Town Manager Report for November 24, 2025

Amherst Indy November 28, 2025 0
Amherst Town Seal

Photo:amherstma.gov

Source: amherstma.gov

Editor’s note: Town Manager Paul Bockelman submits a comprehensive report to the Town Council, usually at the first 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’s 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’s Report. All Town Manager Reports are available on the town’s website here: Town Manager Reports 

Photo: amherstma.gov

TOWN MANAGER
The next Cuppa’ Joe is scheduled for Friday, December 12th. Incoming Planning & Economic Development Director Jeff Bagg will be my special guest. We will be at Masuda’s at 17 Kellogg Avenue. 

  • The last Cuppa’ Joe with Paul was with special guest Sean Mangano at Futura Coffee in North Amherst. We had a great turnout with some first time attendees. Thanks to all who made the effort to be there.
  • 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: November and December brings decorations and celebratory events to the Town. The Amherst Business Improvement District (BID) has done a great job organizing things.
  • The BID funds the lighting of not just the Merry Maple but approximately 27,000 lights including the illumination of 19 trees that will be lit throughout downtown including the North Common, Kendrick Park, and Sweetser Park throughout the winter. Three trees remain unlit: the Merry Maple and two adjacent trees. The Merry Maple is a Norway Maple that is flanked by a River Birch to the east and a Beech Tree to the west.
  • Here are key dates and events:
    • November 29th – Small Business Saturday
    • December 5th – Merry Maple Lighting – This year there will be a vocal performance by Amherst Community Theater to complement the Amherst Regional Middle School Chorus, and of course the UMass Minuteman Marching Band!
    • December 6-7 – Greeting Card Days
    • December 18th – Sip ‘n Stroll
  • All About Amherst: Civic Academy:  
  • The Civic Academy completed its 8-week series on Wednesday. The Civic Academy is a dynamic new program designed to give residents an inside look at our local government and how to be involved.
  • The Academy was a huge success. It was designed by our Amherst College summer student intern, Abigail Bowen, under the direction of Samantha Giffen and Angela Mills.  
  • The sessions were held at various locations including the Police headquarters, North Fire station, Crocker Farm school, and the Bangs Community Center. Each session included relevant department presentations, interactive activities, and facility tours.

▪ Sessions include topics such as:

  • All About Amherst: The Basics 
  • Maintaining Amherst: Town Infrastructure and Facilities
  • Keeping Amherst Safe: Fire and EMS 
  • Keeping Amherst Safe: CRESS, Police, and Dispatch
  • Balancing Conservation, Sustainability, and Development in Amherst 
  • Supporting a Vibrant Amherst Community
  • Learning in Amherst: Schools, Libraries, & Recreation
  • Budget, Legislation, and Getting Involved
  • We are collecting comments from participants and presenters and will plan another session next year.
  • New Committees: The Town is recruiting members to serve on four new committees.
  • Amherst Black Reparations Committee
  • Cable Television Advisory Committee 
  • Department of Public Works Building Committee
  • Pioneer Valley Transit Authority: I serve on the PVTA Advisory Board. At our last meeting, we received the following updates:
  • Route Adjustment: The first affordable rental housing development in Pelham, Amethyst Brook apartments, opened this summer. Beginning September 29th, the PVTA made changes to Amherst Greenfield route to serve this location and also realigned it to connect with downtown Amherst and UMass. The realigned route added stops at Amethyst Brook, as well along Amherst Road and the Pelham Community Center. In the first month of service with this new alignment, the service showed a ridership increase of 34% over the prior month. 
  • UMass Bus Maintenance Garage: The PVTA is expanding the existing bus maintenance facility at the University so that it can service up to four, 60-foot articulated buses on hydraulic lifts at the same time. The large buses are used most often in Amherst. The project is grant funded and is on budget with a scheduled completion date in March 2026.
  • Kanegasaki Sister City: 
  • The delegation of students and adults from Kanegasaki were in Amherst for student homestays from October 30 – November 1st.
  • Special thanks to the School and Town staff that went above and beyond in organizing this visit.
  • The Superintendent of Schools and I have discussed the desire to send a delegation of Amherst students on an exchange visit to Kanegasaki next year. 
  • Daniel DeGrasse, the coordinator for Kanegasaki, agreed writing: 

Thank you so so much for everything you did in preparation for as well as during our visit.  The hospitality that you and everyone involved in the program shows our students and our delegation from Kanegasaki each and every year is beyond amazing and we are forever grateful.

I’ve long believed that while this program is important in growing cultural understanding between the students involved (from Kanegasaki as well as Amherst), but if there was ever a way to get students from Amherst to Kanegasaki, the exchange between our towns would be exponentially strengthened.

To that end, I will do everything in my power from this side to assist you all to make that happen.

I truly hope that we finally have momentum on this and that we can make this exchange one where students from both of our communities have the chance to visit each other’s countries and experience life there.

DEPARTMENT UPDATES

Administration and Finance

  • Town Clerk: 

o Election Results: 

  • Attached to the end of this report are the official turnout and election results that have been finalized and certified by the Town Clerk.
    • 3,881 ballots were cast, representing 28.12% of the 13,803 registered voters qualified to vote in the November 4, 2025 Town election.

o Professional Development: The Town Clerk will be attending the annual New England

Association of City and Town Clerk’s this month. The Association is an organization of Municipal Clerks from the six New England States whose mission is to foster professional development, personal growth, and provide educational opportunities for members by strengthening communication and networking opportunities. 

  • Human Resources: 

o Staff have completed negotiating collective bargaining agreements four of the Town’s collective bargaining units. Two units are being resolved through a mediation process. o The Department has completed numerous searches, concluding major searches for the

Finance Director, Town Clerk, and Director of Senior Services, Planning & Economic

Development Director, and Comptroller positions. We continue to recruit, interview, and hire Police, Fire, DPW, and CRESS positions.

  • Finance: 
    • Staffing:
      • The Finance Director began his duties on October 20th.
      • The Comptroller will begin her duties on December 1st.
    • Assessors:
      • The Town is undergoing a cyclical inspection review required by the

Commonwealth of Massachusetts [MGL Chapter 59]. This program requires the Town to inspect allproperties within a ten (10) year cycle. To be in full compliance we are inspecting all properties that have not been visited recently. Town inspectors will have identification. This inspection is designed to provide us with accurate information on the condition of the property. Such information is essential to establishing fair, equitable, and uniform values throughout the town. To successfully complete our inspection program in a timely manner, the Board of Assessors must rely on and request your cooperation.

  • The Principal Assessor is developing a newsletter that will seek to help taxpayers understand their tax bills and assessing process.
  • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Department:
    • Activities: 

▪ Municipal Equality Index: 

  • The Town achieved a perfect score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign

Foundation’s 2025 Municipal Equality Index (MEI), illustrating the Town’s unwavering commitment to equity and inclusion for LGBTQ+ residents and visitors.

  • A rainbow flag flying in the sky AI-generated content may be incorrect.The Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Municipality Equality Index is a nationwide evaluation of cities and towns on how inclusive municipal laws, policies, and services are of

LGBTQ+ people who live and work there. Cities are rated based on non-discrimination laws, the municipality as an employer, municipal services, law enforcement, and leadership on LGBTQ+ equality.

  • Some of the key
    • initiatives contributing to the Town’s score include: 
  • Implementation of comprehensive non-discrimination policies in all areas of municipal operations.
    • Town services provided to LGBTQ+ youth, people experiencing homelessness, and older adults.
      • Elected and appointed leaders who openly identify as LGBTQ+. o Partnerships with local LGBTQ+ organizations to provide support and outreach services.
      • Community programs that celebrate and promote LGBTQ+ culture and visibility.
      • Designation of an LGBTQ+ Police Liaison from the Amherst Police Department who serves as a resource to the town’s LGBTQ+ community and elevates related concerns to the police chief and other Town officials.
  • View the Town of Amherst’s 2025 Municipal Equality Index Scorecard.   
  • Hazard Implementation Planning: The Department is actively involved in the town’s Hazardous Implementation Planning Group, contributing to emergency preparedness and safety planning.
  • Strategic Plan: The Department has developed a five-year strategic plan that builds on the Town Manager’s goals. This plan will serve as a roadmap celebrating past achievements while setting a clear vision for future initiatives. 
  • The Liberatory Visioning Project has been led by the Department and is an initiative aimed at creating a more inclusive and welcoming community for all residents. This process is designed to bring members of the Town together to develop a shared vision for a liberated community.  The DEI Department worked with Dr. Love and the final report can be found HERE  
  • DEI held a Becoming Beloved Community facilitator training where we added four new facilitators.
  • DEI held a Becoming Beloved Community conversation on Civics, Citizenship, and Civility on November 20th.  Members of Quabbin Mediators of Massachusetts conducted a skill based workshop that teaches how to recognize and respond to harmful situations.

The Department is beginning a new series of departmental trainings across all Town departments. Workshops resume next month with staff from the Jones Library.

  • Outreach:
    • The Department published an annual report which can be found HERE
    • The Department is working with IT and the Communications Director to create a dashboard for our strategic plan.
    • The DEI staff is providing support to the organizers of the Rainbow café so that they can meet virtually once a month.
    • Over 125 people attended an immigration workshop sponsored by the Human Rights Commission and the ACLU, held on October 29,2025 at the Unitarian Universalist Church.
  • Youth Empowerment: 
    • Morning Movement and Mentoring has been nominated for an Innovation Award from the Massachusetts Municipal Association. Awards will be announced in January. 
    • 19 students attended a college preparatory workshop lead by members of the DEI staff. Suhilah Booker from UMass Admissions and Michael Ellisson from

Amherst College Financial Aid for generously sharing their time. See photo below. 

  • Resident Oversight Board: The Resident Oversight Board Consultants presented their work to the Town Council on November 3rd and their report was advanced to GOL. o Police Protocols: The Police Chief is reviewing departmental policies and standard operating procedures to address the dispatching of CRESS responders and police procedures. Our goal is to have a small set of call types on Dispatch by the end of the calendar year with more to follow.

Public Safety

  • Fire Department:
    • Fire: A detailed report on the Olympia Drive fire was presented to the Town Council at its last meeting.
    • Assistant Chief Jeff Olmstead retired from the Fire Department October 30th of this year.
    • Captain Steve Chandler was promoted to Assistant Chief. Steve was hired in January 2006 and promoted to Captain in October 2016. He is a graduate of the

National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer Program and will oversee EMS and training for the department.

  • Firefighter Ryan Gwyther, also hired in January 2006, was promoted to Captain.
    • Two new probationary firefighters, Dylan Dincer and Aemilia Rivera, have begun their duties as full-time firefighters.
    • The Amherst Fire Department currently has an opening for full-time and is accepting applications at amherstma.gov/jobs.
  • Community Responders for Equity, Safety, and Service:
    • CRESS is interviewing for its Community Responder position. 
    • The most recent workshop focused on robotics (STEM) with a book and robot project.  o Work continues with the Police Department and Dispatch on adopting protocols for dispatching CRESS directly from Dispatch with the goal of being actively dispatched by the end of the year. 
  • Police Department:
    • Outreach: The Department initiated a new program though its community policing outreach to have police officers serving coffee at bus stops.  This gives our community members a change to meet and ask questions of our officers.  
    • Staffing: 

Three new officers have begun their duties with the Town: Tatiana Sirbu, Erik Lamotte, and Nichole Hubbard. All three will be in a mentorship program before entering the Holyoke Police Academy this month. 

  • The designation by the Police Chief of an LGBTQ+ Police Liaison helped the Town achieve its perfect score on the Municipal Equality Index.

Community Services

• Public Health:

  • Nursing Hours: Public Health Nurse, Olivia Lara-Cahoon, offers weekly office hours in her office at the Bangs Community Center on Wednesdays from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. During office hours, Olivia can provide blood pressure checks, general health consultation and education.  o Flu and RSV:
    • Nationally Flu and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) levels are low but beginning to tick slowly upward, especially among young children. RSV is a respiratory illness that cause flu-like symptoms and can be quite severe in babies and older adults.
    • COVID is in a lull both nationally and locally. According to wastewater surveillance, COVID levels in Amherst are minimal, well below where they were a month ago. However, we typically see a winter rise starting in mid to late November so it’s important to be prepared.
  • Prevention:
    • There is still time to be vaccinated, in advance of the winter holidays and the inevitable seasonal surges in respiratory illness. 
    • COVID and flu vaccines are readily available at pharmacies in Massachusetts to anyone, regardless of risk factors. 
    • All adults 75 and older and adults 50-74 with risk factors should receive an RSV vaccine. These can be tricky to find, but some pharmacies stock them and primary care providers should be prepared to provide them to eligible groups.
    • Pregnant women should get an RSV vaccine between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy. Infants and children 8-19 months who were born to mothers who did not receive the RSV vaccine during pregnancy can receive a monoclonal antibody that reduces the risk of hospitalization by 80-96%. Contact your pediatrician for more information.
    • Public Health has concluded its vaccine clinics for the season. Two clinics were held in October in collaboration with the Northampton Department of Health and Human Services – one at the Bangs for seniors and one at Clark House for residents– reaching 77 people. 
    • Public Health Nurse Olivia Lara-Cahoon continues to provide vaccines to individuals who are homebound upon request. Call Olivia at 259-0310 to schedule an appointment.
  • Guidance if you are sick:
  • The guidance is the same for all respiratory illnesses, regardless of whether it is COVID, flu or the common cold:
  • If you have new symptoms of a respiratory virus, such as a fever, sore throat, cough or a runny or stuffy nose, you should stay home and stay away from others in your household. Wear a mask when you have to be around them.

When you start to feel better you may begin to resume normal activities if you have not had a fever for at least 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medicines and your other symptoms are improving

  • For at least the first 5 days after you resume normal activities, avoid crowded indoor spaces and wear a mask anytime you are indoors around other people
  • Testing for COVID is not as critical as it once was during the height of the pandemic. For this reason, free tests are not as widely available as they once were and the Public Health Department is not currently distributing them. At-home tests can be purchased at pharmacies, retail stores and online.
  • It may be useful to know whether one has COVID or the Flu – especially for people with underlying medical conditions – since there are treatments for both, but the guidance outlined above applies to all respiratory illnesses regardless of which virus is making you sick. COVID tests can be administered by a medical provider and are typically available in urgent care centers, community health centers and primary care offices.
  • Nicotine Free Generation Public Hearing:
    • On October 30th, the Board of Health held an in-person public hearing to solicit input from the community about the proposal to include a Nicotine Free generation (NFG) provision in the Town’s tobacco regulations.
    • If adopted, the Nicotine Free Generation policy would prohibit the sale of nicotine products – including cigarettes, vapes, smokeless tobacco, and nicotine pouches – in Amherst to anyone born after January 1, 2005. Unlike traditional tobacco control measures that focus on specific age groups, NFG phases out nicotine sales over generations, effectively cutting off the pipeline of future smokers and nicotine users.
    • The hearing was attended by more than people, including about 15 young people, most of whom were UMass students. None of the young people made formal public comment but, during the deliberation following the hearing, BOH members directed particular questions to some of them to gauge their response to the proposal.
    • Overall, Board members expressed support for the measure, but did not vote on whether to adopt it at the October 30th hearing. The Board will take up the matter at its next meeting on December 4th.  o SNAP benefits:
    • With the threat of suspension of SNAP benefits for many families and the uncertainty about when they might be reinstated, the Public Health Department and other Town departments collaborated with partners to spread the word about the availability of free food in our community – see attached one pager.
    • Residents in need of immediate food assistance can contact Project Bread’s FoodSource Hotline by calling800-645-8333. The hotline is available MondayFriday 8am – 7pm and Saturday 10am – 2pm.

Massachusetts WIC families should continue to attend appointments and redeem benefits. School meals are also still available.

  • Any benefits that remain on a person’s EBT card will still be available to them after November 1.

Learn more about how this shutdown may affect your SNAP benefits by visiting the Mass Department of Transitional Assistance SNAP update page.

• Senior Services:

  • Amherst Café: Twice a month on the first and third Mondays, join staff and neighbors at the “Amherst Café.” The purpose of the Café is to provide a space where individuals with mild to moderate memory loss and the people who care for them – can have fun with others who understand where they’re coming from. Activities vary and can include: food, fun and games, music, conversation, engaging activities and a chance to enjoy these activities with others who know where you are coming from.  So, enjoy a little respite, fun and delicious treats (sponsored by: Atkins Farms Country Market) along with fun and engaging activities, music special guests and more! On December 3rd treat yourself to a relaxing; Chair Massage w/ Michael from Bodies in Balance Massage Therapy. And… on December 17th – Ben and Ed return to provide music and fun for a Holiday Party! We would love to see you!
  • Last call for the Senior Services Survey… Share your thoughts, perspective and ideas… Want to have a voice in the activities and services at the center??? Then please complete and return the Senior Services Survey before November 30th!  amherstma.gov/seniorsurvey.
  • Donations: In November and December, the Senior Center will be accepting your generous donations to “Claus for a Cause.” This year, Amherst Senior Services will be taking donations of $10 gift cards to Big Y and/or Stop and Shop. Your generosity goes a long way to help those in the community who could use a little assistance. We thank-you in advance for your generosity. In addition, please note that there will also be food donation bins at the Bangs Center – to support the: Community Food Drive for the Amherst Survival Center.
  • Newsletter:  The November/December newsletter from the Department of Senior Services – Amherst Senior Spirit – which includes a listing of the dozens of workshops and other activities being offered by the Department, is available HERE   Hard copies can be picked up in the Senior Center lounge.

• Recreation:

o Youth Entrepreneurship Summer Program: The Recreation Department introduced an innovative summer program – BizCamp – which was designed to empower local students with the tools and mindsets necessary to navigate and succeed in today’s dynamic economy. Facilitators led participants engaged in activities that promote creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving, laying the foundation for future entrepreneurial endeavors. The program culminated in a Youth Entrepreneurship Pitch Challenge, providing students with the opportunity to present their business ideas to a panel of local business leaders and community members. This event not only celebrated the students’ hard work and innovation but also connected them with potential mentors and resources to further their entrepreneurial journeys.

  • Housing:
    • South Amherst Campus. Presentation: The Town of Amherst, in partnership with Joy Squared Architects, is exploring possible redevelopment options at the South Amherst School at 1001 South East Street. This process aims to create a plan that reflects community input, zoning considerations, existing physical features, and housing needs. In June, we hosted a visioning session to hear ideas from the community. Last week, the consultants presented concepts to explore architectural concepts and learn about the unique benefits and tradeoffs of each option. The results from this engagement will develop some ideas for the South Amherst School Campus.
  • Planning:
    • East Amherst Historic District:
      • A proposed Local Historic District is currently under consideration for East
    • Amherst, centering on the intersection of Main Street, North East Street, and South East Street. This area features well-preserved historic buildings that together create a unique and cohesive look into Amherst’s past.
  • This proposal process is being led by the Amherst Local Historic District

Commission. The goal of establishing the proposed East Amherst Local Historic District is to preserve and protect the historic properties in Amherst’s original center of life, while also providing guidance on the development of new housing and commercial uses. 

  • The Town’s website has a Story Map that provides an overview of the study conducted by the Local Historic Commission and next steps for officially establishing the East Amherst Historic District. Here is the link: East Amherst Village Local Historic District Story Map
    • The draft study report for the proposed district has been submitted to the Massachusetts Historical Commission for review and comment. The report will also be reviewed by the Planning Board and Historical Commission. Following the 60-day review period, a second public hearing will be held to discuss the comments and feedback received prior to submitting a final report to Town Council. Here is the link to the draft report: Read the draft report here.  
    • Permitting:
      • The Planning Board issued Site Plan Review Approval for 5 University Drive to include six stories, 102 dwelling units, 12 affordable units and 12,500 S.F. of commercial space.
  • The Planning Board closed public hearings for Inclusionary Zoning and Accessory Dwelling Unit Zoning Bylaw Amendments.
    • The Planning and Conservation Department is seeking bids to replace culvert and stream restoration at East Street School.  This CDBG funded project is expected to be completed this fall.
  • Facilities:
    • Critical maintenance completed on the Munson Library roof.  Substantial repairs to the slate roof, slate cap and flashing with materials and methods to preserve historic details.
    • The doors on the Main Street entrance to Town Hall were removed and rehabilitated and are now reinstalled for the winter.
    • Bangs Community Center project receives sub bids for all major systems installation. Staff conducted a walk-through with all contractors on November 11th. Planning is now underway to coordinate the work of the subcontractors, factoring in lead time for key equipment such as HVAC controls and a fire suppression system.
  • Sustainability:
    • Heat Pump Program: This program continues its push to sign up as many homes as possible before the federal incentives disappear.
    • Electric Vehicles and Charging:
      • A survey of potential on-street EV charging locations was distributed to residents as part of a technical assistance project supported by the Clean Energy Center. We are awaiting the report from the consultant, Leidos Energy Management Systems. 
      • Two EV fast charge stations (level III charging)have been installed in the North Pleasant Street parking lot, the municipal lot behind CVS (adjacent to St. Brigid’s church).

Public Works

  • Water Restrictions:
  • all nonessential outdoor water uses banned, except that watering of ornamentals and flower gardens with drip irrigation, hand-held hose or watering cans may be permitted; and,
    • the same definitions of what essential vs. non-essential outdoor water uses remains the same as last time (let me know if you need that text).
  • Road Work:
    • Amity Street at University Drive Roundabout: 
      • Baltazar Construction will continue replacing the existing stormwater drain pipes across University Drive at the Amity Street intersection. 
      • Traffic on University Drive will be reduced to one lane of traffic with detail officers directing traffic through the intersection. 
      • Typical work hours are from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
      • All work within the traveled way will end by noon on Tuesday, November 25th to accommodate the UMass Football game scheduled for 4:30pm.
      • All work is weather dependent. Should inclement weather occur, the schedule will either be pushed forward one day or further announcements will be made with a revised schedule.
    • Town-wide Road Work: Work for the construction season is largely complete. We appreciate the patience of residents and visitors during the intense construction time.
  • Leaves Collection: A second collection of leaves for areas missed in the first pass will start the week of November 24th .  Place leaves, bagged in a 30-gallon paper biodegradable bag, at the curb by 7:00AM for collection on the following dates:
    • Monday, November 24, 2025, in; East & West Amherst
    • Tuesday, November 25, 2025, in South Amherst
    • Wednesday, November 26, 2025, in North Amherst ▪ Monday, December 1, 2025, in Central Amherst
    • Friday, December 5, 2025, will be a make-up day.

DELEGATED AUTHORITY

  • Short-Term Event Uses of Town Commons (Section 1a of the Town Council Policy): None
  • Short-Term Parking Requests (Section 2a of the Town Council Policy): 
    • November 3-6, 2025: 18 Main Street for two metered spaces to enable painting of the façade of the building.
    • November 29, December 6, December 13, December 20, December 27, 2025: Free Parking for all metered spaces on the streets and in the lots in the Downtown Business Improvement District. Time limits remain in effect.
    • December 5, 2025: Merry Maple; Spring Street parking lot, Boltwood Avenue from Main Street to Spring Street.
  • Long-Term Parking Requests (Section 2bi of the Town Council Policy): None
  • Short-Term Public Way Closures (Section 3b of the Town Council Policy):
    • North Pleasant Street and a portion of Kellog Avenue – Amherst Business Improvement District Annual Block Party – September 18, 2025 – 3:00 – 9:00 p.m.
    • Boltwood Avenue from Main Street to Town Hall parking lot exit – Amherst Recreation Department – October 26, 2025 – 1:00 – 1:30 p.m. 
    • Lincoln Avenue from Amity to Fearing Streets – Lincoln Avenue Halloween – October 31, 2025 – 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
  • Placement of Road and Temporary Signs (Section 3d of the Town Council Policy): None

MAJOR CAPITAL PROJECTS 

  • Fort River Elementary School: 
    • The project is proceeding g on schedule and on budget after delays due to bid protests that delayed the start of construction until January. 
    • The building is quickly being closed in with significant portions of the exterior masonry being completed and exterior windows installation starting last week. The last major concrete pour for interior floor was completed last week, and installation of interior ductwork and electrical conduits and wiring is ongoing. 
    • Over the summer, new water line connections and conduits for electrical feeds were installed across South East Street and interior water mains were installed in the parking lot area so that the school could be reopened two weeks ago. 
    • All geothermal wells have been installed, and the contractor is working on piping to connect these wells to the new building. o For more information, visit the School Building Project website here: https://www.amherst-school-  project.com/  
  • Jones Library Renovation and Expansion:  
    • The contractor is fully engaged in construction and making great progress.
  • DPW Building: I am recruiting for members to serve on the DPW Building Committee and will be making appointments in the near future.
  • Fire Building: We are investigating additional sites for the location of a new Fire Station
Photo: amherstma.gov

PROJECTS UPDATE

  • Centennial Water Treatment Facility:
    • Construction is largely complete on the1.5 million gallon per day (MGD) Centennial Water Treatment Plant, to treat surface water from the Pelham Reservoir System.

The existing Centennial WTP had been offline since 2018 due to water quality, as well as infrastructure concerns related to a lightning strike which impacted pumping equipment and communications at the Centennial Water Treatment Plant’s raw water pump station 

  • The design of the new Centennial WTP included provisions to maintain the Amherst water distribution system. The Centennial WTP feeds the majority of the water system by gravity. Permitting for this project included MassDEP, Site Plan Review with the Pelham Zoning Board of Appeals, and a Request for Determination of Applicability (RDA) with Pelham Conservation Commission.

Drinking Water State Revolving Fund program. Construction was completed and a ribbon cutting ceremony was held in October,

  • High School Track and Field: 
    • Work is nearly complete on the new track and field construction with all major earthwork and site drainage improvements completed. 
    • The project remains well within budget and we recently advised the School District that there will be adequate funds to sod the second field at the site including new irrigation and drainage systems similar to the field on the track interior, instead of simply regrading the field area are reseeding it as had originally been planned. This will create two high quality athletic fields at the site, both which will be playable for the spring 2026 season.
  • North Common Restoration: A ribbon cutting was held to commemorate the completion of this transformational project in the center of Town.
  • Downtown Restroom: There have been some delays in the permitting of the facility that was selected, which is being reviewed by the State plumbing board. 

UPCOMING MEETINGS AND EVENTS

  • November 27-28 – Thanksgiving holiday break
  • December 1st – State of the Town presentation
  • December 1st – Town Council meeting
  • December 15th – Town Council meeting
  • December 24-25 – Christmas holiday break
  • January 1 – New Year’s Day holiday
  • January 5 – Town Council swearing-in ceremony

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