Zoning Board of Appeals Sep 24, 2026

The Town of Amherst Zoning Board of Appeals held a meeting on September 24, 2026, primarily addressing two zoning-related cases involving property use and special permit amendments. The first case involved Wayfinders, Inc., requesting a determination that converting 10 market-rate units to affordable units was an insubstantial change to a previously granted comprehensive permit. The board voted unanimously to approve this change, supporting the town's affordable housing goals and facilitating project financing. The second case concerned a request to amend a special permit for 28 Sha Street to remove the owner-occupancy condition and renting restrictions on one unit, along with minor site plan modifications. The applicant sought to replace owner management with a professional property management company to address longstanding tenant and neighborhood complaints. The board heard extensive public comments expressing concerns about tenant behavior and neighborhood impact. The discussion included potential conditions such as delaying rental of the unit for two years to monitor management effectiveness. The matter was continued to a future meeting for further consideration. No direct contract awards or procurement decisions were made, but the discussion involved property management services and compliance with zoning bylaws.