Hatfield School Committee Approves Sixth-Grade Transition Amid Community Feedback and Strategic Planning

Overview: In a unanimous decision, the Hatfield School Committee voted to transition sixth graders to Smith Academy starting in the fall of 2025. This move, designed to address space constraints and foster a more developmentally appropriate learning environment, followed extensive community feedback and survey data from parents, students, and staff.

Amherst Town Council Tackles School Zone Safety and Reparations Committee Charge

Overview: The Amherst Town Council convened remotely to address a variety of issues, with a primary focus on the establishment of designated school zones at Amherst Regional Middle School and High School and the discussion surrounding the charge for a committee focused on reparations.

Amherst Board of Health Suspends Local Restaurant’s Food License After Repeated Violations

Overview: The Amherst Board of Health held a meeting on October 17th where they addressed significant local health issues, including the suspension of a food service license for a local restaurant due to persistent health violations, the approval of a geothermal well project at Amherst College, and updates on revised tobacco regulations. Additionally, the Board discussed water safety certificates and changes in meeting schedules.

Amherst Committee Debates Streamlined Goals and Legislative Process Guide

Overview: During a meeting of the Amherst Governance, Organization, and Legislation Committee, discussions centered around refining the town manager’s goals and creating a legislative process guide. The committee grappled with clarifying the council’s broad policy objectives into actionable goals and considered the utility of a guide to streamline proposals brought before the council.

Southampton Planning Board Examines Camping, Glamping, and Short-Term Rental Regulations

Overview: In a recent Southampton Planning Board meeting held on October 16, 2024, discussions took place regarding potential bylaw revisions for site plan reviews, camping and glamping regulations, and short-term rental frameworks. These discussions are part of ongoing efforts to balance local development interests with community preferences and regulatory compliance.