Zoning Board of Appeals Jun 11, 2026

The Town of Amherst Zoning Board of Appeals held a meeting on June 11, 2026, to consider a special permit application for the property at 174 Amity Street. The applicant, Amoris Community Land Trust, requested approval to convert an existing two-family home into a three-unit townhouse and to construct an affordable duplex on the same lot. The board reviewed extensive submissions, site visit reports, and comments from the Conservation and Historical Commissions. Discussions included project phasing, affordable housing requirements, energy efficiency measures, and management plans. The board adopted all required zoning findings and approved the special permit with conditions ensuring affordability, compliance with conservation requirements, and proper project phasing. The conditions also clarified that certificate of occupancy would be granted upon approval by appropriate state agencies, streamlining oversight of marketing and resident selection plans. The project aims to provide affordable, owner-occupied housing consistent with community goals and zoning bylaws.