Tilted Orbit Pinball Arcade Coming to Mill District

Report on the Meeting of the Zoning Board of Appeals, April 9, 2026

This meeting was held over Zoom and was recorded.

Present

Everald Henry (Chair), David Ahlfeld, Craig Meadows, David Sloviter, and Philip White

Staff: Jacinta Williams (Planner)

With little discussion, the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA), unanimously approved the application for a Special Permit for change of use (to arcade or indoor commercial amusement) for the Tilted Orbit Arcade and Bar in the space formerly occupied by Atkins Farms Country Market North in the Mill District.

At its initial evaluation of the project on March 26, the board members were favorably disposed to the plans brought forth by the applicant, Amy McDonough, of Florence. However, ZBA members wanted explicit conditions, especially to guard against underage drinking, to be cited on the permit. Planner Jacinta Williams agreed to compile recent permits for establishments in Amherst that serve alcohol, so that similar conditions will be applied to this project.

McDonough also submitted an updated management plan, which more clearly indicates how staff will be trained to serve and monitor alcohol use and how underage patrons will be prevented from consuming alcohol. The plan states that those wanting to purchase alcohol will have their IDs scanned and be given a unique hand stamp. Alcohol purchases will only be served in glass containers in the separate bar area. Only two drinks may only be purchased at a time.

In an April 2 communication to the ZBA, Police Chief Gabe Ting wrote, “I don’t have any concerns with this establishment having a liquor license and allowing minors in to enjoy the entertainment portion of the establishment. Most establishments have this as an issue to contend with…any restaurant with a liquor license as an example. The best example to use would be “Quarters” in Hadley. The premise is similar and they are quite successful. I read page 7 involving their plan to segregate minors from over 21 and have seen the use of stamps or bracelets in other places, and it’s effective. I believe it is the establishment’s responsibility to ensure compliance from their customers and if that is neglected, then it would become an issue. Otherwise, I don’t see a problem.”

The only alterations to the exterior of the building will be the replacement of a window with a door and a sign for the business replacing the cow sculpture in the eave. The arcade will have a patio with music playing until 9 p.m. Any alterations in the future will be reviewed by the Building Commissioner and, If they are found to be significant, need to be brought back to the ZBA in a public meeting.

ZBA Chair Everald Henry read the applicable findings and conditions that ensure that the establishment is compatible with the neighborhood and is consistent with public safety.

ZBA member David Ahlfeld thanked Williams for assembling the materials on similar permits and thanked McDonough for addressing the board’s concerns in the revised management plan. He was very much in support of the project.

David Sloviter appreciated the thorough management plan and liked the idea of separating the bar area from the rest of the establishment. He said this showed the applicant’s commitment to compliance with existing laws regarding alcohol service.

Other board members also expressed support for the project. The ZBA accepted the findings and conditions unanimously and approved the Special Permit with a 5-0 vote. If there is a change in ownership, the new owner will be required to submit a new management plan.