- Tom McBride on Letter: Borrowing More Money for the Jones? Ask the Voters.: “This is a really short comment but, …………that letter seems to suggest a fair solution.” Dec 4, 19:02
- on Fate of Track and Athletic Fields Still in Limbo: “I expect that it will be argued that ordinary grass fields cannot withstand such intense use, and that in order…” Dec 4, 18:04
- on Fate of Track and Athletic Fields Still in Limbo: “Denise writes: In addition, the Boosters make the following claim: “Additionally, it will allow for revenue generating opportunities such as…” Dec 4, 17:55
- on Fate of Track and Athletic Fields Still in Limbo: “Since earlier in the year I had written a commentary on the history of certain fundraising projects in Amherst (https://www.amherstindy.org/2023/11/10/indy-rewind-issues-analyses-a-brief-history-of-fundraising-in-amherst/),…” Dec 4, 17:40
- on Investigation Conducted by Former ARPS HR Director Kathy Mazur Found to Be “Highly Inadequate”: “The School Committee supervises the Superintendent and the Superintendent supervises the Human Resources Director and department. What recourse is available…” Dec 4, 15:46
- on Planning Board Considers Overlay District on University Drive to Create More Housing: “I was struck by this comment: “Marshall said it doesn’t seem fair that a property owner be told he could…” Dec 4, 14:54
- on Frustrations Abound Over Delay In Creating Safety Zone Near Cushman School: “I recently came across a Bulletin article I had clipped, dated 6 March 2015. Here’s a quote: “While [Charles] Moran…” Dec 4, 13:16
- on Library Project Fundraisers To Pay Themselves $1 Million Through 2027: “The best laid schemes o’ mice an’ men Gang aft a-gley. [The best-laid plans of mice and men often go…” Dec 2, 22:40
- on Public Comment: Financial Impact of Library Project Does Not Support a Yes Vote for More Borrowing: “Agreed. Public needs to look at what is reasonable. Essential services over the want of a library that the town…” Dec 2, 21:17
- on Library Project Fundraisers To Pay Themselves $1 Million Through 2027: “In today’s Times, I read an article about the new term “delulu,” popular with the young and optimistic. It apparently…” Dec 2, 19:45
- on Opinion: Finance Committee Drops the Ball on Due Diligence: “Thank you, Maria, for this lucid account of financial “thinking” that does not sound lucid, or diligent, at all. On…” Dec 2, 17:44
- on Opinion: Can We Handle the Harsh Climate Truth?: “Readers may be interested in the episode of The Enviro Show that is presently airing on Valley Free Radio (103.3fm…” Dec 2, 16:05
- on Planning Board Considers Overlay District on University Drive to Create More Housing: “Yes, the Swift Way is on the east side of U Drive, but something similar will be needed on the…” Dec 2, 13:34
- on Public Comment: Financial Impact of Library Project Does Not Support a Yes Vote for More Borrowing: “Prioritize the Fire and EMS and DPW services! No more tax increases for property owners! UMASS being the “major industry…” Dec 2, 13:34
- on Interim Superintendent Not Forthcoming with Answers to Questions from School Committee: “Throughout the questioning about the path that bullying reports take, the focus was on who sees the paper, and even…” Dec 2, 13:23
- on Library Project Fundraisers To Pay Themselves $1 Million Through 2027: “Gerry – Ginny Hamilton is correct in saying that the $36.3 or potentially $46.1 million borrowing authorizations represent a cap…” Dec 2, 13:07
- on Planning Board Considers Overlay District on University Drive to Create More Housing: “Just one question. Isn’t the Swift Way on the east side of U Drive and the overlay is proposed for…” Dec 2, 12:57
- on Planning Board Considers Overlay District on University Drive to Create More Housing: “The utility and safety of the Swift Way is already compromised by the new driveway crossings on the east side…” Dec 2, 11:43
- on Public Forums: Public Has Much to Say About Jones Library Expansion. Budget Forum Brings out Support for CRESS: “It is worth considering whether voting should be mandatory as it is in some countries. See: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/22-countries-voting-mandatory Mild penalties can…” Dec 2, 10:46
- on Jones Trustees Do Not See Need to Reassure Town About Funds for Expansion Project: “Well said, Toni Cunningham. Project cost has expanded like an elephant balloon in Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Property taxes are…” Dec 2, 10:35
- on Jones Trustees Do Not See Need to Reassure Town About Funds for Expansion Project: “Once the demolition happens, there’s a nonzero chance that one of the “critical projects [that] will be canceled/delayed as a…” Dec 2, 09:51
- on Library Project Fundraisers To Pay Themselves $1 Million Through 2027: “Thanks again for your excellent reporting. Perhaps you can help clear up why my eyebrows are raised. The increased borrowing…” Dec 2, 09:50
- on Frustrations Abound Over Delay In Creating Safety Zone Near Cushman School: “Build-your-own speed bumps? [Hint: trees drop a few of their branches in almost every storm, so “coordinate with the trees”!]” Dec 2, 09:42
- on Public Forums: Public Has Much to Say About Jones Library Expansion. Budget Forum Brings out Support for CRESS: “Closer to 21%… But let a thousand signs sprout! And please reserve 2.5% of those for the lawns of The…” Dec 2, 09:37
- on Students Rally in Support of Tax on Large College Endowments: “Just 1% of The Mammoth’s endowment would pay for the entire Jones demolition/expansion project. Of course, the “wisdom” of that…” Dec 2, 09:21
- on Jones Trustees Do Not See Need to Reassure Town About Funds for Expansion Project: “At the Trustees meeting on December 1, they voted unanimously on the following motion: “Upon approval by the Town Council…” Dec 1, 17:22
- on Public Forums: Public Has Much to Say About Jones Library Expansion. Budget Forum Brings out Support for CRESS: “Tom, We’ll take one of those signs and know of many, many registered voters who would as well.” Nov 30, 23:40
- on Property Tax Burden Rises 4.8% As Average Tax Bill Approaches $10,000: “If Amherst could tax based on income it would be much more fair. But Massachusetts won’t allow that.” Nov 30, 15:58
- on Public Forums: Public Has Much to Say About Jones Library Expansion. Budget Forum Brings out Support for CRESS: “Please take this for what it is, the experience of one citizen of Amherst who collected nomination signatures to run…” Nov 30, 13:56
- on Public Forums: Public Has Much to Say About Jones Library Expansion. Budget Forum Brings out Support for CRESS: “I really appreciate the additional detail from Nancy. It’s helpful in looking at the public health proposal. What would be…” Nov 30, 12:27
- on Public Forums: Public Has Much to Say About Jones Library Expansion. Budget Forum Brings out Support for CRESS: “How about lawn signs all over town to the effect of “Are you going to let 20% (hope I have…” Nov 30, 11:05
- on Public Forums: Public Has Much to Say About Jones Library Expansion. Budget Forum Brings out Support for CRESS: “I wish there were a way to highlight Denise’s comment and keep it for us all to reflect on. I…” Nov 29, 11:48
- on Frustrations Abound Over Delay In Creating Safety Zone Near Cushman School: “There was a multi-car accident at the intersection near the school yesterday (at Henry and Pine). This is the intersection…” Nov 29, 09:55
- on Public Forums: Public Has Much to Say About Jones Library Expansion. Budget Forum Brings out Support for CRESS: “In response to Kitty’s question about what percentage of Amherst voters voted YES in 2021 to approve funding for the…” Nov 28, 17:48
- on Amherst Regional High School Students Receive Exclusive Engineering Grant to Improve Search and Rescue Efficiency: “What a great group of students doing important work and what an interesting course to bring math and science to…” Nov 27, 08:51
- on Public Forums: Public Has Much to Say About Jones Library Expansion. Budget Forum Brings out Support for CRESS: “Where can the Amherst Emergency Preparedness Plans be found related to weather, comunication/ food/power/water outages and shortages, safety lockdowns and…” Nov 27, 06:29
- on Celebrate Trees With The Town Shade Tree Committee: “Don Ogden, we did swing by and talked about the tree and observed the care being taken to protect the…” Nov 26, 19:07
- on Public Forums: Public Has Much to Say About Jones Library Expansion. Budget Forum Brings out Support for CRESS: “Does anyone know if either the Board of Health or the Health Department has any oversight/responsibility regarding unhealthy work environments…” Nov 26, 18:11
- on Public Forums: Public Has Much to Say About Jones Library Expansion. Budget Forum Brings out Support for CRESS: “Here is the reformatted data for comparing health departments: Amherst Population: 20,059 (adjusted) Personnel Services: $173,541 Operating Expenses: $11,020 Comparison…” Nov 26, 16:28
- on Public Forums: Public Has Much to Say About Jones Library Expansion. Budget Forum Brings out Support for CRESS: “I am writing to provide data that support my concern related to the funding of the Amherst Health Department. It…” Nov 26, 12:06
- on Public Forums: Public Has Much to Say About Jones Library Expansion. Budget Forum Brings out Support for CRESS: ““low amount of funding for the Public Health Department which is far below that of Easthampton and Northampton, even though…” Nov 25, 11:29
- on Public Forums: Public Has Much to Say About Jones Library Expansion. Budget Forum Brings out Support for CRESS: “Help us with the math please. What percentage of Amherst voters voted in support of the 2021 library plan?” Nov 25, 11:11
- on Amherst Regional High School Students Receive Exclusive Engineering Grant to Improve Search and Rescue Efficiency: “Congratulations!! It’s so exhilarating to read wonderful things about our schools and, especially, the achievements of our kids!” Nov 25, 08:33
- on Public Forums: Public Has Much to Say About Jones Library Expansion. Budget Forum Brings out Support for CRESS: “In fact, in the November 2, 2021 election, 16,187 Amherst residents were qualified to vote. Of those, only 5,043 voters…” Nov 25, 07:19
- on Building Code Versus Aesthetics: Economics Rule: “The commissioners are too kind…”because owners and builders aren’t aware of the requirement”? Despite the defense offered here, I find…” Nov 24, 20:43
- on Opinion: One Solution to the Proliferation of Student Housing in Family Neighborhoods: “Mr. Joseph Fattorusso there is no residential zone in Amherst that limits housing to single family homes. Amherst’s residential zones…” Nov 24, 14:39
- on Public Forums: Public Has Much to Say About Jones Library Expansion. Budget Forum Brings out Support for CRESS: “In a November 2021 referendum more than a third of voters opposed town funding of the library project. Since then…” Nov 23, 14:18
- on Opinion: One Solution to the Proliferation of Student Housing in Family Neighborhoods: “As someone dear to me once said, “Your perspective depends on where you are standing”. For those who allege that…” Nov 22, 17:34
- on Verbatim: Excerpts from the Public Forum on Authorizing Deeper Jones Library Debt: ““I submit that when specious arguments detract from following procedure and protocol, the credibility of the town is jeopardized, the…” Nov 22, 17:09
- on Opinion: One Solution to the Proliferation of Student Housing in Family Neighborhoods: “Hello Mr. Fattorusso, It seems you suggest that high density, mixed use apartment buildings are a good solution for affordable…” Nov 22, 17:04
- on Opinion: One Solution to the Proliferation of Student Housing in Family Neighborhoods: “Joseph Fattorusso>> Living in a neighborhood where investors are buying up properties for student rentals has a way of changing…” Nov 22, 13:43
- on Opinion: One Solution to the Proliferation of Student Housing in Family Neighborhoods: “As a side note: there are many students who are both adults and who have families, especially if having familes=having…” Nov 22, 08:34
- on Will Additional Borrowing for Jones Library Expansion Impact Future Capital Spending in Amherst? : “Everybody loves libraries and wants the Jones to be maintained and accessible. That’s not what is under discussion right now.…” Nov 21, 16:26
- on Will Additional Borrowing for Jones Library Expansion Impact Future Capital Spending in Amherst? : ““In response to questions from nonvoting Finance Committee member Bob Hegner and Councilor Pam Rooney, Bockelman said the library project…” Nov 21, 11:42
- on Pickleball Courts Included in CPA Requests for FY 2025: “Thank you Maura and Amherst Indy, for informing your readers regarding the Amherst CPAC, and the FY2025 CPA applications. Our…” Nov 20, 12:45
- on Frustrations Abound Over Delay In Creating Safety Zone Near Cushman School: “Interesting how everyone seemed so positive this was going to move BEFORE November 7th…” Nov 20, 11:37
- on School Committee Had Access to Only One of Five Investigation Reports: “@Michael I vaguely remember (before I was on the SC) that the district made a recommendation about switching law firms,…” Nov 20, 11:35
- on School Committee Had Access to Only One of Five Investigation Reports: “Who hired that counsel, the SC or the Superintendent (current or past)?” Nov 18, 14:52
- on School Committee Had Access to Only One of Five Investigation Reports: “@Michael: The decisions about access to the report were made by the RSC and U26 chairs, under the advice of…” Nov 18, 12:56
- on School Committee Had Access to Only One of Five Investigation Reports: “This account raises the issue of who is in charge, the School Committee chair, the Acting Superintendent, some attorney (either…” Nov 18, 12:08
- on Frustrations Abound Over Delay In Creating Safety Zone Near Cushman School: “Anyone who has tried to work with any town staff (except for the police) or town official in the past…” Nov 18, 11:54
- on Letter: Student Rental Industry Should Pay Its Fair Share of Taxes: “I hesitate to jump into this discussion, but it began with noting the tax increase homeowners face this year. Many…” Nov 18, 09:04
- on Property Tax Burden Rises 4.8% As Average Tax Bill Approaches $10,000: ““Which begs the question: where is the magic source of money for the town to borrow an additional $9.9 million…” Nov 18, 08:55
- on Lighting of the Merry Maple, December 1: “Please note the photo is the old Merry Maple, cut down before its time. Perhaps a moment of silence would…” Nov 18, 08:27
- on Title IX Reports to Be Made Public: “The link to the reports can be found in this article : https://www.amherstindy.org/2023/11/17/here-is-the-link-to-arms-discrimination-investigation-reports/ The links were posted at about 6:30…” Nov 17, 20:04
- on Letter: Student Rental Industry Should Pay Its Fair Share of Taxes: “Tom and anyone: Why is rental housing so much more expensive in Amherst than Easthampton? Are we charged more for…” Nov 17, 17:24
- on Title IX Reports to Be Made Public: “It’s now Friday the 17th, at 5PM, and the Title IX report on the disturbing treatment of students, which was…” Nov 17, 16:47
- on Letter: Student Rental Industry Should Pay Its Fair Share of Taxes: “Jonathan, great job picking up on the redlining comment, I applaud you. Ira, I appreciate your diligent response, you are…” Nov 17, 16:28
- on Letter: Student Rental Industry Should Pay Its Fair Share of Taxes: “Professional landlord Crossman says taxing landlords is equivalent to historic redlining? Yikes, time to read a history book.” Nov 17, 14:42
- on Letter: Student Rental Industry Should Pay Its Fair Share of Taxes: “DEAR TOM – PLEASE EXCUSE MY CAPS, I AM NOT SCREAMING, I AM JUST RESPONDING TO YOUR POINTS,DELINEATING YOUR STATEMENTS…” Nov 16, 17:55
- on Letter: Student Rental Industry Should Pay Its Fair Share of Taxes: “Dear Ira, Our taxes are rising for various reasons, but it is not the consequence of “resulting from student slumlords…” Nov 16, 14:55
- on Rally: Tax Amherst College’s Endowment to Support Public Education: “i would love to see some support go to public k-12 education as well, if this legislation were to pass” Nov 16, 13:01
- on Council Rushes Vote for More Borrowing for Jones Library Expansion: “It’s amazing how more and more money can be found for this library project but so little for CRESS, DEI,…” Nov 16, 10:40
- on Council Rushes Vote for More Borrowing for Jones Library Expansion: “Allegra Clark raises a very important point. Plans to address the replacement of the 108-year-old DPW facility and outmoded Central…” Nov 16, 08:39
- on Library Trustees Seek Plan B Clarity. Details Of $1M Federal Grant Award Emerge: “I was trying to find out more about the NEH Challenge Grant and how sure this $1m donation was and…” Nov 14, 12:26
- on Council Rushes Vote for More Borrowing for Jones Library Expansion: “In addition to the overblown library project negatively impacting the Town’s ability to finance more pressing capital needs, we must…” Nov 13, 16:17
- on Council Rushes Vote for More Borrowing for Jones Library Expansion: “reminder: all incumbent and challengers were given the opportunity to discuss the library funding during the campaign by the indy.…” Nov 13, 10:09
- on Transit Holiday on PVTA from November 24 Through December 31: “Please keep this transit holiday going throughout the winter – this move can help in many ways….” Nov 11, 21:16
- on Almanac: A Porcupine, By Jove: “Two experiences related to Galileo’s experiments have inspired hair-raised-on-the-back-of-my-neck* awe. The first (now decades ago) echos Steve’s: watching Jupiter at…” Nov 11, 21:02
- on Historical Preservation in Amherst — How Are We Doing So Far?: “On naming: the new elementary school presents an opportunity, and rather than a river name referring to a colonial era…” Nov 11, 20:21
- on Letter: Critical Information Missing in Preparation for Vote to Increase Library Project Borrowing: “So … would The Indy please consider filing that 3-headed Public Records Law request — or trio of such requests…” Nov 11, 20:05
- on Letter: An Open Letter to All New and Re-elected Members of the Amherst Town Council.: “Amherst schools and the library have had leaking roofs for years. The bridge on 116 at Mill Valley has not…” Nov 11, 19:56
- on Almanac: A Porcupine, By Jove: “Dear Michael and Indy readers: I loved Stephen Braun’s column this month, too. And I often do and should do…” Nov 11, 19:54
- on Letter: Critical Information Missing in Preparation for Vote to Increase Library Project Borrowing: “In the original post I mistakenly overstated the Capital Campaign’s fundraising personnel expenses. As of September 30 the Capital Campaign’s…” Nov 11, 17:48
- on Letter: Even More Money for Jones Library? Amherst Can’t Afford That!: “Seems to be lots of cash floating around town from those $1000/bedroom rentals for the Jones to raise the needed…” Nov 11, 15:39
- on Letter: Critical Information Missing in Preparation for Vote to Increase Library Project Borrowing: “These are compelling points, Jeff. Any one of them is reason enough to postpone a vote on additional borrowing until…” Nov 11, 14:34
- on Historical Preservation in Amherst — How Are We Doing So Far?: “The ch.40b development on North Amherst is geared to BIPOC home ownership. But we need to tell the Zoning Board…” Nov 11, 12:21
- on Council Rushes Vote for More Borrowing for Jones Library Expansion: “The memorial garden behind the library has several gaping holes where mature bushes were dug up and removed–in anticipation of…” Nov 11, 12:14
- on Letter: Critical Information Missing in Preparation for Vote to Increase Library Project Borrowing: “Thanks Jeff for your detailed analysis of what information is needed before a fiscally responsible decision can be made regarding…” Nov 11, 12:00
- on Opinion: Progressive Coalition of Amherst Is Empowering a Grassroots Movement for Change : “good work.” Nov 11, 10:41
- on Council Rushes Vote for More Borrowing for Jones Library Expansion: “As a relative newcomer to Amherst, I was baffled by the Jones Library ‘s grandiose expansion plans at a time…” Nov 11, 10:37
- on Historical Preservation in Amherst — How Are We Doing So Far?: “I have been moved and informed by Hetty’s commentaries and appreciate this step back to view historic preservation as a…” Nov 11, 09:06
- on Almanac: A Porcupine, By Jove: “Having Hetty Startup and Stephen Braun as adjacent commentaries in this morning’s Indy is a source of overwhelming gratitude. It…” Nov 11, 08:44
- on Information Flow Between School Committee and Superintendent Still a Work in Progress: “Nevertheless she persisted. Keep going Jennifer.” Nov 10, 21:09
- on Letter: Even More Money for Jones Library? Amherst Can’t Afford That!: “Adding 10 million dollars to a building last updated in 1993, when Central Fire and the DPW “Trolley Barn” are…” Nov 10, 17:52
- on Council Rushes Vote for More Borrowing for Jones Library Expansion: “I concur with those people who are insisting the town should not approve of increasing the town’s liability by another…” Nov 10, 17:49
- on Finance Committee: Town Has $9.19 Million in Free Cash. Residential Registration Fees Still Not Finalized: “The Town’s Financial Management Policies & Objectives state to maintain a certified Free Cash balance equal to at least 5%…” Nov 9, 14:50
- on Opinion: Building a More Inclusive, Responsive Town Government : “Post Election Those final 6 names added to the article remind me of what an incredible legacy we have to…” Nov 9, 13:45
- on Unrecognized Project Costs Trouble Library Trustee. Amherst College Gift Snubs Taxpayers: “Regarding the sentence above that “FAA has had to design the new parts of the renovated library’s ground floor to…” Nov 9, 10:15