Community Resources Committee Apr 23, 2026

The Town of Amherst Community Resources Committee met on April 23, 2026, primarily to discuss amendments to the clean energy bylaw (Article 18) and related zoning changes affecting solar photovoltaic installations (SPI) and battery energy storage systems (BESS). The committee reviewed detailed comments and proposed revisions to the draft bylaw, including definitions, submittal requirements, emergency response plans, setback distances, and compliance with state and local regulations. They addressed procedural questions about the consolidated permit process and clarified applicability to various project types. The committee agreed to forward a clean version of the bylaw with incorporated changes to the Town Council for public hearing, deferring some comments for later discussion. Additionally, the committee reviewed and amended interview questions for upcoming Zoning Board of Appeals appointments and discussed scheduling joint public hearings with the Planning Board on the clean energy bylaw. No specific contract awards or procurement decisions were made during this meeting.