with the board emphasizing the need for compliance with ADA and MAAB standards.

Moreover, the board reviewed a comprehensive permit application under General Law chapter 40B for mixed-income rental housing developments on two town-owned parcels. The project includes plans for a property on units at Southeast Street and units at Belchertown Road. The developers, Wayfinders, presented their history and commitment to affordable housing, addressing community feedback to refine the project’s design. The proposed developments aim to meet the town’s demand for affordable housing, with funding sourced from federal, state, and local levels.

The meeting also touched on the ongoing infrastructure upgrades related to the proposed development sites. This includes a crosswalk on Belchertown Road to improve access to a bus stop and an ecological restoration project to repair culverts and restore wetlands.

Finally, the board conducted elections for its officers, with Doug Marshall re-elected as Chair, Johanna Neumann as Vice Chair, and Bruce Coldham as Clerk. Discussions about future meetings emphasized a tentative plan to meet in person monthly starting in January, reflecting on the benefits and challenges of both in-person and remote meetings.