- MA
- Hampshire County
- 5/17/24
- 05/24/2024
- 123 Minutes
- Noteworthy
- Highly Noteworthy
- Routine
Overview: The recent meeting of the Amherst Finance Committee was marked by pivotal discussions on the future of the Crest Department and financial concerns surrounding the library project. Public commentary initiated a thorough debate with citizens expressing urgent concerns regarding the functions and resource allocation of both entities. The Crest Department’s operational challenges, such as the need for a qualified assistant director and accessible physical space, and the library project’s financial overruns and potential construction delays were at the forefront of the discussions.
- MA
- Hampshire County
- 5/17/24
- 05/17/2024
- 94 Minutes
- Noteworthy
- Highly Noteworthy
- Routine
Overview: The Amherst Town Council has made notable decisions regarding the construction elements of a major project, highlighting the council’s commitment to budget adherence and community needs. The council voted unanimously to incorporate a backstop into the project’s base documents. Additionally, the inclusion of granite curbing in the base bid was approved following a debate over cost implications and potential damage from maintenance activities. The council also reviewed the 90% cost estimates, which fell below the $81 million budget set by the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA), and approved a substantial package of invoices related to the construction project.
- MA
- Hampshire County
- 5/16/24
- 05/17/2024
- 89 Minutes
- Noteworthy
- Highly Noteworthy
- Routine
Overview: The Amherst Transportation Advisory Committee recently convened to discuss significant transportation initiatives, including the advocacy for rail connections to Amherst and the Heatherstone project. The committee voted in support of various transportation proposals, emphasizing the importance of integrating Amherst into the broader Massachusetts rail plan and addressing local infrastructure improvements.
- MA
- Hampshire County
- 5/16/24
- 05/17/2024
- 70 Minutes
- Noteworthy
- Highly Noteworthy
- Routine
Overview: In a recent meeting, the Amherst Public Art Commission made progress on the Electrify Amherst project, which aims to enhance the town’s aesthetic through the painting of electric traffic control boxes with a theme celebrating Amherst youth. This initiative was among the several topics discussed, as the commission also delved into the nuances of the Percent for Art program bylaws, the revival of the Amherst Center Cultural District, and potential participation in the US 250th Celebration. Furthermore, the commission examined its mission, the definition of public art, and the potential collaboration with local colleges for public art projects.
- MA
- Hampshire County
- 5/15/24
- 05/17/2024
- 177 Minutes
- Noteworthy
- Highly Noteworthy
- Routine
Overview: In a recent Amherst Planning Board meeting, members placed focus on the development of a Historic Preservation Plan and deliberated on housing issues, including the potential for a housing overlay zone on University Drive and the formation of a housing subcommittee. Additionally, the meeting addressed the progress of the town’s housing production plan and the challenges involved in community engagement for downtown design standards.