Amherst Town Council Focuses on Video Project and Oversight Board Reforms

Overview: The recent Amherst Town Council meeting highlighted ongoing efforts to enhance community engagement through a Human Rights Commission video project and discussed the progress of the Resident Oversight Board’s bylaws. The meeting also addressed Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives and legal assistance for immigrants.

Amherst Finance Committee Delays Financial Report, Analyzes Community Center Renovation Costs

Overview: The Amherst Finance Committee meeting on February 18th focused on financial projections, capital improvements, and the progress of community facility projects. Key topics included the decision to postpone the second-quarter financial report review, discussions on revised budgets affecting property revenue, school funding, and the Banks Community Center renovation project.

Amherst Board Explores Definition of ‘Student Housing’ Amid Tensions Over Community Character

Overview: In a recent meeting of the Amherst Affordable Housing Trust Board, a focus was placed on the implications of defining “student housing,” as members considered strategies to address the growing influence of student rentals on the local housing market. The board discussed concerns that this designation could unintentionally lead to exclusionary practices, affecting groups like graduate students and immigrants who are temporarily residing in the area.

Amherst Town Council Deliberates Charter Review and Public Engagement Strategies

Overview: The Amherst Town Council meeting focused on the ongoing charter review process, emphasizing input from various stakeholders, the timeline for changes, and strategies for public engagement. The Council considered a proposal to extend the timeline for the charter review and discussed involving the Colin Center for technical assistance.

Amherst Conservation Commission Debates Land Use Fees, Approves Solar Projects, and Reviews Environmental Applications

Overview: At a recent meeting, the Amherst Conservation Commission tackled the contentious issue of whether to charge fees for the use of conservation land, ultimately deciding against it while opting for a deposit system for certain events.