The Select Board received a status report on request-tracking features of the Town’s new web site, heard updates on DPW projects, and approved plans to proceed with a reconfiguration of the Big Y entrance on University Drive, among other business at Monday’s meeting.
The Select Board learned Town Counsel’s opinion on charging groups using the Common for extra police presence, and received a detailed budget update from John Musante, among other business at Monday’s meeting.
The Select Board was updated on the ambulance service agreements, recent budget developments, and the CDBG application, and agreed to sponsor a CPA increase warrant article, among other business at Monday’s meeting.
The Select Board met prior to the Community Budget Forum and approved a new electricity pole, set the upcoming meeting schedule, and considered but did not complete two land releases, among other business at the February 11th meeting.
The Select Board was updated about the Campus Community Coalition; continued discussion of the CDBG application; and heard proposals for new false alarm and speeding fines, among other business at the February 4th meeting.
The Select Board held a special meeting on Saturday, February 2nd, to discuss budget priorities.
This meeting recap has not yet been posted. This is a placeholder for it.
The Select Board met to consider the BCG’s request to call a Special Town Meeting for February 11th in order to discuss budget priorities and override options. The request was rejected in a 2-2 vote.
The Select Board heard a report from the PVTA Administrator, received updates on DPW issues, and considered scenarios for calling a Special Town Meeting, among other business at the January 14th meeting.
The Select Board heard concerns about the new reverse-911 system, discussed the Budget Coordinating Group’s charge, and considered scheduling a Special Town Meeting to address increasing the CPA surcharge, among other business at Monday’s meeting.
The Select Board chose committee liaison assignments, discussed the Boy Scouts’ tree sale, set Town Meeting dates and heard a budget update from the Town Manager, among other business at Monday’s meeting.
The Select Board heard about a planned automated system for tracking citizen complaints, dissolved the UMass subprecincts, and presented budget priorities to the Town Manager, among other business at Monday’s meeting.
The Select Board heard citizen complaints about a bad intersection and fees for a marijuana rally; received Community Development Block Grant updates; and considered budget procedure issues, among other business at the December 3rd meeting.
The Select Board approved signing a letter opposing military action against Iran, and voted on its recommendations for Article 1 on the Special Town Meeting warrant regarding Professional Research Park use, among other business at Wednesday’s meeting.
The Select Board set downtown parking policy for the holidays, and made its recommendations on Article 15’s divided lodging motion, and on the College Street rezoning articles, among other business at the November 19th meeting.
The Select Board opted not to reconsider its vote on the Spring Street warrant article, approved an equal tax rate for all property classifications, and recommended dismissal of articles 13 and 14, among other business at Thursday’s meeting.
The Select Board approved a restaurant liquor license for the UMass Faculty Club, heard an update on a prominent eviction situation, and approved the charge for the new Water Supply Protection Committee, among other business at Wednesday’s meeting.
The Select Board signed the November 28th Special Town Meeting warrant, and took positions on the CPAC open space and Town Hall restoration articles, among other business at Monday’s meeting.
The Select Board took positions on warrant articles addressing light manufacturing and reconsideration of the UMass effluent fee waiver, and held a joint election to fill a vacancy on the Library Board of Trustees, among other business at the October 29th meeting.
The Select Board considered its recommendations on several Town Meeting articles, including rezoning Spring St. and University Dr., and using CPAC money for Town Hall, among other business at the October 22nd meeting.
The Select Board invited representatives from Pelham, Leverett and Shutesbury to meet and share details about each town’s projected financial situation for FY09.
Members of the Select Board, School Committee and Library Trustees met with the Finance Committee to consider current budget issues and policies to guide future financial planning.
The Select Board held a special meeting on Friday afternoon to discuss FY09 budget policy and priorities.
The Select Board considered its recommendations on warrant articles addressing property tax exemptions, fair trade, portable classrooms and zoning changes, among other business at Monday’s meeting.
The Select Board considered its own procedural issues and expectations on several topics, voted to support FY08 budget amendment recommendations, approved 1% COLAs for non-union employees, set the date for the annual election, and continued CPAC funding discussions, among other business at Monday’s meeting.
The Select Board waived its right of first refusal on a Market Hill Road property, voted to seek full CPA funding for Town Hall repairs, and heard financial projections for FY09, among other business at Monday’s meeting.
The Select Board elected a new ARA member, discussed using CPA funds for Town Hall repairs, heard about the Town Manager’s ambulance fee plans for other towns, and voted on the effluent charge waiver for UMass, among other business at Monday’s meeting.
The Select Board received the Emergency Homelessness Task Force reports; heard updates on Lincoln Avenue, the Middle School pool, and the soccer fields; and considered dates for the annual election, among other business at Monday’s meeting.
The Select Board discussed the UMass partnership, local purchasing, economic development, and the state of the Plum Brook soccer fields, among other business at Monday’s meeting.
Amherst and Hadley officials discussed opportunities for working together, and with UMass, on economic development and other issues facing the two communities.
The Select Board approved traffic calming for Lincoln Avenue, considered residential property tax exemptions, and was persuaded not to call a Special Town Meeting for more school funds, among other business at the August 1st meeting.
The Select Board rescheduled the ARA election, considered potentially scheduling a Special Town Meeting, heard updates on budget matters, the affordable housing inventory, and possible acquisition of watershed land, among other business at the August 1st meeting.
At long last, a new collection of bits and pieces of information from around town.
The Select Board discussed acquisition of Haskins View and watershed parcels, set dates for a tree removal hearing and the filling of an ARA vacancy, and discussed zoning proposals headed for fall Town Meeting, among other business Monday night.
The Select Board heard an update on House Bill 60 from State Rep. Ellen Story, considered a new budget process proposal, and made numerous committee appointments, among other business at Monday’s meeting.
The Select Board granted SME status to several committees, set the new water rate, and discussed State legislation on both affordable housing and surplus land, among other business at last Monday’s meeting.
The Select Board took positions on the Dark Sky and North Amherst APR articles, set summer meeting dates, and made committee reappointments, among other business at Wednesday’s meeting.
The Select Board asked about the Regional Schools’ E&D money, and took positions on articles 11 and 32, among other business at Monday’s meeting.
The Select Board re-voted its Library Services budget recommendation, and heard an update on the FY07 Elementary School budget, among other business at Wednesday’s meeting.
The Select Board granted SME status to several committees and voted to sign a resolution supporting the Governor’s Municipal Partnership Act, among other business at Monday’s meeting.
The Select Board discussed the move to reconsider the Regional Schools vote, planned summer agenda items and tied up loose ends, among other business at Wednesday’s meeting.
The Select Board voted its position on the Regional School Budget, and reallocated money to fund Puffer’s Pond trail maintenance through LSSE, among other business at Monday’s meeting.
The Select Board continued to consider its recommendations on a variety of warrant articles, among other business at Thursday’s meeting.
The Select Board took positions on FY07 budget amendments, the regional and elementary school budgets, and CPAC’s historic preservation request, among other business at the May 23rd meeting.
The Select Board learned of new developments affecting the regional assessment and signed the warrant for the June 6th Special Town Meeting, among other business Monday evening.
The Select Board made budget recommendations on LSSE and Community Services, Fire and EMS, Library Services and other areas, and discussed the June 6th warrant, among other business at Thursday’s meeting.
The Select Board took positions on several articles and discussed the elementary school budget, among other business at Wednesday’s meeting.
The Select Board continued its earlier meeting after the conclusion of the joint budget meeting on Monday evening.
The Select Board, School Committee, Finance Committee and Library Trustees met in joint session to discuss budget recommendations.
The Select Board met to consider its budget recommendations prior to the multi-board budget meeting on Monday evening.
The Select Board considered its recommendations on several Town Meeting Warrant articles, among other business at Thursday's meeting.
The Select Board set a date and time to discuss its budget priorities and took positions on several warrant articles, among other business at Monday’s meeting.
The Select Board considered its recommendations on many Town Meeting articles, among other business at the April 30th meeting.
Here are some bits and pieces of news and information from around town.
The Select Board considered its recommendations for a variety of warrant articles, and voted 3-2 to support the override, among other business at the April 23rd meeting.
Life has disrupted the nuggets lately, but we've managed to put a few of them together here.
The Select Board approved SME status for two committees and created restoration recommendations for a 3% budget, among other business at Monday’s meeting.
The warrant for the upcoming Annual Town Meeting is now available on-line.
Here’s a collection of bits and pieces of news and information for the second week of April.
The Select Board chose a new Chair and Clerk, approved downtown sidewalk work, and considered issues related to the override, among other business at Wednesday’s meeting.
Auto Express seeks to provide "first class service" with extended hours and a fancy waiting area.
Here's a collection of bits and pieces of news and information for the first week of April.
Here are some nuggets related to the election.
Here is the latest collection of bits and pieces of news and information from around town.
The Select Board rejected putting two override amounts on the ballot, then approved that, then rescinded it, and ultimately went with only the original $2.5 million option, among other business at Monday night’s meeting.
We haven't been too successful in breaking this cycle of recaps and nuggets. One day soon, articles will return. But until then – a couple more nuggets.
The Select Board took care of some routine business, but really, it was all about the override at Monday night's meeting.
Here is another collection of bits and pieces of news and information from around Amherst.
The Select Board was told of the Meadow Street Appeals Court decision, tweaked the new SME policy, discussed override scenarios at length, and more at Monday’s meeting.
It might seem like we've been reduced to just nuggets and recaps here, but real articles are on the way again, so stay tuned. In the meantime, here are more nuggets.
The Select Board increased parking meter limits, upped income limits for the senior tax work-off program, postponed the start of the Annual Town Meeting, and more at Monday night’s meeting.
We've been woeful with news this week, but at least we have some nuggets.
Here's a collection of bits and pieces of news and information from around town, with apologies for last week being nuggetless.
The Select Board voted to hold a special election May 1st for an override ballot question, created a task force to handle additional community budget discussions, expressed concern about differing interpretations of the new Mutual Aid Agreement, and more at Monday night’s meeting.
How do your Town Meeting reps, Select Board members and candidates represent your interests? New Town Meeting Tally Vote Database aims to help citizens make informed voting decisions.
The Select Board implemented a new SME policy and heard updates on the Clean Energy Choice program, but mostly, they considered the budget and override situation.
Here's yet another collection of bits and pieces of news and information from around town.
High-quality donated clothing, housewares and toys will be sold to raise funds for The Fisher Home, a residential hospice in North Amherst.
The Select Board adopted the new police Mutual Aid Agreement, discussed the CDBG proposal process, supported flying 250th Anniversary banners, and scheduled discussion of a possible property tax override, among its business at Monday night’s meeting.
Here's another collection of bits and pieces of news and information from around town.
The Select Board heard updates on the permitting and inspections process, received a budget overview, supported a meals tax, learned details of the new Mutual Aid Agreement, and more at Wednesday’s meeting.
The January 30th Budget Forum will let residents learn about the FY08 budget situation from Town officials, ask questions and provide feedback on priorities for possible spending cuts and tax increases.
The Emergency Homelessness Task Force has created a brochure detailing emergency shelter options and other local resources.
New travel requirements mean more people need passports, and the Clerk's office is ready. A new camera lets them offer complete passport application services, and may increase revenue for the Town.
It’s been a woefully inadequate news week here at inAmherst.com, but at least we have some nuggets for you.
The Town Manager's complete FY08 budget proposal, also known as the "budget book," is now available on-line.
It’s kind of a slow nugget week, but here’s a small collection of bits and pieces of news and information from around town.
Before leaving for vacation, Larry Shaffer submitted his summary budget proposal to the Select Board and Finance Committee. That document is now on-line.
The Select Board heard updates on CDBG status, discussed treatments for icy roads, switched the Town to compact fluorescent light bulb use, encouraged creation of special mortgage programs for Town employees, and heard updates on the Mutual Aid Agreement with UMass, among other business conducted at Monday night's meeting.
Amherst and its Japanese sister city have exchanged New Year’s greetings. The letter from Kanegasaki was sent by that town’s Mayor, Yoshiichi Takahashi, and it is thought to be the first time the traditional greeting was sent from that office.
Here is the latest collection of bits and pieces of news and information from around town.
The Claw Foot Tub is a new store offering special items for the home, across the street from Emily's house.
Updating the status of some local business openings, closings and relocations.
Here are this year's last bits and pieces of news and information.
The United Kingdom’s UN representative, Congressman Barney Frank and a representative for Iranian interests in Washington D.C., have all sent letters regarding Town Meeting’s resolutions on Iraq and Iran. UPDATED to include link to CBS Boston news story with video.
The Select Board raised sewer rates, discussed different emergency management possibilities, heard visions for downtown and how the business community might be better served, and amended its meeting schedule for early-2007, among other business conducted at Monday night’s meeting.
Valley Books will move to a new downtown location at the beginning of January, after nearly 20 years in its current space.
Another collection of little bits of news and information
Ken Mosakowski’s radio program will carry on, and his memorial service is scheduled for January 20th.
A house formerly owned by The Common School was moved two miles south to Potwine Lane in the pre-dawn hours Tuesday morning.
Another week, another collection of bits and pieces of information about stuff around Town.
The Select Board was updated on the health insurance situation, set dates for the spring election and Town Meeting, voted to not change the tax rate structure, heard updates on Town-wide traffic calming measures, and received concerns about water and sewer issues for the proposed Haskins View development, along with other business at Monday night’s meeting. (UPDATED to include Town Meeting and Election Calendar dates)
Friends and supporters gathered Sunday to honor Vangie Westcott’s long service to the Amherst Survival Center and the Amherst community.
The threat of bad weather forced the last-minute postponement of the Merry Maple Celebration. Festivities will now take place Friday, December 8th.
An update on the opening of Fresh Side’s new location and the plans for its Main Street space
They are a local tradition – a fixture of the holiday season. From the Saturday after Thanksgiving through Christmas Eve, the Boy Scouts sell Christmas trees at Kendrick Park.
This week's bits and pieces of news from all around Town
Jeffery Amherst Bookshop will be donating 10% of purchases made Saturday, December 2nd to the Jones Library. It is also among the downtown stores where shoppers can receive a 20% discount off of one item that day, as part of the annual holiday “Card Day” promotion.
Sell-out crowds including some distinguished audience members greeted the cinema’s opening night. And that was good news for a few nearby businesses as well.
Attorney Alan Seewald has resigned his position as Town Counsel, as per the request of Town Manager Larry Shaffer. His letter of resignation was filed with the Town Clerk’s office on Monday afternoon. UPDATED 11/22 to include the press release announcing the change.
Sidewalk work necessitated some new holiday plans. Those wreaths and ribbons are a small part of expanded Merry Maple festivities.
Town Meeting appropriated money, promised future appropriations, made new laws, changed old laws, adopted resolutions and more. This article summarizes all the actions taken by Town Meeting on behalf of the residents of Amherst.
Another collection of bits and pieces and news and updates from around Town
Amherst has received a grant from the State’s Board of Education to look into the options for expanding learning time in the district’s seven schools.
With the Town’s recent acquisition of the property, George Smith Kendrick’s park is moving forward, nearly 80 years after he established a Trust for that purpose.
Links to extensive Town Meeting blog coverage, the warrant from Wednesday’s meeting, attendance and tally vote information for Monday and Wednesday’s sessions, and ACTV’s rebroadcast schedule.
A little bit of this and a little bit of that – news briefs and updates on a variety of topics
Fall Town Meeting gets underway October 30th at the Middle School. An additional Special Town Meeting will be convened November 1st.
Reviewing the new tapas and wine restaurant that recently opened downtown. The verdict: Fantastic.
The Art of Basketball merges one man's two passions in one location. The result is part sporting goods store, part art gallery.
The traffic light at North Pleasant and Fearing Streets has been in flash mode since a lightning strike in the summer of 2005. Other lights in town were similarly affected by that storm, but were quickly repaired. Why is the one at Fearing Street still flashing?
An exterior make-over and lectures about the prized stained glass windows will focus more public attention on the Unitarian Meetinghouse, inside and out.
The public is invited to escape the noise of modern life and to read, write or reflect in the peace and quiet of the Dickinson Homestead.
More than you ever wanted to know about why some stores can sell alcohol, others can't, and how the upcoming ballot initiative about wine-only sales in grocery stores impacts the legislative landscape.
A new Vietnamese noodle soup restaurant will open on Boltwood Walk in a couple of weeks, in the space last occupied by Green Market.
Volunteers collected more than $14 thousand Sunday by canvassing local neighborhoods. Traditionally, donations mailed after the event roughly match those collected door-to-door.
Amherst Grocery Store will soon open downtown, across from the Emily Dickinson Homestead, and will provide traditional and Indian grocery and convenience items.
The first of five planned Idea Gatherings was held Thursday evening. Four sessions remain and all who live, work, study or play in Amherst are encouraged to choose one to attend.
In an effort to improve accessibility and create new spaces, Grace Church is starting a $2 million renovation which is predicted to take about nine months.
October 15th is Shelter Sunday, when hundreds of volunteers will go door-to-door to raise funds for local organizations supporting the homeless and others in need in our community.
This weekend's conference features private tours, readings and other activities, and also includes several events that are open to the public.
Saturday's scenic trek on area hiking trails is an annual fundraiser for the ABC program. This is the 35th year of the popular Foliage Walk.
Student protest draws attention to a different interpretation of the Columbus Day holiday.
A colorful mural incorporating local elements is being painted on the entry ramp wall of the parking garage.
Thursday night's downtown celebration enticed the crowds with street performers, free goodies and numerous art exhibits.
The colorful line of T-shirts on display downtown today are not for sale. Their intense messages of anger, healing and protest promote awareness of violence against youth and the programs that are available to help.
A mother and daughter team up to offer handmade and imported jewelry and accessories at a new store in the Amherst Cinema building.
The flag flying over the fire station downtown is in honor of Ron Ryczek’s National Guard service in Iraq.
Plans are in the works for a new restaurant from Mauro Aniello to fill the space La Cucina di Pinocchio occupied until a fire shut it down more than a year ago.
It’s time for community members to add their thoughts and ideas about Amherst’s future to the Master Plan process. Five meetings have been scheduled for that purpose.
More progress is made at the Bank of America site as a new pre-fab facility is prepared, the mobile banking truck departs and the original bank vault is removed.
