Commission for Persons with Disabilities Oct 13, 2026

The Town of Amherst Commission for Persons with Disabilities met on October 13, 2026, to discuss accessibility projects and the upcoming Massachusetts Office on Disability (MOD) grant cycle. The commission unanimously voted 5–0 to support developing a design plan and cost estimate for improving access to restroom facilities at Munson Library, with the specific solution to be determined through design work. The MOD grant can provide up to $250,000, and the next application is expected to open May 1; grant funds do not cover planning or design, so the town would need to use capital funds to prepare the project. Staff said a parking plan for the library already exists, and the commission also discussed whether it could be included as a secondary project if eligible and affordable.

Staff reported that the War Memorial Pool building is planned for demolition and replacement, with the project supported by Community Preservation Act funding; an architect contract was expected to be signed, but no award or vote occurred at this meeting. Prior estimates discussed were approximately $1.8 million for renovation and $2.2 million for a new building, with work anticipated to begin around FY2028. The commission also discussed proposed acoustic improvements at North Amherst Library: the architect has provided options, one reportedly below $10,000, but the funding and next steps were not confirmed. Members noted that the town has no current record of completed items from its older ADA transition plan.