A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the contentious issue of a dormitory project located at 45 to 55 South Pleasant Street. Board members debated whether to reopen a public hearing to address concerns about the project’s compliance with zoning bylaws. This stemmed from questions regarding whether the development could be classified as a dormitory, which would necessitate a special permit under current regulations. The board was divided, with some members advocating for clarity and a reevaluation, while others believed the matter had been sufficiently addressed in past discussions. The motion to reopen the hearing ultimately failed.

In a related discussion, the board examined the proposed University Drive overlay district, which aims to facilitate mixed-use developments by establishing requirements for properties along the drive. The proposal includes guidelines for building heights, lot sizes, and setbacks, with an emphasis on fostering economic development while preserving existing commercial spaces. Public comments highlighted concerns about stormwater runoff and the impact on local businesses, especially the Big Y supermarket. The board acknowledged the need to balance housing needs with the preservation of commercial interests, debating whether to adjust the overlay boundaries to accommodate both.

The board also tackled the topic of ADUs in light of new state regulations requiring municipalities to permit these units by right up to 900 square feet, without the need for special permits. This change challenges Amherst’s existing bylaws, which mandate owner occupancy and special permits in certain cases. The board expressed concerns about the potential increase in ADU applications and the implications for local zoning laws. Discussions included the possibility of allowing two ADUs per property and the need to establish clear guidelines to ensure compliance with state mandates while addressing community concerns about density and livability.

The ongoing housing crisis in Amherst was another focal point, with the board considering strategies to increase housing density in certain areas. Conversations revolved around rezoning multi-use and multi-family sites to allow for higher density, particularly in college towns where student housing is a concern. Areas like East Amherst and the Route N Corridor were identified as potential candidates for zoning changes. The board emphasized the importance of a multifaceted approach that accommodates diverse housing needs, while also maintaining stricter regulations in designated areas.

In addition to these discussions, the board received updates on the town’s housing production plan, which is being developed to assess community needs and inform future planning efforts. The plan is expected to be finalized by July, with community input being solicited through an online survey. Public engagement and clear communication were reiterated as essential components of the planning process, with the board preparing to address questions from the community in upcoming workshops.