Community Resources Committee Oct 8, 2026

The Town of Amherst Community Resources Committee met remotely to discuss a proposed East Amherst Local Historic District, in preparation for a recommendation to the Town Council. Members reviewed the proposed district’s boundaries and property list, the historic commission’s selection process, property-owner input, and how historic-district review would interact with zoning and affordable-housing development. Staff said the Wayfinders affordable-housing project has its special permit and is pursuing state funding, with construction anticipated in the spring; its existing permits were not expected to lapse. Committee members discussed possible amendments, including removing certain properties, and asked about clarifying design guidance and review rules for items such as painting and exterior materials. No vote or final recommendation was made; the discussion will continue at a future meeting.

Public commenters raised competing concerns about the district’s effects on housing affordability and development, while supporting or opposing preservation. The committee also briefly returned to its role in coordinating work on the Housing Production Plan. No contracts, vendor selections, purchasing decisions, budget allocations, or other procurement activity were identified.