Amherst Begins Zoning Study For Hampshire College's Campus Future
DATELINE — AMHERST
The town has launched a zoning study to plan for the future of the Hampshire College campus after the college announced it will cease academic operations following the fall 2026 semester, town officials said this week.
TOWN HALL
The Hampshire Campus Zoning Study, posted to the town's website, is meant to develop zoning options ahead of whatever comes next for the property once the college winds down operations in December 2026. No timeline for the study's completion was posted.
The town also introduced Dan Garcia as its new Senior Services Director. Garcia is set to meet residents Friday, Aug. 14, at a "Cuppa' Joe with Paul" gathering at the Senior Center.
Town officials reminded residents that the State Primary Election is Tuesday, Sept. 1, and that registered Amherst voters can cast ballots by mail, absentee, in person early, or on election day. Separately, the town continues to operate cooling centers and keep outdoor facilities open as a safe-space option during periods of extreme summer heat. Applications are also open for All About Amherst: Civic Academy, a free eight-week program that lets residents learn the town's day-to-day operations and tour municipal facilities behind the scenes; the deadline to apply is Sunday, Sept. 20.
COMMUNITY & ARTS
Amherst will hold a Purple Heart Community Designation Ceremony on Friday, Aug. 14, recognizing the town's designation honoring combat-wounded veterans.
The Amherst Farmers Market returns Saturday, Aug. 15, continuing its regular summer run on the town common.
COMING UP
The Town Council's Governance, Organization, and Legislation Committee meets Tuesday, Aug. 11. The Department of Public Works Building Committee meets Wednesday, Aug. 12. Open-play pickleball continues at Mill River on Tuesday, Aug. 11, and Thursday, Aug. 13. Nature Storytime is scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 12.
Compiled from official town feeds, community organizations, and local press. Outside reporting is attributed inline.