Town Manager Report for September 14, 2026

Amherst Indy September 25, 2026 0
Amherst Town Seal

Photo:amherstma.gov

Editor’s note: Town Manager Paul Bockelman submits a comprehensive report to the Town Council, usually at the second Town Council meeting of each month. The reports, usually 9 to 16 pages in length, provide up-to-date information on what is happening within and across town departments. The Manager Report is usually one of the last items on the agenda and is often taken up late at night, leaving little time for Bockelman to do more than mention a few highlights and this is usually all that gets entered into the council minutes. What follows is a complete, unedited version of the Town Manager Report. All Town Manager Reports are available on the town’s website here: Town Manager Reports 

TOWN MANAGER

  • Cuppa Joe with Paul: 
  • The last Cuppa Joe was held on August 14th at Black Sheep Deli and Bakery with special guest Senior Director Dan Garcia. We had a great turnout and a great discussion about the Town’s Senior Center and the services provided to seniors in Town.
  • The next Cuppa Joe is September 18th at Izote Latin & American Kitchen at 460 West Street. Join us as we introduce you to this great new establishment in South Amherst. My special guest will be Director of Planning and Economic Development Jeff Bagg, and we will talk about anything people want to bring up, including Hampshire College.
  • The “Cuppa’ Joe with Paul” coffees are a monthly event. Residents and others are welcome to share their concerns, offer suggestions, or just get to know each other.
  • Upcoming Events: We have numerous upcoming events. 
  • A full list can be found here: View all September events hosted by the Town.
  • September 17th – Block Party Downtown Amherst – The13th
    • Annual Block Party will be on Thursday, September 17 from5:00 pm to 9:00 pm on North

Pleasant Street in Downtown Amherst. This community event promises an evening of fun, entertainment, and celebration of all things Amherst. The Annual Block Party draws thousands of residents and visitors to our dynamic downtown. This year’s event will feature an exciting lineup of live music and performances, showcasing local talent and captivating acts. Attendees can look forward to aerialists, acrobats, stilt walkers, jugglers, and a variety of street performers that will delight audiences of all ages. In addition to the entertainment, local restaurants and retailers will line both sides of North Pleasant Street.

  • September 19th – Fort River Clean-up – Come for the cleanup, stay for the celebration! Join the Fort River Watershed Association to help remove trash throughout the entire watershed, then hang out with us at post-cleanup festival celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Connecticut River Conservancy’s Source to Sea Cleanup!
  • September 19th – Downtown Clean-up – Help us keep the Town litter-free as we join Keep Massachusetts Beautiful from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on the Amherst Town Common. We’ll be set up directly across from the Garman House on Boltwood Avenue. We’ll provide all the cleanup supplies. All you need to do is show up! This event is open to all ages. Volunteers age 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
  • October 26th – Official Ribbon Cutting for Amethyst Brook Elementary School.
  • I Was a Hurricane: There was a great turnout for the premiere of “I Was a Hurricane”, a movie about the Amherst Regional High School Ultimate Frisbee team in 2003 and the pivotal moment of winning the championship after years of heartbreaking losses. This was the big screen debut. 
  • Agenda & Minutes Center: 
    • The Town officially launched a new Agenda and Minutes Center, designed to streamline access to all public meeting information. Residents can now visit the new webpage to find agendas, minutes, and links to video recordings for all meetings in one convenient location.Residents can also now sign up to receive email or text notifications for specific boards and committees, making it easier to stay informed about the committees that matter most to them. Subscribe at amherstma.gov/notifyme under “Agenda Center”
    • The webpages for all boards and committees have also been updated to ensure information is clear, accurate, and accessible. Learn more about this update.
  • Website Redesign:
    • The Town is currently undergoing a comprehensive redesign of our website with vendor CivicPlus. The purposes of this redesign are to improve searchability, remove outdated content, and increase accessibility — all while giving the website a “refreshed” look.
    • Communications Manager Samantha Giffen is leading this process with support from staff members across various departments. The new website will be launched by January 2027.
    • If you have any feedback or suggestions, please email them to info@amherstma.gov
  • All About Amherst: Civic Academy:
  • The second All About Amherst: Civic Academy is launching. The Civic Academy is a dynamic program designed to give residents an inside look at how local government operates and how they can actively participate in shaping the community.
  • The free 8-week program will run from September 30 to November 18. All 8 weekly sessions will be held from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Wednesday evenings, except for the week of Veterans’ Day when the session will be on Tuesday, November 10.
  • Participants will explore the inner workings of Amherst’s government as they learn about day-to-day Town operations, talk directly with Town staff, and follow along for behind-the-scenes tours. Learn more about the Civic Academy.
  • Interested residents should submit a Civic Academy Application by Sunday, September 20.
  • Cable Television License Renewal: • The Town’s license with Comcast expires in October. The current contract commenced in October 2016 and will expire in October 2026.
  • The Town, with our Cable Television Advisory Committee, is fully engaged in the process of relicensing the cable television license held by Comcast. The Cable Television Advisory Committee (CTAC) is made up of residents and staff to support and facilitate this renewal process.
  • To learn more about the Cable Television Advisory Committee’s work, access meeting minutes and important documents, and more, please visit the CTAC Website. To contact the CTAC members, email cable@amherstma.gov.
  • Percent for Art: 
  • Under the Town’s Bylaw and in accordance with the Town Council’s vote, 1/2% for art will be dedicated to the Amethyst Brook Elementary School site. I have formed a Percent for Art Advisory Committee and am seeking volunteers to join it. The Percent for Art Advisory Committee is a time-limited committee responsible for advancing the selection of public art for the new Amethyst Brook Elementary School. We are reviewing applicants now.
  • Staff Updates: 
  • Rome Cabrera from the Recreation Department graduated from the MMA Certificate in Municipal Leadership and Management program in conjunction with Suffolk University. This year-long program required consistent dedication and support from the Town and his department.
  • Philip Avilla from the DEI Department was awarded the Nancy Galkowski legacy award from the Massachusetts Municipal Management Association. The award can be used to assist with defraying the costs of professional development, training and mentoring opportunities for current and future local government administrators. He will enroll in the MMA/Suffolk University Human Resources Seminar. Amherst Director of

Communications & Civic Innovation Brianna Sunryd was a 2019 award recipient.

  • Samantha Giffen has begun the MMA Certificate in Municipal Leadership andManagement. She follows in the footsteps of Amy Rusiecki, Athena O’Keeffe, Kim Mew, and Rome Cabrera.
  • Department heads and I will be engaged in an off-site retreat in the coming weeks to discuss organizational effectiveness, improving communication, and brainstorm ways to make our meetings more impactful. Credit to the Clerk of the Council and other staff for conceptualizing, organizing, and leading this important session.

COLLEGES

  • Hampshire Campus Zoning Study:
    • The Town’s Hampshire Campus Zoning Study seeks to gather property information and community input that will guide new zoning. The information gathered will provide an understanding of the areas that are developable, the capacity of infrastructure (i.e. water, sewer, roadways), housing market demands, opportunities for economic development, and community goals.
  • The Zoning Study is being conducted by a team of contracted experts who will assist the Town with gathering data, organizing information, hosting community engagement sessions, and sharing important updates throughout the process. The goal of the project is to propose new zoning for the property in January/February 2027.

    • It is important to note that the Hampshire College Board of Trustees, as the property owner, will make all decisions about marketing and sale of the property.If you are unable to attend these events, questions and comments can also be submitted online. Materials from these sessions will be posted to the project website following both events. To learn more about the Hampshire Campus Zoning Study, submit questions, and view resources, please visit the Hampshire Campus Zoning Study Website.Town staff are engaged in reviewing zoning options to prepare for future uses of the Hampshire campus property. This study will include various assessments, opportunities for public input, and a final report by January 2027.  The Town’s intent is that zoning options will be in alignment with the Town’s overall needs, goals, and long-term vision and the Town Council’s vote. It is also desirable that the zoning study will support the College’s needs.Through MassDevelopment, the Town is receiving technical assistance from a skilled team of professionals bringing environmental, land use, and economic development expertise: Horsley-Witten Group, Dodson and Flinker, U3 Advisors.
    • The next two events are September 22 and 24:

▪ Listening Session

  • Tuesday, September 22 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm   Eric Carle Museum, 125 West Bay Road
  • Join the Town of Amherst in-person for a short presentation and conversation about zoning options for the Hampshire Campus property. This listening session is an opportunity for community members to learn more and share their input on future Hampshire Campus zoning.
  • Register for the Listening Session!
  • Design Workshop
    • Tuesday, September 24 from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm   Eric Carle Museum, 125 West Bay Road
    • Join the Town of Amherst in-person for a design workshop featuring a series of fun, interactive activities. These activities will help us refine ideas for how new zoning of the Hampshire Campus can support Amherst’s housing, economic, and community goals. This design workshop is an opportunity for community members to explore zoning scenarios and provide direct input on future Hampshire Campus zoning. No previous knowledge of zoning is necessary!
  • Accommodations and language interpretation services may be provided if requested through the event registration process. After registering with your name and email, a question will pop up asking if these services are needed. 
  • Hampshire College:
    • The College has been very cooperative with the Town and is allowing the Recreation Department to utilize the College’s swimming pool for swim lessons, open and lap swim, and team trainings. This is especially important with notice received from the Regional School District that the Middle School pool was not available to the Recreation Department at least until some time in October. We are very grateful to the College for providing this facility for our use and to our Aquatics Director who has been creative about taking on the new facility and making sure it all could happen. Hampshire welcomed just under 180 students back to campus to complete the teach-out.Amherst College:
  • Amherst College:. The College coordinated with the Amherst Business Improvement District (BID) for an
  • Adventure into Amherst event that encouraged students to visit the downtown business district. There was a very good turnout that started in front of Town Hall in late August.1st.  The College coordinated with the Amherst Business Improvement District (BID) for an Adventure into Amherst event that encouraged students to visit the downtown business district. There was a very good turnout that started in front of Town Hall in late August.
  • University of Massachusetts Amherst: 
    • First day of classes was September 8th.
    • Like the College, the University coordinated with the Amherst Business Improvement District (BID) for an Adventure into Amherst event that encouraged students to visit the downtown business district. There was a very good turnout that started at Kendrick Park on September 5th. 
  • Campus study: The University announced it had selected American Campus Communities to collaborate on a comprehensive, long-range, and phased plan to modernize campus housing while maintaining affordability and exploring nonresidential amenities to enhance the campus experience.

DEPARTMENT UPDATES

Administration and Finance

  • Finance:
    • Budget Concerns: The Finance Director has cautioned Department Heads that the current fiscal year budget could become challenging – already – as we see significant increases in fuel process. Several departments – Police, Fire, DPW, Facilities – are highly dependent on the cost of energy and he has encouraged all Departments to monitor their budgets and begin implementing strategies to ensure budgets are not overspent.
    • Reports:
      • Staff completed the FY26 Fourth Quarter Financial Report.
      • Staff have begun the end of year state reporting for Free Cash.
    • Staff:
      • Assistant Collector Christina Maldonado obtained Massachusetts Municipal Assistant Collector Certification. Congratulations, Christina!
      • The Finance Director is reviewing applicants for the new clerk position to staff the Pelham intermunicipal agreement.
      • A vacant Accounts Payable Clerk position has been posted. o Activities: 
      • Staff provided data to the Town’s OPEB Actuary for analysis.
      • After analysis and projections, the Town locked in natural gas prices.
      • The Finance Director is organizing a Town-wide disposal of surplus equipment/supplies.
      • The parking working group is reviewing ways to expand parking, increase revenues, and reduce expenses.
      • The Department opened Community Preservation Act Grant Applications.
      • Completed the following bids:
  • Munson Library Boltwood Garage fire systems
  • Cemetery Restoration at North & South Cemeteries
  • Shared Services: The Treasurer/Collector’s office has implemented the agreement with the Town of Pelham that has the Town serving the residents of Pelham providing treasurer and collector services.
  • Fees: Building permit fees increased on September 1st. The increases will bring the Town more closely to the fees charged by other communities.
  • Town Clerk: 
    • Elections: The State Primary was held on September 1st.  The State General Election is scheduled for Tuesday, November 3rd.Website Improvements: As mentioned above, the Town Clerk will be transitioning most Boards and Committees to utilizing the Agenda and Minutes Center to post meeting agendas, minutes, and recordings.
      • The goal is to make it easier for the public to locate information and also easier for staff to submit agendas for posting. The Communications Manager and Town Clerk are offering trainings for staff and committee liaisons in preparation for an August 1 launch.We will be doing a bigger announcement as we approach the official launch date. The new Agenda & Minutes Center is one webpage where the agenda, minutes, and link to meeting recordings for all public bodies will be posted. Residents will also have the opportunity to subscribed to only those committees they choose.
  • Voter Registration:
    • The Town Clerk’s office will be working with the University on National Voter Registration Day, September 15th. The goal is to educate and register students to vote and offer them ways to get more involved in local government The Town Clerk will be promoting Constitution Day with the University on September 17th.
  • Human Resources:
    • The Department continues to recruit, interview, and hire numerous Town positions. A list of current vacancies can be found here: List of Job Vacancies  
  • Information Technology:
    • Website: 
      • The Town is finalizing a website redesign with our vendor Civic Plus. The purposes of this redesign are to improve searchability, remove outdated content, and increase accessibility — all while giving the website a “refreshed” look. The Communications Manager has been leading this process with support from staff members across various departments. The new website will be launched by January 2027.
      • Town staff are working on bringing the Town into compliance with the new ADA Guidelines https://www.ada.gov/resources/2024-03-08-web-rule/  . The deadline has been extended by one year. This is a major undertaking that involves I.T., Communications, DEI, and everyone in our organization who posts to the website.
  • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Department:
    • Office: The Department is back in its office on the second floor of the Bangs Community Center. Thank you for your patience while our office underwent renovations. o Report: The Department’s End of Fiscal Year Report 2025-2026 is available. The report highlights the key initiatives, programs, partnerships, and community engagement efforts led by the Department over the past fiscal year. Read the full report [HERE].
    • State Leadership: 
      • The DEI Department is an active member of the Massachusetts Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Coalition (MA DEIC), which brings together DEI professionals and practitioners from communities across the Commonwealth. Assistant Director Philip Avila was elected as vice-chair. Department members traveled to Cambridge for an in-person gathering focused on strengthening collaboration and discussing the Coalition’s future priorities and work.Director Pamela Nolan Young was selected to serve on the Massachusetts Municipal Association (MMA) DEI Advisory Committee. The advisory committee serves as a thought partner and conduit for advancing DEI and racial equity work across communities and internally at the MMA.Community Heart and Soul:On September 2nd, the DEI Department hosted a Community Heart and Soul Event, part of a series the department has been hosting in an effort to bring Amherst residents together as residents express what matters most to them. Participants’ input helps shape a collective vision that informs future planning and community development. Members of the Town Council are invited to join for the launch of the Community Heart and Soul initiative on October 22nd at 5:30 pm at the Bangs Community Center.Interns: Intern Valentina Ayala-Bustamante will continue with the Department this academic year as an outreach intern. This is her senior year, and she will be graduating with a degree in legal studies and public relations. We are currently accepting applications and interviewing for a second intern to work in the DEI Department. o Trainings:The Department is restarting its monthly staff and departmental training series, providing ongoing opportunities for learning, professional development, and continued growth in DEI practices.Youth Empowerment:The Department is hosting the next Youth Programming event, focusing on college preparedness, on September 23rd. Register here. Year-round Youth Programming is offered through the DEI Department to empower our younger generation and offer them a sense of community.Conference Presentation: Department staff will be making a poster presentation at the Othering & Belonging Conference taking place on October 9–10 in Louisville. The poster will highlight the Department’s work to foster belonging and strengthen community connections, with a particular focus on the Liberatory Visioning Project led in partnership with Dr. Barbara Love and the Amherst Global Village Festival. These initiatives reflect our ongoing commitment to creating a more inclusive, equitable, and welcoming Amherst. View the poster here.  o Community Outreach: Between August 24 and September 30, 2026, the Department will participate in and engage with the community through 14 community events (APRS 1st day, BID-Adventure Into Amherst [Amherst College], Rainbow Café, Community Heart and Soul Getting Started event, Veterans Breakfast [two separate dates], BID-hosting Adventure Into Amherst [UMass], Jones JEDI Community Feedback Sessions [three separate dates], 413 DEI Connect [quarterly DEI connecting event hosted by the DEI department], Amherst Block Party, UMass Neighborhood Resource Fair, Youth Empowerment Programming [college prep]) strengthening connections, and creating opportunities for residents to connect with the Department. o Newsletter: Please review our September Newsletter. o Resident Oversight Board: The report was advanced to the Town Council which referred it to the GOL Committee. 
      • Police Protocols: 
        • The Emergency Communication Center is now dispatching calls to Community Responders.
        • Town staff (CRESS, Police, Dispatch) continue to monitor and review Dispatch calls that have been directed to the CRESS Department. Dispatch calls are reviewed regularly by the CRESS Director, Police Chief, Emergency Communications Director, and Town Manager to assess the calls that were dispatched to CRESS and the outcomes, calls that could have been dispatched, calls that should not have been dispatched, and calls that come in between the hours of 4:00 and 8:00 p.m. to determine the volume of calls that could be dispatched to CRESS. This process will continue regularly through the rest of the year.

Public Safety

  • Fire Department:
    • 9/11: The Fire Department organized a moving commemoration of the events of 9/11 at the North Fire Station. Many thanks to the Town Councilors who attended. 
    • Earmark: The Governor signed the FY27 budget which included an earmark for the Fire Department for $50,000 to support the purchase of equipment, including a station alerting system. o Presentation: The Town and University presented at the annual MEMA Conference on the Olympia Place fire which highlighted the Town’s response and the Town and University collaboration, “Beyond the Fire: Coordinating Campus Recovery and Student Support Following a Large-Scale Off-Campus Emergency.” It was a great opportunity to showcase the strength of the Town-Gown relationship between Amherst and University to colleagues from across the Commonwealth and beyond.
    • Staffing: 
      • Fire Academy: Two new firefighters completed the Massachusetts Fire Academy’s recruit training program, Dylan Dincer and Nicolas Sandoval. They graduated in August and returned to their shifts.
      • Four New Firefighters: Four new full-time firefighters were sworn in on July 6th. The four new firefighters were train for four weeks, then were assigned to shifts in August. 
  • The four firefighters are Emma Elson, Sherly Gomerez, Jacob Smith, Evelyn Wales. Three just graduated from the University and Hampshire College and had served on the Student Force.
  • These positions fill two vacancies and increase staffing by two new positions (one had been frozen in budget reductions last year).
  • This is part of the three-year plan to increase staffing.  

▪ Grant Support: The Town is seeking funding from the SAFER grant program to support staff expansion. The grant provides a three-year funding program after which the Town is expected to take on the positions permanently.

  • Police Department:

o Emergency Communications Center:

  • Emergency Communications Center Director Jason Rushford was one of a handful of applicants to receive a significant scholarship to further his professional development at the PSAP Leadership Scholarship program funded by the 911 State Training Grant. The scholarship, valued at $13,000 will cover all costs for two sixday training programs.
    • The Department was awarded a $168,008 Support & Incentive Grant for departments who meet State Compliance requirements.
    • The Department was awarded a training grant to compensate the Town for State Mandated training for dispatchers. The $23,081 grant can be utilized for the state required training and vendor costs.
  • 9/11: Members of the Amherst Police and Fire Departments joined our student and staff partners from Amherst College and the University of Massachusetts for the annual 9/11 stair climb. This year’s climb carries special significance as we mark the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001. Together, we honored the first responders and all those who lost their lives that day, while remembering the courage of those who ran toward danger to help others. Police and Fire are grateful to all of the studentathletes who participated for continuing this meaningful tradition and ensuring that the sacrifices of 9/11. We were especially honored to see the efforts to raise funds from this year’s event to support the Amherst Fire Department through their fundraising efforts. 
  • Staffing:  ▪ The Amherst Police Department currently has an opening for full-time and is accepting applications at amherstma.gov/jobs. o      Policies:
    • All police policies are available on the Town’s website. Please click here to view the folder of the

Department’s policies.

  • A review of specific policies – including use of force, consent searches, and pretextual vehicle stops – and protocols will be conducted this fall.
  • Community Responders for Equity, Safety, and Service: Newsletter: The Department has produced a newsletter which can be found here: https://www.amherstma.gov/3655/Community-Responders-for-Equity-Safety-S

Community Services

• Public Health:

  • Offices Have Moved! The Department of Public Health is now located on the second floor of the Bangs Community Center. Please stop by so we can welcome you to our new digs!  We are open every day from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
  • Mosquitoes and ticks:
    • It’s still mosquito season and will be until temperatures start to cool in October.

Most mosquito-borne disease cases occur in August and September. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health reported the 6th human case of West Nile Virus (WNV) on September 4th and risk levels are elevated across the state. 

  • There have been no WNV positive mosquitoes in Amherst so far this season but WNV positive mosquitoes have been found in adjacent towns, including Leverett and Shutesbury. For this reason, the risk level in our area is now moderate. 
    • Information about current risk levels can be found here. Many thanks to the Pioneer Valley Mosquito Control District for its surveillance work and educational resources.Public Health is recommending that residents continue to make every effort to avoid mosquito bites by wearing protective clothing (long sleeves, pants, socks), using insect repellent containing an EPA-registered active ingredient such as DEET or picaridin, and avoiding outdoor activity during the peak mosquito hours of dawn and dusk.Tick season is in a lull, but we expect another surge before winter sets in so it’s important to stay vigilant. Check yourself and pets after being outside and remove ticks ASAP. Most tick-borne diseases can transmit within 24-48 hours, although evidence suggests that alpha-gal syndrome can be transmitted much more quickly, within a couple of hours or possibly less. If bitten, remove the tick with fine-tipped tweezers and contact your healthcare provider – early treatment may be recommended.
    • Visit the Public Health Department’s mosquito and tick pages for more information. Stop by our office in the Bangs Community Center to pick up a free tick removal kit. 
  • Respiratory illness:
    • Respiratory illness season will soon be here. The expected summer COVID wave has been less intense than in past years but cases are beginning to increase. Still, numbers of infections are lower than in past years since we started at lower levels of disease. The common cold is also surging – back to school time is a chief contributor to increased infections. We typically see the common cold peak at the end of September.
    • The Department will be sponsoring its annual COVID/flu fall vaccine clinic for the community on October 22nd from 4:00 to 6:00 PM at the Bangs Community Center, in partnership with the

Northampton Department of Health and Human Services. We ask people to register ahead of time. Call the Health Department if you have any questions or need help registering.

  • Vaccination: 
    • Valley Vax was once again featured in a front page story in the Hampshire Gazette on August 21, 2026. This was the final piece in a series from NEPM reporter Karen Brown which also included a story on NPR. The recent Gazette story focused on how pediatricians are sidestepping the CDC to help parents follow evidence-based guidance in vaccinating their children. Valley Vax was listed as a local resource.
    • Valley Vax has received more than 5,300 views and 2,500 unique visitors since it was launched in January of 2026. Traffic to the site increased following the local and national news stories. A transit ad campaign on PVTA and FRTA buses in June and July that was generously supported through a collaboration with the Franklin Regional Council of Governments (FRCOG) also drove more visitors to the site.
  • Valley Vax will have a booth at the Amherst Block Party on September 17th  – please stop by to support the project and learn more. o Overdose Awareness:
    • Town Hall was glowing purple in recognition of International Overdose Awareness Day. Purple is the color of recovery and symbolizes hope and support.
  • Every year on August 31st, people across the world come together to recognize International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD). This day aims to honor and remember those who have lost their lives to overdose, to support families, friends and loved ones who’ve been affected by the opioid crisis, and to take action to save lives.
  • The Amherst Public Health Department has taken several steps over the past few years to provide and strengthen community resources to prevent opioid overdose.

These include:

  • Ensuring access to naloxone (Narcan) by installing boxes in several town buildings and outdoor locations including Town Hall, Bangs Community Center, Police Department, the libraries, and Mill River Recreation Area.
    • Distributing harm reduction kits to the community by working with Community Responders for Equity, Safety, and Service (CRESS) and other partners.Launching a mini-grant program to support community-based initiatives in doing harm reduction efforts, prevention activities, recovery support programs, and facilitating access to treatment. Amherst-based organizations and those serving Amherst residents are encouraged to apply.All of these programs are funded by opioid settlement funds received from the State.
  • Veterans Services: 
  • The formal ceremony naming the Town as a Purple Heart Community was held on August 14th. 
  • The event featured remarks from town officials and community leaders, a proclamation reading by the Town Council, and special recognition of the Purple Heart Recipients living in Amherst. 
  • We also unveiled four new signs that will be displayed at various entry points into Amherst. o This designation honors our local service members who have been wounded or killed in combat. By becoming a Purple Heart Community, Amherst joins nearly 200 municipalities in Massachusetts and hundreds more nationwide in recognizing and honoring their sacrifice.
  • I especially thank Amherst resident and Purple Heart recipient Rob McAllister and Vietnam Veteran Al Varelas whose tireless advocacy over the years helped make this achievement possible. And thanks to everyone who attended this special event including Central Hampshire Veteran Services, Massachusetts Military Order of the Purple Heart,

Amherst Police Department (Official), Amherst Massachusetts Fire Department, Amherst CRESS Department, Amherst Department of Public Works, Town Councilors, American Legion Post 148 Color Guard, and Grace Church’s Reverend Christopher Carlise.

  • Senior Center:
    • Newsletter:

▪ The September/October edition has been mailed out to all 60+ residents in Amherst. This change is being made in response to increasing requests for a mailed newsletter. It is being funded by the Friends of the Senior Center with assistance from the University of Massachusetts.

  • Wednesday Market: The Wednesday market is an important source of free food for people in the community, especially now with the impact of inflation. Community members made more than 2800 visits to the market in FY 26. Donations come from Whole Foods.

The market is open to all and starts at 10 AM every Wednesday.

  • Senior Sips: The Amherst Council on Aging’s Senior Sips continues to be wildly successful. Senior Sips is an opportunity for older adults in the community to come together and socialize over food and drink in local Amherst establishments. 
  • Recreation:

o Aquatics: 

▪ Thanks to Hampshire College, the Town Aquatics Team are able to offer adaptive, adult, and youth lessons, as well as lap and open swim schedules sorted as soon as possible. The Hampshire College community, alumni, students and staff are able to join anytime during lap and open swim times.

  • Program Guide: The Department has introduced a new virtual program guide. Amherst Recreation will no longer be mailing out physical program brochures; instead, families are encouraged to browse our seasonal catalog. This new flipbook allows the department to continue the Town’s overall sustainability initiative, get information out sooner, and most importantly, bring ease of use to our participants! There is a program for all, regardless of skill level, age, or community. This interactive flipbook contains all relevant information for fall programs, with links that will take you to register, contact, or stay in touch with Amherst Recreation!
    • Relocation: The Recreation Department has  been operating out of Wildwood Elementary School. However, we will soon be moving the Department to the Bangs Community Center. More to come.
    • Cherry Hill Working Group: The Cherry Hill Working Group is finalizing its recommendations for the golf course’s operations including its finances and staffing. I anticipate the report within the next week or two.

Conservation and Development

  • Sustainability:
    • Grant: The state’s Green Communities Program has awarded a grant of $124, 999 to the Town for weatherization at the North Amherst Fire Station.  The project includes installation of insulation and weather stripping that will result in a more comfortable environment for firefighters as well as reducing energy and utility costs for the municipality.
    • Intern: University of New Hampshire Sustainability Institute Fellow, James Ordway, completed an update of the Town of Amherst Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Inventory. While the town fell short of its 25% below 2016 carbon reduction level goal, results demonstrate that the town has been steadily decreasing its carbon emissions in both the municipal (17%) and community sectors (13%).  The next inventory update scheduled for 2028 will likely reflect continued and substantial reductions in emissions as several projects currently underway – including the new net-zero elementary school, that were not included in this report, will be included in the next.

  • Heat Pump Program: The Town’s Residential Heat Pump Incentives Program is on target to meet its goal of converting 30 Amherst households from using fossil fuels (oil, gas, propane) for heating to installing fossil fuel free electric heat pumps that serve both heating and cooling needs. The project will be completed by the end of

November/beginning of December. This is the final sustainability project of several initiatives that utilized AARPA funding ($500,000). All were completed.

  • CAARP: The Town, with the support of the Energy and Climate Action Committee, will be updating the Climate Action Adaptation and Resilience Plant (CAARP) beginning this fall.
  • Housing:
    • Amherst Community Homes: Valley Community Development Corporation had its official ribbon cutting for this important project. Valley CDC welcomed state leaders, trusted partners, Amherst community members, and homeowners to the site for a special celebration. They heard remarks from Senator Jo Comerford, State Representative Mindy Domb, MassHousing Vice President of Homeownership Programs Mounzer Aylouche,

Amherst Town Manager Paul Bockelman, and Valley’s Alexis Breiteneicher and Jessica Allan. Valley stated, “We’re grateful for the immense support of folks who champion the value of building strong communities through affordable housing. Thank you to everyone who helped make Amherst Community Homes possible: From those who helped bring these 30 new homes to life to the staff and partners who are supporting homeowners along the way.” o VFW:  

  • I designated Home City Development, Inc. (HCDI) as the Preferred Developer for the site, thus empowering staff to enter into negotiations with HCDI to develop a Land Disposition Agreement.
    • Some background, the Town obtained real property at 457 Main Street using ARPA funds in FY 2023, with intentions to use it for purposes related to shelter. In 2024, the Town engaged with The Narrow Gate Architects to vet the site for viability for a specific model combing supportive housing and shelter, based on an approach previously executed in Quincy, MA. That engagement included program research, extensive stakeholder interviews, site evaluation and design. The Narrow Gate’s Final Product confirmed the viability of the site for the combined shelter/housing model and proposed a design approach incorporating needed space.
    • The Town Council declared the property surplus on December 8, 2025, empowering the Town Manager to dispose of the property “for purposes of sheltering, affordable housing, supportive/ transitional housing, and/or supportive services purposes.”  
    • Following the surplus declaration process, Town staff developed a Request for Proposals (RFP) using a “Preferred Developer Model,” which sought to identify a development partner, but not a comprehensive development proposal. This approach accounted for the highly complex nature of a prospective development at 457 Main, which will necessarily include a Developer/Owner and Shelter Provider, as well as possible other entities core to successful execution and ongoing management. The complex multi-party nature of this end product will require extensive planning and negotiation between these third parties, which wouldn’t be possible during a limited RFP response window.
  • Instead, following designation as preferred developer, an RFP winner will work with Town Staff first to establish a “Land Disposition Agreement” which will offer a longer period to make these formal arrangements. It will also govern the planning, program development, financing and permitting phase of the project, followed by a more substantial Land Development Agreement and Ground Lease in 18-24 months.
    • The Town received one response to the RFP from Home City Development, Inc. (HCDI). Their response includes proposed participation by Craig’s Doors (Shelter Provider), and the Mental Health Association (Supportive Housing Services Provider) as ongoing participants. Their proposal also includes Joy Squared Architects, formerly The Narrow Gate Architects.
  • Members of the RFP Review Committee included:
  • Jeff Bagg, Director Planning & Economic Development
  • Rob Morra, Building Commissioner/Asst. Director of Conservation and Development
  • Kiko Malin, Director, Public Health
  • Robert Pomeroy, Member, Municipal Affordable Housing Trust
  • Carol Lewis, Resident and Former Chair, Municipal Affordable Housing Trust

▪ With this designation, Town Staff will collaborate with HCDI, the Town Attorney, and the Town’s Procurement Officer to develop a Land Disposition Agreement which the Town Manager and HCDI would sign to formalize the relationship.

  • Wildwood School Campus Re-use: 
    • The Town assumed control of the Wildwood School Campus on September 1st.
    • Town staff presented and was granted funding to maintain the building as its future use is assessed. Currently, the Recreation Department is housed in the building.
    • Town staff are evaluating the condition of the building for other immediate uses, specifically the gymnasium.
    • We will be undertaking a focused, community-driven study to evaluate future use options for the Wildwood Elementary School and site, recognizing that the analysis shall include both renovation and demolition/redevelopment pathways. 
  • East Amherst Historical District Proposal: The Historical Commission has proposed a revised local historic district in the oldest settled area of the Town of Amherst (Main Street and North East/South East Streets). The revised proposal was approved by the Planning Board.

• Planning:

o Economic Development: The Planning and Economic Development Director has been convening meetings with those interested in economic development in the Town. He started by bringing together the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Amherst Business Improvement District, and Black Business Association of Amherst Area. Members from these organizations introduced themselves, discussed opportunities and challenges, and discussed ways they could help each other in their respective missions.

Department of Public Works

  • Household Hazardous Waste Day: 
    • The Town’s Household Hazardous Waste Day will be held on Saturday, October 31, 2026 at Wildwood Elementary School. 
    • This collection event is an opportunity for you to safely dispose of your hazardous materials and help keep our community clean. All Amherst, Pelham, Hadley, and Shutesbury residents may participate.
    • Advance registration is required to participate. Registration opened on September 9, 2026 and closes on October 19, 2026. No registrations will be accepted after that. Register Here!
  • Grant Award: The Department was awarded another grant under the State’s Culvert Grant Program. This grant will fund design of the culvert on Sunderland Road over the Eastman Brook. The State provides the engineering firm to complete the design work and will be paid directly by Mass DOT
  • Wastewater Treatment Facility Comprehensive Management Plan: The Wastewater Treatment Facility Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan kicked-off in February. The Town contracted with Camp, Dresser, and McKee to conduct the study. The work will provide a 20year plan for the Town’s collection system and Wastewater Treatment Facility to guide the Town’s approach to improvements, operations and maintenance, and financing wastewater infrastructure. Work continues on the Management Plan. The Plan will complete a full assessment of the existing facility, review future needs, and establish budget needs for upcoming years. There will be public meetings to share information in January of 2027.
  • Road Update:  o Here are the roads on the bid list for this fiscal year. Work will begin in October, if not earlier, and will continue in the Spring.
    • Kendrick Pl –Northampton Rd to End
    • Pomeroy Ct – Pomeroy Ln to End
    • North Pleasant St – East Pleasant St to McClellan St
    • Main St – South East St to Pelham Rd
    • Canton Ave – Grove St to End
    • Chesterfield Dr – Columbia Dr to East Hadley Rd
    • Flat Hills Rd – Shutesbury Rd to High Point Dr
    • Grove St –North Whitney St to Canton Ave
    • Harvard Ave – North Whitney St to Grove St
    • Henry St – Market Hill Rd to Pine St
    • January Hills – Market Hill Rd to Shutesbury town line
    • Justice Dr – Columbia Dr to Chesterfield Dr
    • Market Hill Rd – Henry St to Flat Hills Rd
    • Middle St – Pomeroy Ln to Bay Rd
    • Mount Pollux Dr – South East St to End
    • Potwine Ln – Middle St to South East St
    • Station Rd – Wildflower Dr to #50 Station Rd (bridge crossing)
    • Blackberry Lane – Grantwood Dr to End
    • Gatehouse Rd – Belchertown Rd to Stony Hill Rd
    • Grantwood Dr – East Pleasant St to Blackberry Ln
    • Old Farm Rd – Belchertown Rd to End
    • Wildflower Dr – Old Farm Rd to Tanglewood Dr
    • Potential Additional Roadway Segments

DELEGATED AUTHORITY

  • Short-Term Event Uses of Town Commons (Section 1a of the Town Council Policy):
    • August 24 – 31, 2026: 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. – Rotary Club of Amherst Community Fair (Amherst Farmers Market space to be adjusted to accommodate the Fair by mutual agreement)
  • Short-Term Parking Requests (Section 2a of the Town Council Policy):
    • August 24 – 31, 2026: all day – Rotary Club of Amherst Community Fair – 15 parking spaces on the west side of Boltwood Avenue and 10 spaces on the east side of South

Pleasant Street o September 15, 2026 – two metered parking spaces in front of 220 North Pleasant Street for the grand opening of Ashton Realty Group

  • September 19, 2026 – two metered parking spaces on Boltwood Avenue across from

Garman House from 8:30 – 12:00 noon – for Keep Massachusetts Beautiful Clean-up Event

October 9, 2026 – seven metered parking spaces on North Pleasant Street between

Hallock and McClellan Streets from 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. for UMass Foundation Homecoming event

  • Long-Term Parking Requests (Section 2bi of the Town Council Policy): None • Short-Term Public Way Closures (Section 3b of the Town Council Policy):
    • November 1, 2026 – HMF Western Mass 10 road race; 8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.; North Pleasant Street, South Pleasant Street, Triangle Street, College Street, Main Street, Dickinson Street; Hartford Half Marathon
  • Placement of Road and Temporary Signs (Section 3d of the Town Council Policy): None

MAJOR CAPITAL PROJECTS

  • Amethyst Brook Elementary School: 

The new school opened on time to the staff and students to rave reviews.

  • The University of
    • Massachusetts Marching Band greeted students to the new school, to an enthusiastic response!
  • There are still a number of punch list items to finish, including painting the playground.
    • Staff and special consultants are tweaking the HVAC systems and learning to operate this new, state-of-the-art net-zero building.
    • Demolition of the old Fort River School has begun. That phase of the project will last until December.
    • Playing fields are being prepared. The fields will not be available for quite some time as we prepare the fields, plant seed, and ensure they are available for regular use.
    • MARK YOUR CALENDARS! The official ribbon-cutting will take place on October 26th at 3:30 p.m. to accommodate the schedules of the State Treasurer and other State officials. 
  • Jones Library Renovation and Expansion:
    • The renovation and expansion are advancing steadily. Construction is proceeding on time and on budget. Several members of the Town Council took advantage of a tour offered by the Owner’s Project Manager last week. The progress being made is significant. It is a building that will be a stellar addition to the downtown area and one in which you all will be proud.
  • The latest presentation by the Town’s Owner Project Manager can be found here: Jones Library Update o Additional information on the project can be found here: Jones Library Renovation and Expansion o Completion is still projected to by in the first quarter of 2027.
  • DPW Building: The Building Committee continues its work with consultants Weston and Sampson, the designer of the facility. Interviews have been conducted with DPW staff and the Building Committee will be reviewing the results of the needs assessment at its next meeting.

Future Committee meetings are: September 16th, October 21st, November 18th, and December

16th.

  • Fire Station: We will develop a charge and solicit members to serve on a Fire Station Building
  • Bangs Community Center: 
    • The work to renovate the Bangs Community Center is continuing on pace. The building will remain open and accessible throughout construction though sections of the building will be off-limits during certain construction activity. Completion is expected in early 2027.  o This renovation project involves health and safety improvements such as fire protection including a new sprinkler system, electrical upgrades, HVAC improvements, and ensuring full access throughout the building to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). In addition, there will be small but noteworthy improvements to the Amherst Senior Center and the area adjacent to Room 101.

    • Second Floor: Work on the second floor has been completed. The Public HealthDepartment moved and is now located in larger space on the second floor. The Recreation Department will be relocated to the second floor, as well. The DEI Department is already on the second floor. We anticipate co-locating these three departments will create exciting new synergies to build on the collaborative work they are doing already.
  • First Floor: Work on the first floor is now being done. The Senior Center has been relocated and this will be the case for several more weeks. I truly appreciate the cooperation of our department staff as they continue their work through this difficult interruption.
    • The construction project currently consists primarily of infrastructure improvements such as a new HVAC and sprinkler systems, there will also be some exciting enhancements made to the Senior Center space on the first floor. These include:
      • New exercise space for Seniors, an exercise room and a multipurpose room on the same level as the Senior Center.
      • A new entrance for the Senior Center on the south (Johnny’s Restaurant) side of the building. 
      • Wellness/consultation space will be created and a little-used bathroom will become an all-gender, single stall bathroom. 

o The final phase of the project will include renovations of the large activity room which will likely extend into January 2027. 

  • Downtown Restroom:

o The new facility – a Portland Loo – is installed and operational. The remote, web-based locks are now and provisions have been made for daily cleaning. I anticipate opening it to the public very, very soon.

UPCOMING MEETINGS AND EVENTS

  • September 28th – Town Council meeting
  • October 5th – Town Council meeting
  • October 12th – Indigenous Peoples Day holiday
  • October 19th – Town Council meeting
  • November 2nd – Town Council meeting
  • November 3rd – State Election
  • November 11th – Veterans Day holiday
  • November 16th – Town Council meeting
  • November 26-27 – Thanksgiving holiday break
  • December 7th – Town Council meeting
  • December 21st – Town Council meeting
  • December 24-25 – Christmas holiday break
  • January 1st – New Year’s Day holiday
Spread the love
Tags:

Leave a Reply

The Amherst Indy welcomes your comment on this article. Comments must be signed with your real, full name & contact information; and must be factual and civil. See the Indy comment policy for more information.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.