The meeting opened with a public hearing on the proposed zoning map change involving three parcels on Main Street. The parcels, including a non-conforming duplex, the Amherst Inn, and a renovated six-unit apartment building, are suggested to transition from the RG district to the BN district. This amendment aims to support the Amherst Inn by allowing it to establish itself as a primary use, circumventing issues with its current special permit and state fire codes. The proposed change also fits within the broader vision of transitioning the area further into downtown’s future zoning considerations.

During the presentation of the zoning change, community members voiced concerns about the potential impact on the Dickinson Museum, despite a letter of support from the museum’s board. The planning board had previously voted 5-1 in favor of the amendment, with discussions highlighting the historical significance and community character of the area. A concern was the allowance for non-residential uses without special permit review, a change implemented 15 years ago when the zoning bylaw was amended.

John Wyn, co-owner of a local inn, expressed gratitude for the committee’s consideration and highlighted the importance of maintaining the inn’s historic condition. He voiced hopes of increasing capacity to attract more visitors. Committee discussions also touched on the potential for property owners to merge lots in the future, with questions about how zoning district lines might affect property development. The committee resolved to recommend the zoning map changes to the town council, passing the motion with a vote of four in favor and one absent.

The committee then shifted focus to the clean energy bylaw, now referred to as the solar bylaw, which is undergoing significant revisions. The draft, retaining much of its original content, has been adjusted based on model language and guidelines. These changes include detailed applicability criteria and new sections on pre-filing requirements, consolidated permitting, and design standards. The committee discussed the implications of these revisions for site suitability assessments and the potential denial of permits based on scoring mechanisms.

A notable part of the discussion was the integration of battery energy storage systems (BESS) with solar energy initiatives, particularly concerning proposed additions to Hickory Ridge and solar fields in North Amherst. The committee highlighted the need for a comprehensive list of submittal requirements to avoid confusion and ensure clarity in the documentation process. The significance of addressing safety protocols and regulatory measures for small homeowners installing BESS was also emphasized, particularly in light of recent incidents involving lithium-ion batteries.

Committee members explored whether BESS should be categorized as accessory uses and whether specific provisions should be included in the zoning bylaw to ensure safety and regulatory compliance. It was suggested that the planning department consult with the fire department to address water access and safety concerns. The necessity of defining terms clearly and ensuring that regulations are practical for implementation was underscored, with a focus on maintaining forest health and considering environmental impacts.