Amherst Launches Zoning Study For Hampshire College Campus

AMHERST — The town has begun a zoning study for the Hampshire College campus after the college announced it will cease academic operations after December 2026, with officials looking to develop zoning options for the property's future use.

TOWN HALL

The Town of Amherst initiated the Hampshire Campus Zoning Study following Hampshire College's announcement that it will stop academic operations after December 2026. The study is intended to prepare zoning options for whatever comes next for the campus property, according to the town's website.

The town also moved to Level 2 water use restrictions as summer heat continues to strain the water supply, an escalation from earlier measures, and issued an update on swimming conditions at Puffer's Pond. Separately, the town is asking residents to complete a survey on their experience with cable television service in Amherst; the survey, open to subscribers and non-subscribers alike, runs through August 7.

COMMUNITY & ARTS

Amherst's community calendar offers a mix of programming this week: Nature Storytime on Wednesday, a Summer Seminars lecture at UMass Downtown the same day, and Senior Sips at the Inn on Boltwood on Thursday.

COMING UP

Monday, July 27: Amherst Housing Authority Board of Commissioners meets. Tuesday, July 28: Open-play pickleball at Mill River. Wednesday, July 29: Energy and Climate Action Committee, Planning Board, and Conservation Commission all meet. Thursday, July 30: Jones Library, Inc. Board of Trustees meets, and open-play pickleball returns to Mill River.

Compiled from official town feeds, community organizations, and local press. Outside reporting is attributed inline.