Amherst Downtown Design Standards: Presentation & Open House

Source: amherstma.gov

The Town of Amherst invites the community to attend an upcoming presentation and open house focused on the Amherst Downtown Design Standards, which are guidelines that will shape the future of downtown. The event will be held on Wednesday, March 11, from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. at the Social Hall of the Unitarian Universalist Society. 

“After nearly two years of community input, deep discussion by a dedicated working group, and the support of consultants from Dodson & Flinker, the town is excited to present the Amherst Downtown Design Standards. We look forward to hearing additional feedback from the public,” said Town Manager Paul Bockelman. 

The Amherst Downtown Design Standards are organized into three complementary volumes that together provide a comprehensive framework for guiding change in the built environment in downtown Amherst. The volumes include: 

• Volume 1: Context and Vision  
• Volume 2: Zoning and Design Standards for Private Development 
• Volume 3: Standards for the Public Realm 

Presentation and Open House
The event will feature a comprehensive presentation on the three volumes of the Downtown Design Standards which cover the context/vision for downtown, standards for private developments, and standards for public improvements. After the presentation, the event will transition to an open house where attendees have the opportunity to provide feedback on each volume by engaging directly with project consultants and town staff. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend.

Submit Written Feedback
The community is also invited to submit written feedback on the draft design standards through July 1, 2026. At this point in the process, the town is requesting specific feedback on each of the draft volumes. Community members are encouraged to review each volume and provide suggested revisions through an online form for single comments or by filling out a downloadable spreadsheet for multiple comments. More instructions for submitting written feedback can be found under each volume’s tab at amherstma.gov/downtowndesign

Boards and Committees
In addition to the community presentation, the Downtown Design Standards will also be presented and discussed by the following Town Boards and Committees (all dates are subject to change): 

• Design Review Board – March 16, 2026 
• Planning Board – March 18, 2026 
• Town Council’s Community Resource Committee – April 9, 2026 
• Historical Commission – April 14, 2026 
• Commission for Persons with Disabilities – April 14, 2026 

After all public feedback is collected, a final set of design standards are anticipated to be submitted to Town Council in the fall of 2026. Some elements will be adopted as design guidelines, and others will be zoning amendments that, over time, will seek to have public and private projects adhere to the town’s vision.  

Amherst Downtown Design Standards Project
Launched in 2024, the Downtown Design Standards project will establish a shared vision for downtown Amherst and create a corresponding set of design standards that will guide public improvements and private development. The project’s goals include developing a consistent vision for downtown Amherst, promoting a vibrant streetscape, supporting economic development, ensuring predictability in building design and architecture, and maintaining Amherst’s small-town feel. 

The town strives to ensure these standards reflect the needs and aspirations of everyone who lives, works, and spends time downtown. Community input has been central to this project including public workshops, walking tours, visual preference surveys, and participation in community events. A diverse working group of approximately 25 stakeholders—comprised of residents, business owners, developers, design professionals, and representatives from local institutions—met regularly to interpret community feedback, prioritize initiatives, and help shape the shared vision. 

This project was funded through a Community Planning Grant from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, with additional support from Town funds. 

Learn more about this Amherst Downtown Design Standards project, view the volumes, and provide written feedback at amherstma.gov/downtowndesign