- Chad on TSO Contemplates Action on Heatherstone Road Roundabouts and Public Urination Bylaw: “NOT porta-cans but real spots for the need. Are these people in need (college folk eating & drinking, people who…” Jun 29, 17:08
- on APEA Charges District with Failing to Follow Legal Requirements for Hiring Licensed Staff: “but this is not Springfield. We’ve done this at upper levels (not just teachers) to our detriment. I believe it’s…” Jun 29, 16:53
- on Little Relief in Sight for Amherst’s Roads: “There are some state-level programs that Amherst can apply for to receive additional funding for projects that will enhance the…” Jun 29, 15:39
- on Little Relief in Sight for Amherst’s Roads: “Amherst roads have been unsafe for vehicle, bicycle and pedestrian use for many years. The safety of our population should…” Jun 29, 13:11
- on Little Relief in Sight for Amherst’s Roads: “I think it’s time for a PROTEST It’s time for the town to triple the budget for the DPW. Not…” Jun 29, 12:01
- on Little Relief in Sight for Amherst’s Roads: “The reality is that Amherst’s extremely poor and poorly maintained roads say a great deal about the town’s priorities. Many…” Jun 29, 07:52
- on The State of Amherst’s Roads is Fair. Town Faces $42 Million Repair Backlog: “Just for clarification, we were here then and am still here now. We accept that times change, but don’t think…” Jun 28, 22:43
- on Little Relief in Sight for Amherst’s Roads: “In response to Hilda’s question, I’m guessing the tax revenue from businesses in Hadley is at least partially responsible for…” Jun 28, 19:32
- on APEA Charges District with Failing to Follow Legal Requirements for Hiring Licensed Staff: “Ummm, ummm, ummmm — as a licensed teacher, this caught my attention. DESE isn’t saying anything about this?!? Let’s assume…” Jun 28, 19:04
- on The State of Amherst’s Roads is Fair. Town Faces $42 Million Repair Backlog: “Hilda, sadly, that was when our elected and appointed officials were responsible and accountable in providing the best basics to…” Jun 28, 18:05
- on Little Relief in Sight for Amherst’s Roads: “Certainly a valid question Hilda! Perhaps we should have a forensic accounting of town finances.” Jun 28, 15:20
- on TSO Contemplates Action on Heatherstone Road Roundabouts and Public Urination Bylaw: “The plows could not plow around the roundabouts this winter because the turning radius around them is too sharp for…” Jun 28, 15:04
- on Little Relief in Sight for Amherst’s Roads: “In answer to Hilda Greenbaum’s question, because we allow vanity projects instead of need based projects.” Jun 28, 14:42
- on TSO Contemplates Action on Heatherstone Road Roundabouts and Public Urination Bylaw: “A year later, the Town Manager promises TSO action on popular waste hauler reform, after many, many delays. In an…” Jun 28, 13:24
- on TSO Contemplates Action on Heatherstone Road Roundabouts and Public Urination Bylaw: “Or how about when you are campaigning in Amherst Woods:) I say organic gardening.” Jun 28, 13:08
- on The State of Amherst’s Roads is Fair. Town Faces $42 Million Repair Backlog: “Dan: In the past century the Town carried liability insurance to cover damage to cars from potholes. I was reimbursed…” Jun 28, 12:56
- on Little Relief in Sight for Amherst’s Roads: “What is interesting is that Hadley gets the same or more traffic on the “alternate” Rte 9 and the roads…” Jun 28, 12:50
- on Little Relief in Sight for Amherst’s Roads: “There is little glitz connected with making sure the janitors’ closets and maintenance facilities are stocked and adequately staffed. Ribbon…” Jun 28, 11:05
- on Little Relief in Sight for Amherst’s Roads: “Hey! Steve Kurtz seems to be the one and only one who can put a positive spin on the condition…” Jun 28, 09:11
- on The State of Amherst’s Roads is Fair. Town Faces $42 Million Repair Backlog: “i propose that the town set up a fund to reimburse drivers for any suspension repairs, due to the negligent…” Jun 28, 08:46
- on Little Relief in Sight for Amherst’s Roads: “To refer to Amherst roads as ‘fair’ is fantastical. Horrid would be a more accurate assessment.” Jun 28, 08:02
- on Little Relief in Sight for Amherst’s Roads: “At least the Town will save on new speed bumps!” Jun 28, 06:17
- on TSO Contemplates Action on Heatherstone Road Roundabouts and Public Urination Bylaw: “Is it organic gardening https://veganorganic.net/fertilizing-with-human-urine/ or a public nuisance? And when you’re on a long hike or bike ride…!? Maybe…” Jun 27, 23:42
- on TSO Contemplates Action on Heatherstone Road Roundabouts and Public Urination Bylaw: “I have one issue with the round about which is in front of my driveway at 115 Heatherstone Road. We…” Jun 27, 22:07
- on The State of Amherst’s Roads is Fair. Town Faces $42 Million Repair Backlog: “Repave the roads with the Jones bricks? Wait a minute — I thought they were going to use them to…” Jun 27, 18:16
- on Town Council Dismisses Open Meeting Law Complaint: “Minutes of the Council and the 4 Council Standing Committees that make the important recommendations back to the Council are…” Jun 26, 22:14
- on The State of Amherst’s Roads is Fair. Town Faces $42 Million Repair Backlog: “I’m right behind you Nancy. The roads in this town are pathetic not fair. Almost everywhere you drive the roads…” Jun 25, 18:41
- on The State of Amherst’s Roads is Fair. Town Faces $42 Million Repair Backlog: “I heard from a friend, who heard from another friend, who heard from a fired teacher at one of the…” Jun 25, 18:01
- on The State of Amherst’s Roads is Fair. Town Faces $42 Million Repair Backlog: “We were told HEATHERSTONE ROAD was on the docket for paving in 2025. LIES….I don’t see it noted anywhere. ECHO…” Jun 24, 16:40
- on Amherst’s Neighboring Towns: Belchertown : “And this, from The Springfield Republican in a Special relating to Juneteenth by Michael Carolan https://www.masslive.com/westernmass/2025/06/hidden-black-roots-unearthed-as-part-of-belchertowns-greater-family-tree.html” Jun 24, 07:25
- on Plans for North Amherst Overlay District Advance: “Which sewer main will take priority? 1. A new larger sewer pipe system to handle the proposed building of additional…” Jun 24, 06:17
- on Public Comment: Practical Policing Suggestions for Curbing ICE Abuses in Amherst: “Please know that residents can call LUCE to report any suspicious activity as well. 617-370-5023- this includes unmarked, missing license…” Jun 23, 10:20
- on Plans for North Amherst Overlay District Advance: “The Swift Way balanced by the Puffers Path. I am all for it! Hetty” Jun 22, 13:13
- on Photos of the Week: More Reflections from Dave Madeloni: “Note: We just added Dave’s actual reflection selfie (Reflection 1184 for National Selfie Day). Check it out here:https://www.amherstindy.org/2025/06/20/photos-of-the-week-more-reflections-from-dave-madeloni/” Jun 22, 12:25
- on FY26 Budget Adopted with Objections to Loss of CRESS Positions and Extra Money for the Elementary Schools: “Barry del Castilho was the Amherst Town Manager in 2002. Larry Shaffer became Town Manager in July 2006, shortly after…” Jun 21, 15:19
- on Photos of the Week: More Reflections from Dave Madeloni: “Self(?)-portrait 1126 is my favorite!” Jun 21, 13:48
- on Plans for North Amherst Overlay District Advance: “I am curious .. if I am reading this correctly . A member of the planning board,is pitching a concept…” Jun 21, 11:23
- on Photos of the Week: More Reflections from Dave Madeloni: “Good to see these new reflection images from Dave – I especially like the Boston photos, which have strong texture…” Jun 21, 10:11
- on Plans for North Amherst Overlay District Advance: “Plans to increase density at Puffton Village while creating a substantial stream buffer are good, but tripling or quadrupling the…” Jun 21, 09:35
- on Public Comment: Practical Policing Suggestions for Curbing ICE Abuses in Amherst: “I would like to sign this petition as well. I would also like to request our Town Manager to activate…” Jun 21, 09:30
- on Public Comment: Practical Policing Suggestions for Curbing ICE Abuses in Amherst: “I agree with these requests. Also, although the town has a web page devoted to immigration resources at https://www.amherstma.gov/3830/Immigration-Resources, it…” Jun 21, 09:05
- on Meet Audrey Falkner, the Indy’s New Intern: “Welcome Audrey! We need all the rising clear thinkers willing to engage and appreciate your participation.” Jun 20, 21:53
- on Plans for North Amherst Overlay District Advance: ““ Malloy noted that the consultants had a hard time quantifying the number of UMass students who consider themselves among…” Jun 20, 19:45
- on Opinion: Committed to One Another, and to the Earth: “I’ve read this a couple of times: and checked the links. Words to live by, especially for the interfaith communities…” Jun 17, 14:31
- on Opinion: Committed to One Another, and to the Earth: “Thank you for this article and forwarding this discussion. The reality around us defies my understanding and expectation that people…” Jun 17, 12:25
- on On No Kings Day, Let Us Call for an End to US Military Support of Israel: “An independent, unbiased accounting of atrocities is not needed to lead us to the conclusion that we should support peace…” Jun 17, 11:02
- on Town of Amherst Named Climate Leader Community: “The Current also reported on this grant. I submitted (something like) this comment, which was not accepted. https://theamherstcurrent.org/2025/05/21/another-green-milestone-amherst-designated-a-climate-leader-community/ Thanks Jack…” Jun 16, 14:45
- on Town Manager: Town Was Not Informed in Advance of ICE Actions: “Jonathan — https://www.foia.gov/how-to.html I’m pushing other boulders uphill currently. No legal expertise needed to file a FOIA request.” Jun 16, 14:16
- on Finance Committee Sees ‘Rocky Road Ahead’ for Amherst Budgets: “Thank you Cathleen. Omitting this data in their presentation says a lot about councilors’ attitudes towards racial equity and inclusion…” Jun 16, 09:17
- on Charter Committee Reviews Elected Offices and the Role of Town Manager: “These are valuable comments that the Charter Review Committee should hear and consider. I am sure others have thoughts that…” Jun 15, 08:47
- on Ask Perplexity AI: Would It Make Sense for the Town to Offer an Annual Downtown Parking Pass?: “In conclusion, thank you Darcy Dumont for suggesting a $25/per year parking sticker from the Amherst Senior Center, allowing 4…” Jun 15, 07:15
- on Finance Committee Sees ‘Rocky Road Ahead’ for Amherst Budgets: “I just want to add that in creating the chart that compares our schools to other districts, the Finance Committee…” Jun 15, 06:09
- on Ask Perplexity AI: Would It Make Sense for the Town to Offer an Annual Downtown Parking Pass?: “In addition to Tom Crossman’s reasonable concern about lack of turnover, here are a couple more: Aren’t there already too…” Jun 14, 17:16
- on Finance Committee Sees ‘Rocky Road Ahead’ for Amherst Budgets: “Hanneke uses comparable size schools for the comparison of per-pupil expenditures, but wouldn’t a better comparison be based on multiple…” Jun 14, 16:18
- on Charter Committee Reviews Elected Offices and the Role of Town Manager: “I agree with Hilda that under the current charter a smaller Town Council is a bad idea. But under a…” Jun 14, 13:57
- on Charter Committee Reviews Elected Offices and the Role of Town Manager: “Reducing Council membership to five is a bad idea given there are no checks nor balances in our Charter. All…” Jun 14, 10:47
- on Puffers Pond Exceeds State Bacteria Limits for Safe Swimming: “Expanded testing is needed in order to prioritize remediation steps. This additional testing has not been conducted. If human-specific markers…” Jun 14, 09:18
- on On No Kings Day, Let Us Call for an End to US Military Support of Israel: “Does EVERYTHING have to connect to support for a group that has held hostages for 617 days? Is it possible…” Jun 14, 08:42
- on Charter Committee Reviews Elected Offices and the Role of Town Manager: “As a former 11 year Deputy Mayor (1987 to 1991) and Village Councilor (1983 -1991, 2009-2010) from a town in…” Jun 14, 07:28
- on Archipelago Presents Conservation Commission with Revised Plan for Atkins Corner: “As in baseball , three strikes and you are out . The same for this proposed project . Enough of…” Jun 14, 07:02
- on Town Manager: Town Was Not Informed in Advance of ICE Actions: “Bryan, you seem to have a lot of knowledge on the legal aspects of this. Perhaps you can take the…” Jun 13, 18:29
- on Puffers Pond Exceeds State Bacteria Limits for Safe Swimming: “It doesn’t look good for swimming in Puffer’s Pond, AGAIN. Closed to swimming in June? This problem has gone on…” Jun 13, 15:18
- on Town Manager: Town Was Not Informed in Advance of ICE Actions: “Some unsolicited advice: In this highly charged environment, I highly recommend two parallel paths that you may already be pursuing:…” Jun 13, 08:54
- on Puffers Pond Open for Swimming: “It strikes me as significant that the readings at the South Beach are almost twice those of the North Beach.” Jun 12, 14:17
- on Town Manager: Town Was Not Informed in Advance of ICE Actions: “Update to this ongoing nightmare: Enrique Tarrio, leader of the neo-fascist Proud Boys and convicted Jan. 6 insurrection organizer, just…” Jun 12, 10:57
- on Letter: It’s Time to Repoen Take It Or Leave It At The Transfer Station: “Here: REUSE RECENTER SWAP SHOP over in ‘Hamp: The ReCenter season runs from April through October. It is open on…” Jun 11, 16:59
- on Ask Perplexity AI: Would It Make Sense for the Town to Offer an Annual Downtown Parking Pass?: “hi Tom, On the topic of AI taking your job away, many signs point to it’s already happening, eliminating entry…” Jun 11, 15:45
- on Ask Perplexity AI: Would It Make Sense for the Town to Offer an Annual Downtown Parking Pass?: “Also, don’t forget for those of us over 65: (from Town of Amherst website) The Senior Center has Senior Parking…” Jun 11, 12:20
- on Ask Perplexity AI: Would It Make Sense for the Town to Offer an Annual Downtown Parking Pass?: “Once someone has an “Annual parking pass”, what would prompt them from leaving a parking spot if there was no…” Jun 11, 10:06
- on Design of ADA Path at Munson Memorial Library Hinges on Rhododendron: “As to right turns on wheelchair ramps, there are very clear ADA specs as to how wide the ramp must…” Jun 10, 20:13
- on Five Vie for Three Open Positions on Planning Board: “Perhaps the council will see the need for a change . There has certainly been a lot of noise around…” Jun 10, 15:50
- on The Railways in Amherst: “Michael Carolan mentions Dwight Day 2024 and so it is with great relish that I share Dwight Day 2025 (thanks…” Jun 10, 14:48
- on Puffers Pond Exceeds State Bacteria Limits for Safe Swimming: “I haven’t been a big fan of the demolition/addition of the Jones Library (but want a home for Special Collections…” Jun 10, 14:23
- on Amherst Board of Health Still Waiting for Waste Hauler Reform: “Who stands to gain if this does not get addressed? Seems like some accountability is in order here.” Jun 10, 11:51
- on Public Comment: It’s Time to Renew Support for Waste Hauler Reform: “As a relatively new Amherst resident I’ve been appalled at the discrepancy between how much I pay in taxes and…” Jun 10, 11:47
- on Five Vie for Three Open Positions on Planning Board: “By Council policy, Bruce Coldham and Karin Winter are given preference to continue on the Planning Board. The Council policy…” Jun 10, 09:51
- on Puffers Pond Exceeds State Bacteria Limits for Safe Swimming: “Can we advocate for more and consistent testing upstream. If it linked to rain, there must be a point/ several…” Jun 9, 14:25
- on Public Comment: It’s Time to Renew Support for Waste Hauler Reform: “We have bears in the neighborhood, and they’ve never bothered my compost bin, or my garbage for that matter. I…” Jun 9, 14:13
- on Amherst Board of Health Still Waiting for Waste Hauler Reform: “I was just wondering what the heck was going on with this! Is it so difficult to push it through?…” Jun 9, 14:09
- on Puffers Pond Exceeds State Bacteria Limits for Safe Swimming: “I was waiting for this. Yes, it’s so great that some time in the future we’ll get a new library/…” Jun 9, 10:06
- on Puffers Pond Exceeds State Bacteria Limits for Safe Swimming: “You know it’s June when the bacteria notices go up like clockwork. A good indicator of the towns intentions to…” Jun 8, 11:45
- on Five Vie for Three Open Positions on Planning Board: “Michael Greenebaum writes: “Members of the Planning Board should not have any real, perceived or potential conflicts of interest, and…” Jun 7, 20:00
- on Five Vie for Three Open Positions on Planning Board: “I think Karin Winter should be reappointed . She has consistently bucked up against the majority . She has a…” Jun 7, 19:17
- on Five Vie for Three Open Positions on Planning Board: “My list of qualifications would be quite different from Mr. Marshall’s. His first three are characteristics not qualifications, and mostly…” Jun 7, 14:10
- on Five Vie for Three Open Positions on Planning Board: “The planning board position should be an elected position . The choice should be the citizens of Amherst ,and we…” Jun 7, 07:19
- on Puffers Pond Exceeds State Bacteria Limits for Safe Swimming: “And so it begins. One of our most loved and used recreation areas will probably be unsafe for swimming for…” Jun 7, 06:29
- on Public Comment: It’s Time to Renew Support for Waste Hauler Reform: “Absolutely. The cost information is needed first so let’s get that done. One of the initial concerns about this proposal…” Jun 6, 17:53
- on Public Comment: It’s Time to Renew Support for Waste Hauler Reform: “At least as of a few years ago the was no competition for waste hauling in the Amherst area. USA…” Jun 6, 16:51
- on Town Manager: Town Was Not Informed in Advance of ICE Actions: “Thanks Jonathan, So to continue this thread, ICE agents, as with anyone else, acting as police when not police, are…” Jun 6, 13:48
- on Amherst Teams Capture State Championships: “These student athletes and their coaches worked hard for these wins, well deserved!” Jun 6, 13:44
- on Opinion: Care, Loyalty, Obedience: Where Congress and Boards Keep Failing: “As an educator, I so appreciate your point about civics education for young people! We all know that kids will…” Jun 6, 13:29
- on Design of ADA Path at Munson Memorial Library Hinges on Rhododendron: “Moving the rhododendron would cost $10-12K? Seriously?” Jun 6, 12:31
- on Town Manager: Town Was Not Informed in Advance of ICE Actions: “If I understand your question correctly, Jay, it’s a good one. There is some real, compelling evidence that these ICE…” Jun 6, 12:30
- on Town Manager: Town Was Not Informed in Advance of ICE Actions: “An open question: What part of being an ICE agent constitutes their being “police”; or is that a misrepresentation of…” Jun 6, 10:53
- on Design of ADA Path at Munson Memorial Library Hinges on Rhododendron: “Wheelchairs are quite able to make 90 degree turns, this is extremely common on sidewalks and inside buildings. This is…” Jun 6, 10:19
- on Design of ADA Path at Munson Memorial Library Hinges on Rhododendron: “People in wheelchairs cannot make right angle turns on the narrow ramp. The walkway should be curved at the corner…” Jun 6, 07:48
- on Design of ADA Path at Munson Memorial Library Hinges on Rhododendron: “Why don’t they move the rhododendron? They are very shallow rooted so this isn’t that difficult, except you will have…” Jun 5, 20:03
- on Design of ADA Path at Munson Memorial Library Hinges on Rhododendron: “It was disappointing that there was no acknowledgment at the Planning Board (PB) hearing that the Conservation Commission has met…” Jun 5, 16:53
- on Orchard Valley, Amherst: Reprising Social Housing and Its Histories: “The amazing thing about Orchard Valley is that the homes were intended as “starter homes”, but the homes and neighborhood…” Jun 5, 10:19