- Toni Cunningham on Issues & Analyses: With Council Library Vote Amherst Forward Scores A Victory: “The contention that the library and school projects are not in competition is misguided. Staggered decision-making doesn’t mean the debt…” Sep 26, 14:26
- on Issues & Analyses: With Council Library Vote Amherst Forward Scores A Victory: ““Over 65% voted for the renovation” and “overwhelming support” make good sound bites, but discerning citizens realize that the more…” Sep 26, 08:40
- on Council Votes To Forge Ahead With Library Project Despite Escalating Costs: “The Jones renovation/expansion is often referred to as receiving “overwhelming” support from the community. The results of the November 2,…” Sep 25, 18:22
- on Council Votes To Forge Ahead With Library Project Despite Escalating Costs: “Hilda has hit the nail (driven the piling?!) on its head: Almost any credible fundraising campaign begins with a donor…” Sep 24, 22:25
- on Council Votes To Forge Ahead With Library Project Despite Escalating Costs: “I could support cheerfully a restoration of Samuel Minot Jones vision for Mother Amherst’s living room. However the proposed design…” Sep 24, 15:14
- on Issues & Analyses: With Council Library Vote Amherst Forward Scores A Victory: “and of course it is dishonest for the AF folks to be talking about widespread voter support for THIS project…” Sep 24, 13:22
- on Issues & Analyses: With Council Library Vote Amherst Forward Scores A Victory: “Numbers do not lie. They are what they are. But how they are gathered, interpreted, and in what context they…” Sep 24, 11:48
- on Council Votes To Forge Ahead With Library Project Despite Escalating Costs: “I have long been a supporter of the library renovation project, and even contributed a guest column to the Gazette…” Sep 24, 06:52
- on Fourth Annual Fort River Clean-Up Scheduled For September 24: “Thank you for spreading the news about this important event” Sep 24, 05:59
- on Dispute Persists: Is Tan Brook A Perennial Or Intermittent Stream?: “Has the town ever tested the water at Tan Brook to see if it is polluted and if yes, what…” Sep 23, 19:51
- on North Amherst Residents Offer Input At Annual Forum On The Master Plan: “The Planning Board twice has voted in support of a key recommendation of the Master Plan: forming a Master Plan…” Sep 23, 19:34
- on Opinion: Additional Borrowing For The Jones Library — How Much Is Too Much?: ““Right on the money!” Each Town of Amherst Counselor should do just what you suggested, for the “edification” of their…” Sep 23, 13:24
- on Dispute Persists: Is Tan Brook A Perennial Or Intermittent Stream?: “Some additional resources for the interested reader: https://scholarworks.umass.edu/tanbrook/ https://www.amherstma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/58494/Streamflow-Study-in-Tan-Brook-UMass-2021_10_06” Sep 23, 09:42
- on Dispute Persists: Is Tan Brook A Perennial Or Intermittent Stream?: “I lived at 27 Fearing St. from 1954 until 1998, and in all that time, Tan Brook never “ran dry.”…” Sep 23, 05:02
- on Council Votes To Forge Ahead With Library Project Despite Escalating Costs: “We want to respond to the above comments by Laura Draucker who asserts that Ira Bryck meant something he did…” Sep 22, 21:49
- on Council Votes To Forge Ahead With Library Project Despite Escalating Costs: “Thank you, Ira, for presenting views that might disturb the majority. Realism and probability analyses are not always pleasant to…” Sep 22, 18:07
- on Council Votes To Forge Ahead With Library Project Despite Escalating Costs: “Please excuse me, anyone who felt that my suggestion was “patronizing and condescending,” that if town officials could increase their…” Sep 22, 16:59
- on Town Manager Responds To Questions On Fate Of Jones Library Expansion Project: “In the Jones Expansion Project Cash Flow Projections from April 2021, the total cost to the Town was projected to…” Sep 22, 16:35
- on Town Manager Responds To Questions On Fate Of Jones Library Expansion Project: “I find Paul’s answer to the final question distressing and disingenuous. He states that the town’s contribution remains $15.8M and…” Sep 21, 15:58
- on Opinion: Expecting Residential Neighborhoods To Host Students Is A Big Ask: “Well put John! Often some forget that this is not just a quality of life issue, but a housing affordability,…” Sep 21, 13:10
- on Town Manager Responds To Questions On Fate Of Jones Library Expansion Project: “Sean Mangano’s interest rate analysis is “the day-before-yesterday’s news”! Interest rates fluctuate. Recently — using the “Daily Treasury Par Yield…” Sep 21, 00:45
- on Town Manager Responds To Questions On Fate Of Jones Library Expansion Project: “It bears noting that Finance Director Sean Mangano has prepared a cash flow analysis and schedule of library-related borrowing. The…” Sep 20, 19:24
- on Town Manager Responds To Questions On Fate Of Jones Library Expansion Project: “…and the Munson Library in South Amherst. Be careful Paul, there are some who complain when long-time residents make mention…” Sep 19, 11:40
- on Real Estate Transfer Fee Proposed To Support Town Budget: “The tax burden on Amherst homeowners is quite high at present, regardless of a given properties value. I can state…” Sep 19, 08:42
- on Town Manager Responds To Questions On Fate Of Jones Library Expansion Project: “With 2-Universities and 1-College having libraries of their own; that I would hope would available to anyone in the Amherst…” Sep 19, 07:55
- on The Jones Library, The Old Whipple House Window, And Our Central Fire Station: “Yes, Jim, that was former Planning Director Jonathan Tucker.” Sep 18, 11:51
- on Town Manager Responds To Questions On Fate Of Jones Library Expansion Project: “Thanks, Kitty, for directing these critical questions to the Town Manager. While he dodged a few, and one answer blames…” Sep 18, 09:27
- on Real Estate Transfer Fee Proposed To Support Town Budget: “There are many public roads in Amherst that are not built to subdivision standards but which have been in need…” Sep 17, 23:12
- on Opinion: Amherst’s White Elephant: “Jim alludes to this noun https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/white%20elephant as an apt metaphor for the library demolition/expansion plan; could this verb https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/jones explain…” Sep 17, 22:36
- on The Jones Library, The Old Whipple House Window, And Our Central Fire Station: “JP: I believe you’re batting 1 for 1 tonight!” Sep 17, 22:15
- on The Jones Library, The Old Whipple House Window, And Our Central Fire Station: “I well remember that Denise was a voice in the wilderness.” Sep 17, 18:57
- on Council Discusses Options For Moving Forward With Jones Expansion Project: “State funding is definitely from tax-payer money. There is no “check box here” for worthy projects, and that is why…” Sep 17, 18:23
- on Town Prepares To Press Forward On Foundering Library Project: “The MBLC seems to be a fairly inflexible and archaic vein of the state bureaucracy. These are allocated funds from…” Sep 17, 17:47
- on The Jones Library, The Old Whipple House Window, And Our Central Fire Station: “Late to the table, but very interested in the goings-on. Denise Barberet – was that Planning Director Jonathan Tucker?” Sep 17, 17:35
- on Town Manager Responds To Questions On Fate Of Jones Library Expansion Project: “What constitutes “a positive vote” of the Amherst Town Council? A simple majority? Or the supermajority required to borrow funds?” Sep 17, 15:38
- on The Jones Library, The Old Whipple House Window, And Our Central Fire Station: “That’s a beautiful window. I’m so happy to know the history of it.” Sep 17, 15:06
- on Opinion: Amherst’s White Elephant: “Josna’s comment reminds me of this: “Wisdom too often never comes, and so one ought not to reject it merely…” Sep 17, 15:05
- on The Jones Library, The Old Whipple House Window, And Our Central Fire Station: “Just a note about the 2010 approval of the Master Plan. The final draft was the result of lengthy, careful,…” Sep 17, 14:24
- on State Library Board Delays Release Of Funds For Jones Expansion Project Due to “Financial Capacity” Uncertainty: “Thank you , Maria, for reporting on this significant development. I think it fair to read the MBLC’s letter as…” Sep 17, 11:13
- on Town Prepares To Press Forward On Foundering Library Project: “Do costs usually come down with inflation – even if inflation should decrease somewhat? What is another $1.8 million, of…” Sep 17, 11:06
- on Harvest Festival At Simple Gifts Farm Set For Saturday, September 17: “I just stopped by the Harvest Festival and it is an idyllic scene. Such a perfect fall day for a…” Sep 17, 11:01
- on The Jones Library, The Old Whipple House Window, And Our Central Fire Station: “This is a deeply important commentary, both in its specifics and in its general attitude. That it is beautifully and…” Sep 17, 09:16
- on Letter: Comprehensive Plan Needed To Address Parking and Traffic Woes In Town Center Neighborhoods: “Over two years ago, I submitted a request to the town in which I expressed the danger in exiting from…” Sep 16, 10:46
- on Letter: Soaring Cost Estimates For Jones Expansion Are Still Incomplete: “The factors mentioned in this article must be addressed in order to give an accurate appraisal of the true estimated…” Sep 16, 10:31
- on Finance Committee Confronts Library Project Budget Overruns. Libraries Lobby State To Cover Cost Escalation: “I find it interesting that some town councilors extoll the virtue/wisdom of “the professionals” when it is in line with…” Sep 15, 12:15
- on Council Discusses Options For Moving Forward With Jones Expansion Project: “…and is not state funding also from tax-payer money?” Sep 15, 11:16
- on Opinion: Amherst’s White Elephant: “Well said, Jim Turner! That so-called free money is by no means a gift and your piece has amply demonstrated…” Sep 15, 09:52
- on Finance Committee Confronts Library Project Budget Overruns. Libraries Lobby State To Cover Cost Escalation: “Like Ira, I love libraries. I will never forget my first tour of a library as a college student. I…” Sep 14, 20:56
- on Opinion: Amherst’s White Elephant: “I agree with Jim Turner’s assessment of the Jones Library project. “The White Elephant” is an apt analogy! As I…” Sep 14, 20:42
- on Opinion: Amherst’s White Elephant: “Jim Turner’s remarks are sensible and ethical. The trashing of rare woods and fine craftsmanship are sad choices. And the…” Sep 14, 18:12
- on Finance Committee Confronts Library Project Budget Overruns. Libraries Lobby State To Cover Cost Escalation: “In line with re-thinking where to site town services, I’d like to suggest consideration of the aptness of locating ESL…” Sep 11, 01:55
- on Finance Committee Confronts Library Project Budget Overruns. Libraries Lobby State To Cover Cost Escalation: “The ideas just proposed by Michael and Ira — particularly the repurposing of the present Jones building as a research…” Sep 10, 21:18
- on Finance Committee Confronts Library Project Budget Overruns. Libraries Lobby State To Cover Cost Escalation: “Capital ideas — in more ways than one! Likely the Trustees will argue against them, stating that the grant cannot…” Sep 10, 18:17
- on Finance Committee Confronts Library Project Budget Overruns. Libraries Lobby State To Cover Cost Escalation: “My idea, which I first wrote about two years ago, is similar to Ira’s although I want to keep and…” Sep 10, 17:07
- on Letter: It Is Unwise To Grant Jones Trustees Blank Check To Complete Renovation: “I agree with Craig Meadows’ position! Rational decision-making is of upmost importance in these uncertain times.” Sep 10, 15:08
- on Finance Committee Confronts Library Project Budget Overruns. Libraries Lobby State To Cover Cost Escalation: “Excellent reasoning!” Sep 10, 15:05
- on Opinion: Dear Town Leaders, Show Us the Money: “Right “on the money!” Let’s have an open and truthful discussion, exposing the “elephant in the room!” What are our…” Sep 10, 15:01
- on Finance Committee Confronts Library Project Budget Overruns. Libraries Lobby State To Cover Cost Escalation: “Just to build on Denise’s idea, could it make sense to build that new library on the current site of…” Sep 10, 14:11
- on Finance Committee Confronts Library Project Budget Overruns. Libraries Lobby State To Cover Cost Escalation: “Looked at dispassionately, this is a $50 million project that does provide needed renovation, but that also results in a…” Sep 10, 11:16
- on Planning Board Discusses Flood Plain Amendments And Parking For Spaulding Street Residence: “It’s very puzzling that properties are being removed from the flood prone zones: Has climate change reduced the flood risk?…” Sep 10, 08:43
- on Opinion: Ron Fitzgerald, A Remembrance: “And, Michael, where did the conversation go after Ron dropped that line — deadpan, one presumes — “I wanted to…” Sep 10, 08:35
- on Affordable Duplex Development Planned For North Amherst: “The annual North Amherst neighbors picnic sponsored by DONA is on Sunday, September 11, not 10 .” Sep 10, 07:12
- on Letter: It Is Unwise To Grant Jones Trustees Blank Check To Complete Renovation: “I agree with Meadows’ position. In difficult times, difficult decisions must be addressed rationally. Everyone is dealing with inflation, with…” Sep 9, 14:03
- on Letter: Jones Library – Don’t Let The Cart Pull The Horse: “Thanks for speaking up for public process, Chad, and for recalling Anne Burton’s thoughtful letter. The Library has shown that…” Sep 8, 20:04
- on Opinion: Vote Yes On Question 1 In November To Make Amherst and Massachusetts More Livable: “Just a clarification. Millionaires will only pay the additional 4% on annual income OVER their first million.” Sep 8, 17:45
- on Opinion: Vote Yes On Question 1 In November To Make Amherst and Massachusetts More Livable: “Mr. Wetherbee is confused — or didn’t read the whole article. Since millionaires currently pay 6% of their income and…” Sep 8, 17:17
- on Letter: Jones Library – Don’t Let The Cart Pull The Horse: “How might such a decision (set of decissions) be made? Will it be “the same ol, same ol”? “Yes”, No…” Sep 7, 15:18
- on Town Manager Will Decide On Fate Of Merry Maple: “We all wish that some things could stay the same and some things can, if we remember to speak for…” Sep 7, 11:17
- on Letter: UMass Must Address Its Contribution To Amherst’s Housing Struggles: “Ira Bryck and I have publicly disagreed about many local matters having to do with tall buildings and downtown development,…” Sep 6, 16:08
- on Almanac: Golden Herald: “I am fortunate to have inherited two magnificent stands of goldenrod in my yard, and am eagerly looking to add…” Sep 6, 15:18
- on Almanac: Golden Herald: “S, I love the evolutionary logic you employ to acquit these innocent flowers! R” Sep 6, 10:29
- on Grease Blocks Town Sewer Line: “Waste oil and grease has value. As part of Amherst Zero Waste objectives, residents and restaurants can be incentivized to…” Sep 6, 07:25
- on Grease Blocks Town Sewer Line: “Renata, education is never unhelpful, but really, would not common sense or curiosity dictate or inform? It is not rocket…” Sep 5, 19:34
- on Grease Blocks Town Sewer Line: “The town should inform *every* resident about this. I personally know this already, but I am sure way too many…” Sep 5, 12:18
- on Jones Design Subcommittee Eyes Library Cost Cuts. List Of Libraries Turning Down Grants Grows: “I think the hardie board siding in the mill district looks really nice. I’m not sure how it will look…” Sep 5, 09:45
- on Letter: Town Council, Read The Signs And Correct Our Course: “In April 2016, the Library Trustees asked their architects how much space the Jones Library had for the Library’s Program,…” Sep 4, 22:08
- on Issues & Analyses: Throwing Good Money After Bad: Why Every Expensive Project Needs An Exit Strategy: “Thanks so much, Art! One Jones Library demolition/expansion project cost that I’ve never seen discussed, even in 2016-2017, is the…” Sep 4, 21:58
- on Community Development Block Grants Will Prioritize Social Services, Transportation, And Infrastructure: “Thank you for this informative article. The draft development strategy was of keen interest and I wonder if the Planning…” Sep 4, 20:56
- on Letter: Risking Library Endowment Is Thoughtless And Irresponsible: “I have a question that I have not yet seen addressed: Is it even legal for the Board of Trustees…” Sep 4, 18:49
- on Jones Design Subcommittee Eyes Library Cost Cuts. List Of Libraries Turning Down Grants Grows: “Cinda, the quotes you reference were included to illuminate the discussion of the merits of Hardie Board at the JLBC…” Sep 4, 07:39
- on UMass Amherst Welcomes Approximately 5,550 First-Year Students To Campus: “So much for the intentions behind funding a land grant institution of higher learning. Just like everything else in our…” Sep 3, 18:51
- on Grease Blocks Town Sewer Line: “This may demonstrate how many people may talk the talk (a healthy infrastructure/environment), but don’t walk the walk. It reminds…” Sep 3, 18:16
- on UMass Amherst Welcomes Approximately 5,550 First-Year Students To Campus: “Assuming that the reported data is accurate, the entire UMass community should be excited by the credentials and diversity of…” Sep 3, 16:25
- on Issues & Analyses: Throwing Good Money After Bad: Why Every Expensive Project Needs An Exit Strategy: “Thank you, Art!” Sep 3, 15:54
- on Jones Design Subcommittee Eyes Library Cost Cuts. List Of Libraries Turning Down Grants Grows: “Of all the hours of conversations and numbers of comments that could have been quoted it’s incredible to me that…” Sep 3, 15:07
- on Letter: Please Halt The Jones Library Expansion Project: “The Jones Library plan is proving to be a debacle that could cripple the Amherst town budget while: many of…” Sep 3, 13:03
- on Opinion: Vote Yes On Question 1 In November To Make Amherst and Massachusetts More Livable: “I will NEVER vote yes on question 1. The only fair way and what should be on the ballot is…” Sep 3, 12:21
- on Letter: Town Council, Read The Signs And Correct Our Course: “I love the Jones Library, too, John, and I know that its popular programming is part of its charm. I…” Sep 3, 12:04
- on Opinion: Vote Yes On Question 1 In November To Make Amherst and Massachusetts More Livable: “This is an eye-opener! I never considered what percentage of my total income my property tax comprised!! (Now I wish…” Sep 3, 08:38
- on Letter: Town Council, Read The Signs And Correct Our Course: “I also love “The Library”, but the Jones can have that expanded role with an updated and remodeled space, without…” Sep 3, 07:30
- on Letter: Let’s Work Together To Come Up With A Sensible, Affordable Plan For The Jones Library: “Ira, Thank you. I sent the following letter to the Manager and Town Council last week: It’s time to consider…” Sep 3, 07:24
- on UMass Amherst Welcomes Approximately 5,550 First-Year Students To Campus: “I am frankly shocked by this datum: “This group of [UMass] first-year students has the highest average high school GPA…” Sep 3, 07:01
- on Letter: Town Council, Read The Signs And Correct Our Course: “Jeff’s letter and notes by other commenters miss the principle that the library in Amherst and in many other places…” Sep 2, 20:39
- on Issues & Analyses: Throwing Good Money After Bad: Why Every Expensive Project Needs An Exit Strategy: “excellent assessment articulated so clearly. thank you Art.” Sep 2, 16:13
- on Letter: Ren’s Mobil On Brink Of Foreclosure. Go Fund Me Campaign Launched To Help: “It is this kind of place/local business that makes Amherst a good place to live. I just donated.” Sep 2, 12:44
- on Letter: Let’s Work Together To Come Up With A Sensible, Affordable Plan For The Jones Library: “Ditto Ira. Let’s hope the Town authorities veto any further expenditures on this fiasco and bring the Trustees to heel.” Sep 1, 09:12
- on Letter: Let’s Work Together To Come Up With A Sensible, Affordable Plan For The Jones Library: “thank you Ira.” Aug 31, 21:41
- on Fort River School Welcomes Students’ Return With New Mural: “I agree Janet, demonstrating that because something is from the 70s or in its 70s does not, in itself, make…” Aug 31, 20:52
- on Fort River School Welcomes Students’ Return With New Mural: “This is a beautiful project and imbues Fort River’s drab 70’s exterior with life. It always cheers me up when…” Aug 31, 17:25