Amherst Warns of Traffic Congestion as New Elementary School Opens

AMHERST — Amherst is warning residents of traffic congestion on South East Street as its new elementary school prepares to open. The town flagged the corridor between Route 9 and Main Street, with Town Hall also marking International Overdose Awareness Day and a new preservation grant window opening for local projects.

TOWN HALL

The town is advising residents that the opening of the new elementary school at 70 South East Street may cause increased traffic congestion on South East Street between Route 9 (Belchertown Road/College Street) and Main Street, according to a News & Announcements post on the town's website.

Town Hall is illuminated purple from Friday, Aug. 28 through next week to recognize International Overdose Awareness Day. Purple is the color of recovery and is meant to symbolize hope and support, the town said.

The Community Preservation Act Committee is now accepting grant applications for projects supporting community housing, historic preservation, open space and recreation, with a submission deadline of Oct. 16. Separately, the town launched a new Agenda and Minutes Center webpage consolidating agendas, minutes and video links for all municipal meetings in one location.

SCHOOLS

Amherst Regional Middle School and Chestnut Street Academy open for the school year Monday, Aug. 31, the delayed start the town announced earlier this month to accommodate an ongoing roof repair and renovation project.

COMING UP

Monday, Aug. 31: Special Town Council Meeting, work session.

Monday, Aug. 31: Cherry Hill Working Group meets.

Tuesday, Sept. 1: State Primary Election. Registered Amherst voters may vote by mail, absentee, early in-person or on election day.

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