- MA
- Hampshire County
- 10/17/24
- 10/18/2024
- 101 Minutes
- Noteworthy
- Highly Noteworthy
- Routine
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.
- MA
- Hampshire County
- 10/15/24
- 10/18/2024
- 193 Minutes
- Noteworthy
- Highly Noteworthy
- Routine
Overview: During a recent Amherst Town Council meeting, concerns emerged over the town’s financial health, which could impact educational programming and sustainability. The council deliberated on a projected $1.4 million deficit for the fiscal year 2026, driven by escalating health insurance costs and reduced federal funding. As the district faces these fiscal challenges, the council is also confronting disparities in student achievement, particularly among Hispanic and Black students, and the sustainability of innovative programs like the Common Ant dual-language initiative.
- MA
- Hampshire County
- 10/10/24
- 10/11/2024
- 115 Minutes
- Noteworthy
- Highly Noteworthy
- Routine
Overview: In a recent meeting, the Amherst Town Council debated the procedures for reviewing the Town Charter and enhancing public participation. Key discussions centered on how to categorize public feedback, the formation of working groups, and strategies for community engagement. These deliberations aim to ensure the council’s efforts align with community needs while adhering to legal frameworks.
- MA
- Hampshire County
- 10/10/24
- 10/11/2024
- 84 Minutes
- Noteworthy
- Highly Noteworthy
- Routine
Overview: In a move for the Amherst Affordable Housing Trust Board, members voted to amend the language of their affordable housing goals, shifting from “support the creation of 200 homes” to “support the creation of 200 or more homes.
- MA
- Hampshire County
- 10/10/24
- 10/11/2024
- 87 Minutes
- Noteworthy
- Highly Noteworthy
- Routine
Overview: During the October 10, 2024, meeting of the Amherst Town Services and Outreach Committee, a portion of the discussion focused on proposed transportation changes near Fort River School, with residents expressing concerns about pedestrian safety and the planning process. Public comments highlighted apprehensions about the proposed installation of roundabouts on Southeast Street, emphasizing the potential risks to pedestrians and cyclists, especially schoolchildren. Residents urged the committee to reconsider the traffic plans.