The most significant portion of the meeting revolved around the University Drive housing overlay proposal. This initiative aims to rezone the area from Route 9 to Amity Street, allowing for a higher density of apartment buildings. The proposal primarily addresses student housing needs but also considers the potential benefits for local school staff. Board members expressed a mixture of support and caution. While there was recognition of the demand for student housing, concerns were raised about the impact on existing commercial spaces, such as the Big Y supermarket, which is considered a vital community resource. Members debated whether the focus should remain strictly on housing supply or also encompass the preservation of access to essential services like food.

However, there was careful consideration of the tone and content of the letter to avoid any misinterpretations of bias or unintended implications. The board agreed to streamline the message, focusing strictly on housing expansion without delving into broader economic concepts. Members were tasked with finalizing the letter.

In parallel, the board discussed a newly adopted specialized energy code intended to foster energy-efficient construction. While this code may increase initial costs, it is expected to aid Amherst in achieving long-term sustainability objectives. The board examined the affordability gap of $314,000 in the town, highlighting the need for medium-density housing solutions. The board acknowledged the significant portion of the town’s land designated as protected open space, farmland, or wetlands, which restricts potential housing development.

Additionally, the meeting touched upon the ongoing housing needs assessment, an essential component of the housing production plan. This assessment, led by Tony Young from Barrett, documents the current housing profile and needs in Amherst. It covers demographics, household characteristics, market trends, and development barriers. The board was encouraged to provide feedback on the draft, with further discussion planned for future meetings. Key topics included the notable increase in student numbers at UMass compared to the town’s modest population growth, raising questions about the impact of student residency on local housing dynamics.

The board also explored potential development opportunities on town-owned properties, such as decommissioned schools. This exploration aims to maximize available resources for housing development. A public meeting scheduled for January 7th will invite community input on housing goals, further informing the board’s strategies.