Conservation Commission Approves Wetlands Mitigation Plan for Amity Street Multi-Family Affordable Housing Project
Architect's rendering of renovation project at 174 Amity Street with duplex to be constructed by Habitat for Humanity to the left. Photo: amherstma.gov
Report on the Meeting of the Conservation Commission, April 22, 2026
This meeting was held over Zoom and was recorded.
Present: Andrey Guidera (chair), Bruce Stedman, Jason Dorney, Tina Smith, Sarah Matthews, Carol McNeary, and Rachel Loeffler. Staff: Erin Jacques (conservation agent) and Dave Ziomek (assistant town manager).
It was a good couple of weeks for the Amherst Community Land Trust’s (ACLT) plan to develop five affordable homeownership units at 174 Amity St. Last week, the Historical Commission approved ACLT’s request to demolish the rear of the main building and rebuild it. This week, the Conservation Commission unanimously approved the plan to construct a Habitat for Humanity duplex partly in the 50- to 100- foot buffer zone from a small area of wetland near the rear of the property.
Civil engineer Bucky Sparkle presented the plan to protect the small wetland, which was created by stormwater runoff from the driveway of the neighboring property to the east. The plans show two retention basins with a split-rail fence along the 50-foot buffer. There will be a gate for maintenance and woodchip paths. The parking area for the duplex will have permeable pavers.
The area around the wetlands is overgrown with Japanese knotweed, bittersweet, and poison ivy. These plants will be removed, although the knotweed will require continued attention. Native plants and trees will be planted in the area.
ACLT President Linda Slakey told the commission that all five units — the three townhouses in the existing building and the Habitat duplex — will be permanently affordable to low-income residents under the land trust model. All will be for homeownership.
Conservation Agent Erin Jacques noted that this is an unusual situation because the wetlands area is not connected to groundwater. It was created by “illicit stormwater discharge” and is actually more like a retention basin. She and all members of the commission agreed that the plans presented were an improvement over existing conditions.
The order of conditions unanimously approved allows for community garden space, a picnic area, and passive recreational activities in the 50- to 100-foot buffer area.
Possible Soil and Water Testing Near the Site of Olympia Drive Fire
Two private dormitories at 47 and 57 Olympia Drive were demolished after a fire in November. The site borders town-owned land and wetlands. Mitigation measures to protect the wetlands were to have been put in place after the completion of 47 Olympia Drive, which was destroyed by fire while under construction.
Members of the Conservation Commission expressed concern about possible contamination of the town-owned land and wetlands. Silt fences are in place at the site to prevent erosion, and Archipelago Investments, the landowner and developer, is testing the area for possible contamination.
Assistant Town Manager Dave Ziomek reported that the town attorney said it was incumbent on the town to seek information about whether any damage had occurred to town property. The decision on whether to conduct testing would be up to the town manager, but the Conservation Commission could write him a memo if members wanted the testing done. Ziomek said there would need to be a plan specifying how many test pits were warranted and what the testing would cost. If contaminants were found, the town would have to decide what actions it would take to remediate the damage. The town manager would also decide whether legal action would be required for remediation.
Sarah Matthews and Andrey Guidera said they did not think it was right for the town to pay for testing and remediation of property contamination caused by the fire. Matthews said she believes the property owner of the site where the contamination occurred is responsible. Guidera agreed and said he would consult the Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions for guidance on who is the responsible party in situations like this.
Announcements
On Saturday, April 25, Tom Riccardi will present a program about the harm done to raptors by rodenticide at the Hitchcock Center from 10 a.m. to noon. The event may include the release of a rehabilitated hawk.
Commissioner Bruce Stedman will be staffing a table about the Fort River Watershed culvert project at the Town Sustainability Fair on the Town Common on Saturday, April 25, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
There will be an in-person public presentation of the town’s Hazard Mitigation Plan at Town Hall on Thursday, April 30, at 6:30 p.m. Residents, businesses, and surrounding community members are invited to provide input on the draft plan. A Zoom link is also available.
On Wednesday, May 13, Ziomek will lead an urban birding program for beginners from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. at West Cemetery. The event is open to all abilities. Participants will learn how to spot birds, use binoculars, and identify some common birds by song. The program will also include a discussion about how birds such as chimney swifts and nighthawks use urban spaces. Registration is required. A sliding-scale donation to Kestrel Land Trust is welcome.