Amherst Imposes Level 2 Water Restrictions Amid Heat Wave
AMHERST — The town moved to Level 2 water use restrictions and kept cooling centers open through the current stretch of extreme heat, while officials also announced a new senior services director and continued zoning work tied to Hampshire College's coming closure.
TOWN HALL The town has activated Level 2 water use restrictions, tightening outdoor water use as the region continues a run of extreme heat. Cooling centers and a number of outdoor town facilities remain open for anyone needing a safe place to cool off, and Puffer's Pond swimming conditions are also being monitored under an updated town alert.
Town Manager Paul Bockelman announced Daniel Garcia as the new director of Senior Services; Garcia is expected to start July 20. Separately, the town is continuing its Hampshire Campus Zoning Study, launched after Hampshire College announced it will cease academic operations after December 2026, to develop zoning options for the property's future use.
Renovations at the Bangs Community Center — covering health and safety, accessibility, the Senior Center, and the area near Room 101 — remain underway, with the building staying open throughout and completion expected in early 2027. The town is also inviting residents to weigh in on a cable television survey, open through Friday, Aug. 7, whether or not they currently subscribe.
The Town Council will hold a public forum Monday, July 20, at 6:30 p.m. on a proposed appropriation outside the annual budget, as required under Section 5.6 of the Town Charter.
COMING UP Several town and community events are set for the coming week: the Elementary School Building Committee meets Friday, July 17; State Rep. Mindy Domb holds office hours the same day, alongside a Veterans Breakfast for All and the Downtown Summer Concert Series; and the Amherst Farmers Market and open-play pickleball at Mill River are both scheduled for Saturday, July 18. The Town Council, Residents' Advisory Committee, and Design Review Board all meet Monday, July 20, alongside the special appropriation forum noted above.