- Judith williams on Revised Accessory Dwelling Unit Bylaw Approved. More Questions Raised About Public Urination Bylaw: “In most towns, town hall and the police station have public bathrooms. If Cress worked 4-midnight when they get the…” Nov 22, 11:18
- on Firefighters and Parents Decry Understaffed Fire Stations and Schools: “Sarah Forsaith lists “39,000 plus residents and the more than 34,000 students” in our town. The number of full-time residents…” Nov 22, 09:35
- on Photo of the Week: UMass Design Build Small House: “Great photo! Just a quick correction: This is actually a joint project of the UMass Department of Architecture, the Building…” Nov 22, 08:54
- on Crowded Dining Halls and Forced Triples: Is UMass Growing Too Fast?: “The rapid growth seems obvious to me from the increase in traffic alone during the eight years we’ve lived in…” Nov 22, 07:27
- on Firefighters and Parents Decry Understaffed Fire Stations and Schools: “If the figures above are accurate then 7200 public safety calls equates to 600 calls per month and 20 per…” Nov 22, 07:09
- on Firefighters and Parents Decry Understaffed Fire Stations and Schools: “I don’t think now is the time to think about fire coverage. We were fresh on the receiving end of…” Nov 22, 06:21
- on As Library Project Funding Details Emerge, Concerns Grow: “Quiz of the week (month, year, decade, century): What nearby institution has an endowment around 500 times the Jones Library’s?…” Nov 22, 01:17
- on What Kinds of Housing Could Be Built at the Old South Amherst School Site?: “I would LOVE living down in South Amherst if/when housing is created there. the South Amherst Common is a such…” Nov 21, 19:52
- on Photo of the Week: UMass Design Build Small House: ““Little House of Life/Little House for Life” This is such a great project.” Nov 21, 19:47
- on Eversource Plans Clearcutting Through Eleven Towns Including Amherst: “Dear Eversource and Members of the Review Committee, I am writing to express deep concern about Eversource’s proposed vegetation removal…” Nov 21, 18:09
- on Revised Accessory Dwelling Unit Bylaw Approved. More Questions Raised About Public Urination Bylaw: “Regarding public urination, the civilized thing to do is install public toilets. We have them at Groff Park, why not…” Nov 21, 10:46
- on Crowded Dining Halls and Forced Triples: Is UMass Growing Too Fast?: “Decades ago i went to an urban Massachusetts university that like Umass, allowed way more freshman students than available dorms,…” Nov 21, 07:36
- on Town Manager Declares State of Emergency Following Olympia Place Fire: “Was any of the 4 million gallons of water stored in the 2 UMass owned water storage tanks located near…” Nov 20, 14:18
- on FY27 Financial Indicators Presentation Requires Reading Between the Lines: “I believe that the Mass. Dept. of Revenue tracks Average Tax Bill as a % of Income because it suggests…” Nov 19, 18:38
- on Opinion: Construction-Phase Fire Risks Demand Regional Action: “Thank you for this article. I went to the site . I am amazed not see a concrete stairwell standing…” Nov 19, 07:20
- on FY27 Financial Indicators Presentation Requires Reading Between the Lines: “I think we should be very careful about the Tax Bill as a Percent of Income measure. Following the link…” Nov 18, 21:52
- on Crowded Dining Halls and Forced Triples: Is UMass Growing Too Fast?: “Dorm overcrowding and admitting more students than the existing infrastructure can handle is not a new practice, either. When I…” Nov 18, 21:25
- on Opinion: Construction-Phase Fire Risks Demand Regional Action: “Thank you for printing this article. Matt is to be lauded for bringing awareness of this fire safety issue to…” Nov 18, 16:44
- on Crowded Dining Halls and Forced Triples: Is UMass Growing Too Fast?: “I’m wondering about the Econo-Lodge conversion- its my understanding this would be affordable housing built by Valley CDC, not necessarily…” Nov 18, 14:21
- on Letter: Olympia Fire Demonstrates Inadequate Staffing of AFD: “Firefighters risk their lives with every emergency call. They deserve adequate resources that include sufficient staffing (with pay and benefits…” Nov 16, 10:43
- on Letter: Don’t Dial Back Climate Mandates in Massachusetts: “Excellent letter, Lori. I’m happy to report that our Rep Mindy Domb, who Climate Action Now and Mothers Out Front…” Nov 16, 08:51
- on Superior Court Denies School District’s Appeal of Order to Reinstate Counselor Fired for Discrimination: “sad but true. One could say ‘we have a pattern here’. Wether it be the school district or the issue.…” Nov 15, 13:57
- on FY27 Financial Indicators Presentation Requires Reading Between the Lines: “Hmmn…. I know what a “one-liner” is, so I guess this “two-liner” is twice as funny: Bockelman said, “The [new…” Nov 15, 13:54
- on Views on Views: Stone Walls : “One correction to the funding needed for the Station Road bridge from https://www.masslive.com/news/2019/01/14m_to_build_temporary_than_pe.html” Nov 15, 10:59
- on Public Housing: A Moral Case for Its Dignified Revival: “Thanks so much for posting this! I heard a episode of The Dig on the history of US public housing…” Nov 15, 10:35
- on Opinion: Out of the Ashes Let’s Build Back Better: “I am not against some increased development in Amherst, and overall, I think densification is good, as it allows for…” Nov 15, 10:13
- on Opinion: Out of the Ashes Let’s Build Back Better: “This is an outstanding article. The contributions made by the University toward the town’s ambulance and fire services need to…” Nov 15, 08:34
- on FY27 Financial Indicators Presentation Requires Reading Between the Lines: “I’ve been given to understand that the Olympia Place fire eliminated $500,000 of property tax. So much for the $650,000…” Nov 15, 08:01
- on Citizens’ Zoning Petitions Referred to Planning Board: “The Planning Board public hearings ON TWO ZONING PROPOSALS: A ONE-YEAR MORATORIUM ON RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS WITH MORE THAN FOUR UNITS…” Nov 14, 21:48
- on Guidance Counselor Delinda Dykes, Fired for Discrimination Against LGBTQ Students, Will Resume Duties at Middle School: “It would appear as though employee rights may have been violated in this case, resulting in the decision of a…” Nov 14, 19:34
- on Opinion: Out of the Ashes Let’s Build Back Better: “This is an excellent article. Thank you to the author. Amherst is in the unique and fearful position of possessing…” Nov 14, 17:45
- on Two Buildings at Olympia Place Deemed Total Loss Following Weekend Fire: “We had a building moratorium in 1986 that resulted in a phased growth bylaw. In 1993 Town Meeting produced a…” Nov 14, 13:42
- on Opinion: Out of the Ashes Let’s Build Back Better: “Thanks Robin for this superb essay. I have been trying to get our Planners to think about the costs of…” Nov 14, 13:29
- on Next Steps for Improving Fiscal Sustainability in the Regional School District: “The mathematical fact illustrated by CM’s salient remark above When you average the retiree costs from when we used to…” Nov 14, 12:27
- on Opinion: Out of the Ashes Let’s Build Back Better: “Thanks, Robin! As Rebecca Solnit points out: “Words are where change begins…the assumptions we accept, the silences we mistake for…” Nov 14, 10:39
- on Opinion: Out of the Ashes Let’s Build Back Better: “Excellent piece, Robin. I have been thinking many of these same questions since the fire. Thank you for writing and…” Nov 14, 09:35
- on Next Steps for Improving Fiscal Sustainability in the Regional School District: “In answer to my question, it’s a lot. The state website: https://profiles.doe.mass.edu/statereport/ppx.aspx” Nov 14, 08:44
- on Letter: Olympia Fire Demonstrates Inadequate Staffing of AFD: “The facts in this letter about how Amherst year round residents and UMass students are at high risk regarding fire…” Nov 13, 09:36
- on Next Steps for Improving Fiscal Sustainability in the Regional School District: “In response to Janet’s question, I just want to say that school finance experts actually caution against comparing per pupil…” Nov 13, 05:58
- on Letter: Olympia Fire Demonstrates Inadequate Staffing of AFD: “If our town is going to promote density in housing, as they have aggressively pushed . Then our town had…” Nov 12, 19:19
- on Next Steps for Improving Fiscal Sustainability in the Regional School District: “I am interested in knowing how much is spent per student in the regional and Amherst school districts compared to…” Nov 12, 13:36
- on Two Buildings at Olympia Place Deemed Total Loss Following Weekend Fire: “Many lessons : 1 – Density without the infrastructure to protect the occupants, is catastrophic. 2- Umass should build their…” Nov 12, 08:08
- on Two Buildings at Olympia Place Deemed Total Loss Following Weekend Fire: “Lessons learned?” Nov 11, 21:19
- on Town Manager Rescinds State of Emergency: “Yay Rob for enlightening people about this! I am so tired of the lack of awareness too many Amherst residents…” Nov 11, 19:14
- on Town Manager Rescinds State of Emergency: “Josna raises some very important issues about financial liability of the landlords to the tenants. These issues should be addressed…” Nov 11, 13:02
- on Town Manager Rescinds State of Emergency: “I’m glad that the State of Emergency has been rescinded. Of course, it must still be very much in effect…” Nov 10, 13:43
- on Suggestions Offered for Traffic at New Elementary School but No Solution Apparent: “Darcy – YES! Many families that could be riding the bus elect to drive their kids instead. We need a…” Nov 10, 09:51
- on Two Buildings at Olympia Place Deemed Total Loss Following Weekend Fire: “And I also remember that some time previous to that project being greenlighted, the Planning Board convinced Town Meeting to…” Nov 10, 08:19
- on Two Buildings at Olympia Place Deemed Total Loss Following Weekend Fire: “My sympathy goes out to Archipelago for whom the fire must be a devastating loss, and I don’t want to…” Nov 9, 22:43
- on Two Buildings at Olympia Place Deemed Total Loss Following Weekend Fire: ““Tanker trucks were also requested from numerous communities to help boost the water supply. ” This is Amherst, not Leyden…” Nov 9, 16:51
- on Charter Review Committee Still Seeking Input from Public: “Here are more comments submitted to the Charter Review Committee, which are color coded to show which are also the…” Nov 9, 14:41
- on Suggestions Offered for Traffic at New Elementary School but No Solution Apparent: “Give incentives to students/families who use the bus system or who carpool. Reduce the number of cars by at least…” Nov 9, 13:44
- on Suggestions Offered for Traffic at New Elementary School but No Solution Apparent: “Too much traffic? There are alternatives! Roll (bike, chair, trike…), stroll (walk, jog, run…), or leave the driving to us…” Nov 9, 12:44
- on Charter Review Committee Still Seeking Input from Public: “In 2024 the League of Women Voters of Amherst released the recommendations of its own Town Charter Review, based on…” Nov 8, 20:09
- on Suggestions Offered for Traffic at New Elementary School but No Solution Apparent: “Well, just from looking at the map, two loops, one each for bus traffic and one for cars, would solve…” Nov 8, 12:12
- on Opinion: When Amherst Voted Down the Future: Revisiting Form- Based Zoning: “As a North Amherst resident for 51 years (and downtown on Hills Road before that) and a town meeting member…” Nov 8, 11:39
- on Shakeup at the Amherst Town Council: “Very sorry that Allegra Clark did not win a seat on Town Council. She is a very dedicated public servant.” Nov 8, 11:03
- on Letter: Planning Board Chair Has a Conflict of Interest: “If we were to exclude everyone who works at UMass, who would sit on town boards/committees? Don’t we also want…” Nov 8, 10:44
- on Suggestions Offered for Traffic at New Elementary School but No Solution Apparent: “Perhaps UMass can set up carpools for the hundreds and hundreds of employees driving in and leaving daily from Route…” Nov 8, 10:20
- on Charter Review Committee Still Seeking Input from Public: “Thank you Anita for reminding us to provide public comment. This is VERY IMPORTANT just as voting is important for…” Nov 8, 09:45
- on Opinion: When Amherst Voted Down the Future: Revisiting Form- Based Zoning: “This discussion has the participants arguing about treating the symptoms of the illness, while the cause of the illness is…” Nov 8, 06:52
- on Opinion: When Amherst Voted Down the Future: Revisiting Form- Based Zoning: “I just finished reading Robert M. Fogelson’s 2001 book Downtown: Its Rise and Fall, 1880 – 1950. It’s a study…” Nov 7, 23:35
- on Social Justice Committee Meeting with Town Council Ends in Postponement : “I get your point. I understand that sometimes the right to postpone has been used for issues that I might…” Nov 7, 10:45
- on Should the Resident Oversight Board for the Amherst Police Have Investigative Powers?: “The key to having an investigative model is training. Further, personnel matters involving police, who are town employees are confidential…” Nov 7, 06:31
- on Social Justice Committee Meeting with Town Council Ends in Postponement : “One of the issues being considered by the Charter Review Committee is whether to amend the section of the Charter…” Nov 6, 18:52
- on Social Justice Committee Meeting with Town Council Ends in Postponement : “This is an interesting list of the times the right to postpone has been used – some would say abused.…” Nov 6, 16:06
- on Social Justice Committee Meeting with Town Council Ends in Postponement : “Thank you Ana- I did find after another search reference to the Dec 6, 2021 invocation- which it appears at…” Nov 6, 15:33
- on Social Justice Committee Meeting with Town Council Ends in Postponement : “Correction on the comment above. The Charter right to postpone has been used on numerous other occasions. It was used…” Nov 6, 14:34
- on Opinion: When Amherst Voted Down the Future: Revisiting Form- Based Zoning: “There’s a subtlety missing from this historical account. In 2010, libertarian/neoliberal political forces within the town of Amherst had already…” Nov 6, 13:55
- on Social Justice Committee Meeting with Town Council Ends in Postponement : “If memory serves correctly, the right under the Town’s Home Rule Charter Section 2.10(c) to halt debate and postpone until…” Nov 6, 11:30
- on Opinion: When Amherst Voted Down the Future: Revisiting Form- Based Zoning: “Rizwana, your article brings real insight into Amherst’s zoning history, but I remember firsthand that confusion and objection to form-based…” Nov 6, 08:40
- on Should the Resident Oversight Board for the Amherst Police Have Investigative Powers?: “The proposed change will hamstring the Amherst Police Department. If this passes I would advise any prospective homeowner legal client…” Nov 6, 07:55
- on Opinion: When Amherst Voted Down the Future: Revisiting Form- Based Zoning: “This is an important piece and Ms Khan is quite right; when form-based zoning was first presented to Town Meeting…” Nov 6, 07:48
- on Shakeup at the Amherst Town Council: “NOTE TO READERS: Just wanted to let folks know about a correction that will be made to the article above…” Nov 5, 11:47
- on Letter: Planning Board Chair Has a Conflict of Interest: “Mr. Marshall should do the right thing, and recuse himself from discussions on the Zoning Amendments . Additionally ,the Town…” Nov 5, 10:19
- on Opinion: Blue Triangle Symbolizes Immigrant Solidarity: “Beautifully said, Annique🙏🙇♀️” Nov 4, 20:59
- on Photos from No Kings 2.0 Amherst: “Thanks for your photos and putting them together with other’s. I had to be out of town that day and…” Nov 4, 18:24
- on Letter: Planning Board Chair Has a Conflict of Interest: “The UMass Amherst 2023-2030 Strategic Plan is soon to be released. Is the construction of on campus dormitories included in…” Nov 4, 12:01
- on Opinion: A Wish for New Blood on Town Council: “From your mouth to voters’ fingers!” Nov 4, 10:44
- on Opinion: In Amherst Town Elections It’s Progressives vs. Neoliberals: “Many other college towns have successfully implemented measures that Amherst leadership says would be ineffective or restraint of trade for…” Nov 4, 07:54
- on Opinion: In Amherst Town Elections It’s Progressives vs. Neoliberals: “You are all arguing about something that is already lost. UMASS is the elephant in the room and nothing can…” Nov 4, 07:35
- on Opinion: In Amherst Town Elections It’s Progressives vs. Neoliberals: “Some of these candidates are truly progressive (in housing and beyond) and some advocate for the needs of only a…” Nov 4, 06:59
- on Letter: Planning Board Chair Has a Conflict of Interest: “If there is a conflict of interest that problem may have been solved by Town Council voting to say there…” Nov 4, 06:31
- on North Amherst Residents Share Thoughts on High Density Overlay District: “Why are Amherst leaders so afraid to pursue legitimate and fair compensation for Amherst from the state legislature for the…” Nov 3, 17:54
- on Letter: Planning Board Chair Has a Conflict of Interest: “Agreed . Elect Vince O’ Connor !” Nov 3, 16:36
- on Letter: Planning Board Chair Has a Conflict of Interest: “This letter illustrates why Vince O’Connor should be elected as a member of the Amherst Town Council. Mr. Marshall’s evasion…” Nov 3, 14:15
- on People’s Tribunal for Palestine Will Explore Local Participation in Gaza Genocide: “Too bad it took over two years to speak up. Is’s also unfortunate that, thanks to AIPAC, there’s so little…” Nov 3, 11:37
- on Opinion: Don’t Undermine Strong Candidates with the ‘Lack of Experience’ Argument: “There’s enough continuity at our town hall that balances out the new blood. Whoever has good qualifications and a proactive…” Nov 3, 06:18
- on Opinion: Don’t Undermine Strong Candidates with the ‘Lack of Experience’ Argument: “I agree, but also, am voting for Jennifer Taub and Pam Rooney for District 4, who want to run fully…” Nov 2, 23:36
- on North Amherst Residents Share Thoughts on High Density Overlay District: “Whether or not we can take seriously the remark that a professional employee “closes” the relationship with his employer at…” Nov 2, 22:23
- on Opinion: Don’t Undermine Strong Candidates with the ‘Lack of Experience’ Argument: “I voted predominantly for the Amherst for the People slate too, precisely because they have a diverse wealth of experiences…” Nov 2, 21:36
- on North Amherst Residents Share Thoughts on High Density Overlay District: “The tide, a natural phenomenon on planet Earth, is beyond human control. However, human activities can, and do, alter their…” Nov 2, 18:45
- on North Amherst Residents Share Thoughts on High Density Overlay District: “Sunderland is actively working with Mass DoT to create a bike lane that runs from UMASS to the Deerfield Whately…” Nov 2, 17:33
- on Opinion: Our Town Government is Broken. Part 1: “1. More money is not the solution to everything especially when it comes to schools and education. 2. Amherst was…” Nov 2, 17:28
- on The History of Housing in New England Part 3: A Federal Mandate : “Since April 2025, there is now a National Public Housing Museum. It is in Chicago’s Little Italy neighborhood, in the…” Nov 2, 09:57
- on North Amherst Residents Share Thoughts on High Density Overlay District: “Asking Umass to build dormitories is like trying to control the tide ? That is all the more rationale for…” Nov 2, 08:05
- on North Amherst Residents Share Thoughts on High Density Overlay District: “Jessica, you have indeed caught an oversight in the write-up, and your point is one that many in the room…” Nov 1, 21:23
- on Opinion: In Amherst Town Elections It’s Progressives vs. Neoliberals: “Andy, It is good to assume good intentions unless the evidence suggests otherwise. For you to assert that “the charter…” Nov 1, 20:28
- on Opinion: Our Town Government is Broken. Part 1: “We’re with you and will vote accordingly!” Nov 1, 19:24