Amherst Committee Tackles Public Decency Bylaw and Traffic Concerns

Overview: In the recent meeting of the Amherst Town Services and Outreach Committee, attention was paid to a proposed bylaw addressing public urination and defecation, as well as ongoing traffic concerns in the Heatherstone area. Discussions focused on the implications of the new bylaw for community members and the potential impact of traffic enforcement measures on local safety.

Amherst Town Council Discusses Town-School Collaboration and Voting Process Challenges

Overview: The Amherst Town Council meeting focused on the issues of collaboration between the town council and the school committee, alongside challenges in the council’s voting processes. The council explored ways to improve transparency and communication while also addressing the complexities of categorizing and interpreting votes.

Amherst Planning Board Examines Zoning Changes to Address Housing Needs and Preserve Community Character

Overview: The Amherst Planning Board meeting, conducted via Zoom on September 17, 2025, focused on strategies to increase housing density while preserving the town’s character. The board explored various approaches, including overlay zoning, cottage-style developments, and modifications to existing regulations, to tackle the housing challenges faced by Amherst.

Amherst Committee Debates Inclusionary Zoning Changes and Evaluates Town Manager

Overview: In a recent meeting, the Amherst Governance Organization and Legislation Committee tackled issues related to inclusionary zoning amendments, the responsibilities of the Transportation and Parking Commission, and the evaluation process for the town manager. Discussions centered on updating policies to better reflect current economic conditions and ensuring clarity in governance processes.

Amherst Finance Committee Questions Validity of MARS Report Amid Budget Discussions

Overview: The Amherst Finance Committee’s recent meeting was marked by skepticism surrounding the MARS report, commissioned by the regional school superintendent, due to perceived inconsistencies and lack of actionable insights. Members voiced concerns about the reliability of the data, particularly its failure to provide context or clear interpretations relevant to the town’s financial situation, alongside broader budgetary challenges involving public works and school funding.