- MA
- Hampshire County
- 7/23/24
- 07/29/2024
- 121 Minutes
- Noteworthy
- Highly Noteworthy
- Routine
Overview: In a recent meeting, the Amherst Community Resources Committee delved into a series of discussions surrounding the proposed mixed-use overlay district along University Drive, which has become the focal point of a broader debate on the area’s development strategy. The mixed-use overlay is intended to introduce high-density residential and commercial spaces to the corridor, with buildings potentially reaching up to six floors. The committee also examined the implications of new state-level solar permitting laws, the development of downtown design guidelines, and the intricacies of a form-based zoning approach.
- MA
- Hampshire County
- 7/19/24
- 07/22/2024
- 49 Minutes
- Noteworthy
- Highly Noteworthy
- Routine
Overview: In a recent meeting, the Amherst Town Council addressed issues related to the town’s ongoing elementary school construction project, with the resolution of the playground surfacing debate taking center stage. The council reached an agreement to use alternative surfacing material, coren, instead of the initially proposed bonded rubber, following the Conservation Commission’s strong opposition.
- MA
- Hampshire County
- 7/18/24
- 07/22/2024
- 121 Minutes
- Noteworthy
- Highly Noteworthy
- Routine
Overview: In a recent meeting, the Amherst Governance, Organization, and Legislation Committee focused on the establishment of a successor body to the African Heritage Reparation Assembly (AHRA). Key discussions revolved around the potential structure, scope, and charge of the new committee, dubbed the Amherst Black Reparations Committee (ABRC), as well as the appointment of non-voting finance committee members.
- MA
- Hampshire County
- 7/15/24
- 07/22/2024
- 221 Minutes
- Noteworthy
- Highly Noteworthy
- Routine
Overview: The Amherst Town Council, in a recent meeting, appointed Nat Larson as a member of the Jones Library Board of Trustees, following interviews with candidates during a joint session with the library trustees. The council also entertained vigorous public commentary on multiple issues, including proposed waste management bylaw amendments and concerns over the Jones Library renovation project. Additionally, there was debate over planning board appointments, with Melissa Ferris’s nomination resulting in a split vote and ultimate failure to secure a position.
- MA
- Hampshire County
- 7/11/24
- 07/15/2024
- 124 Minutes
- Noteworthy
- Highly Noteworthy
- Routine
Overview: The Amherst Affordable Housing Trust Board meeting was marked by the announcement of a substantial donation from the Interfaith Housing Association, which is in the process of dissolving. The board unanimously agreed to accept the donation, which will impact affordable housing initiatives in the community. The meeting further encompassed discussions on a myriad of financial strategies aimed at addressing the housing needs in Amherst, including securing automatic funding transfers, advocacy for real estate transfer fees, and the potential role of the trust in reviewing inclusionary zoning projects.