AMHERST — A new Local Historic District that will give additional protections to 194 properties near downtown Amherst easily won support from Town Meeting Monday.
At the third session of annual Town Meeting, the measure cleared the needed two-thirds majority, 172-19.
“This is a neighborhood that wants and deserves to be an LHD,” said Steve Bloom, chairman of the North Prospect-Lincoln-Sunset Historic District, adding that the district’s homes reflect development of racially diverse neighborhoods between the Civil War and World War II.
Creating the district means that changes to exterior architectural features subject to a building permit and in view of the public way are reviewed by a special commission.
Bloom said the district doesn’t prevent construction, development or renovations, but will provide a buffer between downtown and the University of Massachusetts campus.
Speaking for the Planning Board’s 6-3 majority, Pari Riahi said the historic district will protect the architectural and visual integrity of the neighborhoods.
Fellow board member Richard Roznoy, though, represented the minority viewpoint. Roznoy said he worries about the public interest overriding private property rights and creating an additional set of regulations.
Tom Ehrgood, chairman of the Dickinson Local Historic District Commission, said its members are ready to handle the expanded scope of work.
A resident of the district since 1953, Lewis Mainzer of Precinct 10, said he was delighted to support the proposal.
By majority vote, Town Meeting approved a Jones Library budget of $2.56 million, with $1.93 million provided by the town.
James Perot of Precinct 1 said both North Amherst and Munson branch libraries are in need of renovations that are not recognized in the budget proposal. “North Amherst would love to have a toilet, we’d love to have access for handicapped people,” Perot said.
Library Director Sharon Sharry said improvements are on the town’s capital plan and there is a commitment to make the branch in North Amherst accessible.
Town Meeting voted unanimously to borrow $500,000 in Community Preservation Act account so Groff Park can get a spray park and new playground and pavilions. Another $360,000 will be spent to improve the North Common, supplement $190,000 previously appropriated.
By two-thirds majority, authorized $225,000 to purchase 7 acres at 1194 West St., with $75,000 from CPA and the remainder from a state grant.
“It’s one of the few unpreserved parcels at the base of the Mount Holyoke Range, and it abuts the Sweet Alice Conservation Area,” said CPA Committee Chairwoman Paris Boice said.
Up to 5 acres, though, will be developed for 10 to 12 market rate homes as part of a negotiation with property owner Paul Cole.
Prior to Town Meeting, the Amherst School Committee voted unanimously, 5-0, to recommend that Town Meeting support appropriating $250,000 to begin a 16- to 20-month feasibility process for the Fort River School site that will include initial schematic drawings, selection of an owner’s project manager and a community engagement process.
Chairwoman Phoebe Hazzard said this will show that school officials are committed, following the failed project to build co-located elementary schools at the Wildwood School site, to find a way to renovate or rebuild both 1970s-era schools.
“This is full-steam ahead,” Hazzard said.
Vira Douangmany Cage, who didn’t support the twin-school project, said launching this study is a way to restore confidence in the community and show residents that due diligence is being undertaken.
Scott Merzbach can be reached at smerzbach@gazettenet.com.
