Amherst Housing Trust Grapples with Student Displacement Following Fire and New Housing Initiatives

Overview: At the recent Amherst Affordable Housing Trust Board meeting, discussions were dominated by the aftermath of a major fire that displaced over 200 students and the introduction of significant funding proposals for affordable housing projects. The board focused on urgent housing solutions for students left homeless and considered substantial financial requests to support local affordable housing efforts.

Amherst Board of Licensing Discusses Fuel Storage Amid Recent Construction Site Fire

Overview: In a recent meeting of the Amherst Board of Licensing, attention centered on a significant fire at a construction site on Olympia Drive, raising questions about fuel storage and licensing. The Board also renewed several licenses for local businesses, including restaurants, a liquor store, and an auto dealership, without incident.

Amherst Town Council Grapples with Budget Shortfalls and Educational Funding Challenges

Overview: The Amherst Town Council meeting on November 13th focused on pressing financial challenges, including budget gaps exacerbated by rising health insurance costs and the complexity of funding regional and elementary schools. Council members discussed the potential for a budget shortfall and the constraints on resources that could affect local institutions such as schools and the library.

Amherst Town Council Grapples with Historic Preservation and Funding Challenges

Overview: The recent Amherst Town Council meeting focused on discussions about preserving the town’s historic structures, with particular emphasis on the Civil War tablets and the slate roof of the town hall. Both projects highlighted the complexities of managing local government funding, the need for careful project management, and the importance of maintaining historical integrity.

Amherst Committee Tackles Complexities of Solar and Battery Bylaws to Align with State Models

Overview: The Amherst Community Resources Committee recently met to discuss the integration of state model bylaws into local regulations governing solar photovoltaic systems and battery energy storage systems (BESS). This effort is part of a broader push to ensure compliance with state requirements while adapting to the specific needs of the Amherst community. The meeting covered a range of topics including system classifications, permitting processes, and site suitability criteria.