Amherst boards set agendas for clean energy, library construction, and more
No final decisions were made by Amherst town boards in the past two weeks; all recent meetings were agenda-only, with minutes not yet published. The coming weeks bring key votes on clean energy zoning, library construction invoices, and a supplemental budget forum.
Recent meetings (agenda highlights)
Board of Health (Aug. 5) – Discussed tobacco regulations, including fining structures and permit transfers, as well as prohibitions on smoking and vaping in workspaces, public places, and multi-unit residences. The director also gave updates on tick, mosquito-borne illness, and Cyclosporiasis.
Planning Board (Aug. 5) – Reviewed proposed revisions to the East Amherst Local Historic District and a zoning amendment for clean energy infrastructure. The board also held a general housing discussion and reviewed subdivision applications.
Board of License Commissioners (Aug. 6) – Held a public hearing on Amherst College's application for a dining hall liquor license under MGL c.138 §14. The board also discussed potential regulation of miniature liquor bottles (nips) and reviewed hearing procedures.
Community Resources Committee (Aug. 6) – Held a public hearing on Zoning Bylaw Article 18 for clean energy infrastructure, including solar and battery storage systems. The committee was scheduled to vote on whether to recommend the bylaw to the Town Council, but no minutes have been published. The agenda also listed potential future discussions on ADU bylaws, zoning changes for East Amherst, and 40R zones.
Town Services and Outreach Committee (Aug. 6) – Received a consultant update on the waste hauler request for proposals and a staff report on town website improvements. The committee also reviewed the Town Manager's appointment of Caroline Gurek to the Community Development Block Grant Advisory Committee, with a term expiring June 30, 2029.
Upcoming decisions and hearings
Jones Library Building Committee (Aug. 10) – Will review and vote on construction invoices totaling over $134,000, including: Allied $4,500; Atlas $5,600.36; Berkshire Design Group $580; NV5 $2,550; Slobody Development Corp $21,078.42; FAA $46,000 and $17,214.30; Fontaine (amount not listed); and Colliers $36,702.55. The committee will also receive construction and schedule updates from Colliers and a signage update from Hicks-Richards.
Governance, Organization & Legislation Committee (Aug. 11) – Will review proposed Zoning Bylaw Article 18 on Clean Energy Infrastructure, including amendments to dimensional regulations, solar and battery storage uses, fences, and definitions. The committee will also continue its discussion on a Resident Oversight Board.
Zoning Board of Appeals (Aug. 13) – Will hold public hearings on four items: a continued appeal on ADU floor area calculations at 27 Newell Court; a special permit request to convert a four-unit building to a duplex at 112-114 N. Whitney Street; a request to extinguish a restaurant special permit at 40 University Drive; and a request to modify a special permit condition at 408 Northampton Street to allow a resident manager instead of a security guard.
Town Council (Aug. 17) – Will hold a public forum on supplemental budget appropriations, including services for Pelham, care and custody at Wildwood Elementary School, and PFAS monitoring and remediation. More than half of the meeting will be devoted to public comment.
Coming up
- **Jones Library Personnel, Planning, and Policy Committee (Aug. 11)** – Library director annual evaluation and a report from the Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Subcommittee.
- **Commission for Persons with Disabilities (Aug. 11)** – Discussion of a Wayfair Variance request.
- **Jones Library Budget and Investment Committee (Aug. 11)** – Review of FY2025 audit and FY2026-27 budgets.
- **DPW Building Committee (Aug. 12)** – Review of design scope for a new DPW facility, with Weston & Sampson Engineering.
- **Community Safety and Social Justice Committee (Aug. 12)** – ICE updates and sanctuary city bylaw discussion, plus CRESS and DEI updates.
- **Conservation Commission (Aug. 12)** – Review of a solar facility transformer containment change, land management policy, and certificates of compliance.
- **Energy and Climate Action Committee (Aug. 12)** – Greenhouse gas inventory update and retreat planning.
- **Jones Library Board of Trustees (Aug. 13)** – Votes on library director evaluation, FY25 audit, and Banned Books Week proclamation.
- **Local Historic District Commission (Aug. 24)** – Public hearings on two accessory dwelling unit proposals at 290 and 321 Lincoln Ave.