Amherst Council Refers ADU, Historic District Bylaws

Select Board · Meeting of September 28, 2026

AMHERST — The Amherst Town Council voted 12-0 to refer ADU zoning fixes and split 11-1 on a new East Amherst historic district. Planning and Economic Development Director Jeff Bagg said the zoning changes, prompted by a Land Court lawsuit over a Zoning Board of Appeals ruling on a Newell Court accessory dwelling unit, would define "attic" for the first time and head to an October 22 public hearing. Resident John Kuhn said "the issue here is really quite simple" after describing nine identical 1,200-square-foot units built under a 900-square-foot cap.

Council President Hanneke cast the lone vote against referring a proposed 22-to-23-property East Amherst Local Historic District, though Councilor Ryan said "I don't think this will actually preserve these buildings" without funding incentives. USA Waste and Recycling Vice President Eric Fredrickson warned the town's draft hauler RFP risks "a race to the bottom." Councilor Lynn Griesemer was appointed 12-0 to the Budget Coordinating Group.

In the full story:

• Who Was There
• Organizations And Documents Referenced
• The complete report — 3,084 words

Source: the Select Board meeting of September 28, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.