Amherst Committee Considers Zoning Change for Main Street Amidst Community Concerns

Overview: The Amherst Community Resources Committee held a remote meeting on November 20, 2025, to address the proposed zoning amendment for Main Street, alongside discussions on clean energy bylaws and battery energy storage systems. The proposal for rezoning three parcels from the general residence district (RG) to the neighborhood business district (BN) emerged as a focal point, with implications for local businesses and the historic Dickinson Museum.

Amherst Planning Board Rejects Article 18, Emphasizes Year-Round Housing Needs

Overview: In a recent meeting, the Amherst Planning Board addressed several zoning and housing issues, the most significant being the rejection of Article 18, which proposed a temporary moratorium on new building permits for multi-unit residential buildings in certain zoning districts.

Amherst Town Council Tackles Accessibility Challenges and Supports Human Rights in Sudan

Overview: The Amherst Town Council meeting on November 18 focused heavily on accessibility issues within the town, including concerns about parking, sidewalk conditions, and the layout of town infrastructure. Additionally, the council discussed a resolution in support of human rights in Sudan, prompted by recent events and local connections to the crisis.

Amherst Town Council Faces Scrutiny Over Public Safety and School Funding

Overview: The recent Amherst Town Council meeting tackled issues, including public safety staffing and school funding, amidst a backdrop of community concern. Discussions centered around the need for increased staffing in the fire department, the challenges facing the local educational system, and the implications of proposed zoning amendments. Public comments illuminated the urgency of these topics, with residents and officials alike emphasizing the impact of council decisions on the future of the community.

Amherst Design Review Board Approves McMurphy’s Tavern Sign Redesign Amid Relocation Plans

Overview: During its recent meeting, the Amherst Design Review Board approved a proposal to redesign the signage for McMurphy’s Tavern as part of the business’s relocation due to the demolition of its current building. The board also approved signage updates for Valley Orthodontics and discussed the clarity of minutes from a previous meeting related to Vera Cruzana signage. Key discussions involved design elements for the tavern’s new sign.