- MA
- Hampshire County
- 4/8/24
- 04/11/2024
- 209 Minutes
- Noteworthy
- Highly Noteworthy
- Routine
Overview: In a recent Amherst Town Council meeting, the most issue proved to be the approval of a new bylaw mandating inspections for rental units within the town. This decision, which culminated in an 8-4 vote with one member absent, was reached after extensive debate over its potential financial impact on both property managers and tenants. The council also discussed various other topics, including the North Pleasant Street pedestrian improvements, the Hickory Ridge property development, and the reentry into the Valley Bike Share program.
- MA
- Hampshire County
- 4/4/24
- 04/05/2024
- 122 Minutes
- Noteworthy
- Highly Noteworthy
- Routine
Overview: In a recent meeting, the Amherst Governance, Organization, and Legislation Committee focused on a significant revision of the nuisance property bylaw, a discussion that revealed deep concerns over the document’s language and the enforceability of its provisions. The proposed bylaw, designed to address a range of community disturbances beyond the original scope of nuisance house parties, sparked debate over whether to proceed with the review or send it back to the Community Resources Committee (CRC) for further clarification in light of legal comments received.
- MA
- Hampshire County
- 4/4/24
- 04/05/2024
- 114 Minutes
- Noteworthy
- Highly Noteworthy
- Routine
Overview: The Amherst Planning Board’s recent meeting primarily centered on the allocation of funds for upcoming projects and resident requests concerning traffic calming measures. The discussions delved into various aspects of the town’s finances, including the potential need for borrowing for infrastructure maintenance and replacement, the debate over the timing of specific projects, and the financial implications of resident proposals for traffic safety.
- MA
- Hampshire County
- 4/3/24
- 04/05/2024
- 199 Minutes
- Noteworthy
- Highly Noteworthy
- Routine
Overview: The Amherst Planning Board conducted a meeting to discuss a significant mixed-income housing development proposed for two sites in the area. The project involves the adaptive reuse of the historic East Street school and the construction of a new building on Belchertown Road. The presentation highlighted the project’s aim to provide 68 income-restricted units out of a total of 78, with 10 units being market rate. The development is designed with sustainability in mind, incorporating energy-efficient measures and striving for passive house standards. Members engaged in discussions about the project’s design, income distribution, and impact on the community, with varying opinions on aspects like building placement, architectural style, and pedestrian safety.
- MA
- Hampshire County
- 4/1/24
- 04/05/2024
- 261 Minutes
- Noteworthy
- Highly Noteworthy
- Routine
Overview: The recent Amherst Town Council meeting was dominated by urgent discussions on the Regional School Committee’s budget proposal, reflecting community concerns over potential cuts and their impact on education quality. The proposed budget of $36,496,441 marks an 8.29% increase from the previous fiscal year, attributed to rising employee-related costs and reduced funds. Adjustments included reductions in Central Administration and professional development, alterations to summer programming, and Middle School staffing changes. The presentation highlighted the challenge of a less than 1% increase in Chapter 70 state funding, amidst rising costs.