- MA
- Hampshire County
- 5/28/24
- 05/29/2024
- 117 Minutes
- Noteworthy
- Highly Noteworthy
- Routine
Overview: The Amherst Finance Committee recently convened to tackle pressing budgetary concerns, with particular focus on the police department’s staffing issues and the Department of Public Works’ (DPW) infrastructure challenges. The police department’s need for increased staff due to overtime pressures, and the DPW’s discussion on environmental compliance, stormwater management, and the construction of a new headquarters were at the forefront of the meeting’s agenda.
- MA
- Hampshire County
- 5/28/24
- 05/29/2024
- 82 Minutes
- Noteworthy
- Highly Noteworthy
- Routine
Overview: In a recent meeting, the Amherst Library Board of Trustees grappled with the financial and design challenges of the library building project. The discussions centered on exploring various cost-saving measures, reviewing potential redesign fees, and considering the environmental sustainability of construction materials and methods.
- MA
- Hampshire County
- 5/28/24
- 05/29/2024
- 129 Minutes
- Noteworthy
- Highly Noteworthy
- Routine
Overview: The Amherst Community Resources Committee recently engaged in an extensive and discussion surrounding the draft of a new solar bylaw and the sufficiency of the candidate pool for planning board appointments. The meeting, which was conducted remotely, highlighted the committee’s efforts to refine the solar bylaw, addressing the complexities of applicability, Nexus statements, and public comments on the preservation of farmland and forest land. Additionally, the committee wrestled with the challenge of ensuring a robust pool of candidates for upcoming planning board vacancies.
- MA
- Hampshire County
- 5/23/24
- 05/24/2024
- 124 Minutes
- Noteworthy
- Highly Noteworthy
- Routine
Overview: AMHERST, MA – The Amherst Governance, Organization, and Legislation Committee recently engaged in a review of the nuisance property bylaw aimed at enhancing its clarity, consistency, and actionability. Central to the discussions was the liability of property owners and individuals in charge of premises for infractions, alongside debates on the notification process and the definition of a nuisance property. Additional topics included the evaluation of the town manager, the extension of deadlines for the Charter Review Committee, and the paint stewardship resolution.
- MA
- Hampshire County
- 5/23/24
- 05/24/2024
- 193 Minutes
- Noteworthy
- Highly Noteworthy
- Routine
Overview: The Amherst Zoning Board of Appeals recently convened to deliberate on several special permit applications, with the most issue being a flag lot proposal by Jonathan Clay for a single-family house on Redgate Lane. This application, represented by engineer Bucky Sparkle, drew considerable public comment and board scrutiny, particularly around its potential impact on a large white pine tree and neighborhood water flow. Additionally, the board addressed a special permit for the conversion of a single-family dwelling into a non-owner-occupied duplex on North Whitney Street, which garnered concerns about neighborhood character and safety.