Commission for Persons with Disabilities Aug 11, 2026

The Town of Amherst Commission for Persons with Disabilities held a meeting on August 11, 2026, primarily discussing accessibility issues related to a new real estate development project managed by Wayfinders. The commission reviewed a variance request concerning the reactivation of a historic school entrance that is not fully accessible, debating the challenges of providing accessible routes and the placement of accessible units within the building. They approved the variance request, noting concerns about fire safety and accessibility for residents with disabilities. Additionally, updates were provided on ongoing capital improvement projects, including the installation of handrails and door controls, and discussions about potential future projects such as installing a vertical lift at the Monson Library and accessibility upgrades at Wildwood. The commission also addressed ADA compliance complaints related to town sidewalks and roadways, and discussed the need for accessible voting equipment. Budget considerations for these projects were noted, with emphasis on prioritizing capital funds and potential MOD grant applications for future accessibility improvements.