AMHERST – A proposed bylaw that would ensure Amherst has more public art, and would also increase the costs of large building projects, will be supported by the Select Board when the article comes before annual Town Meeting, possibly at Monday’s third session.
The Select Board this week voted unanimously to support adoption of the Percent for Art bylaw after the Public Art Commission agreed to reduce the amount it is seeking to collect from capital projects from 1 percent to ½ percent.
Select Board member Constance Kruger said she appreciates that the commission met concerns from other town officials, including the Finance Committee, and will still have an opportunity to do something significant for the public to view.
“This is something that gives pleasure,” said Kruger, referring to the public art that would result from this program.
And the Percent for Art is in keeping with community values of promoting arts and culture, Kruger said, “even though there is the pain in having to pay for it.”
Four large building renovations, expansions and new construction are being considered in Amherst, which are expected to total more than $90 million in eligible town spending. Even at ½ percent, the bylaw would generate around $500,000 to invest in public art at these sites.
These projects include the $33 million town share of the Wildwood School expansion and renovation, the $10 million town share of the Jones Library expansion and renovation, and the full $20 million and $30 million estimated costs of a new south fire station and Department of Public Works headquarters, respectively.
Commission member Eric Broudy recently told the Select Board that the program helps maintain art and shows the town’s commitment. In Massachusetts, Cambridge has used the program to create more than 200 pieces of art, and at least 90 communities have similar bylaws and ordinances.
“We shouldn’t be shortsighted about paying attention to what projects make Amherst an appealing place to live and to do business, what attracts them here and what keeps them here after they have arrived,” Broudy said.
Public art, Broudy said in a phone interview Friday, is an economic driver, attracts business and visitors and improves the town aesthetic, as well as providing professional opportunities for artists.
“We see public art as an investment,” Broudy said.
No money will be in the program unless at least$100,000 is budgeted for a building project.
“It absolutely depends on projects being built,” Broudy said.
The Finance Committee has unanimously opposed the article out of concern about driving up costs of projects, though it will meet before Monday’s session to discuss changing its recommendation, said Chairwoman Kay Moran.
Interim Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner said costs will go up a bit for any building project undertaken with the bylaw in place.
“Certainly, it would minimally affect the financial plans, I mean to the extent it would add a percent we’d need to add to those projects for financing,” Hechenbleikner said.
One element of the proposed bylaw seeks special legislation that would allow money raised through the Percent for Art to be used for public art throughout town, and not just at the building project locations.
Scott Merzbach can be reached at smerzbach@gazettenet.com.
