Amherst Municipal Affordable Housing Trust August Meeting Aug 24, 2026

The Amherst Municipal Affordable Housing Trust held a meeting on August 24, 2026, focusing primarily on affordable housing development projects and funding. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing the Wayfinders project, a two-site affordable housing development involving the renovation of the East Street School and new construction at Belchuretown Road. The Trust reviewed the project's progress, including completed permitting and design, and discussed a proposed amendment to increase the number of affordable units by removing market-rate units to facilitate a single-phase low-income housing tax credit application. The Trust agreed to support the project by drafting letters endorsing the funding application and the minor permit amendment. Additionally, the Trust considered a funding request from the Amherst Community Land Trust (ACLT) for an additional $30,000 to cover increased redevelopment costs. After discussion about fundraising success and timing, the ACLT withdrew the request with the understanding they could return if needed. The meeting also briefly addressed promoting accessory dwelling units (ADUs) with plans for community engagement and further asynchronous review of draft materials.