Hazard Mitigation Plan Public Meeting Apr 30, 2026

The Town of Amherst, MA held a public meeting on April 30, 2026, focused on the Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP). Discussions centered on community emergency response capabilities, including the disbandment and potential future reestablishment of the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). The meeting addressed concerns about balancing housing development with floodplain management and stormwater mitigation, highlighting strategies to incorporate green infrastructure into site plan reviews. A homeowner shared challenges navigating regulatory processes for culvert replacement and stream restoration, emphasizing the need to simplify permitting for individual property owners. The town acknowledged these concerns and expressed goals to proactively address infrastructure issues like undersized culverts. The final HMP is expected to be submitted to the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) by October 1, 2026, with public availability thereafter.