It is time for Amherst to say “No” to Archipelago. Last spring Archipelago, the developer of several large apartment buildings in downtown Amherst, proposed a large mixed-use apartment and commercial complex next to Atkins Farm Country Market in South Amherst. The project as proposed requires exemptions from several town bylaws, including those protecting crucial wetlands.
The Conservation Commission, during several public hearings, has repeatedly requested that Archipelago present revised plans that wouldn’t encroach on the wetlands buffer on the property. Instead, Archipelago has stonewalled, refusing to present any plans that keep development to what is allowed by the wetlands bylaw.
Last month Archipelago even demanded that the town change its bylaw restricting construction near wetlands. This is arrogance personified.
More than 160 neighbors have signed a petition against the 140-unit project. We would welcome housing and new shops in South Amherst but this project is too big, the buildings are too tall, traffic which is already a problem in the area would be increased — and we value the wetlands which would be substantively harmed by the proposed project.
We urge readers to learn more about the project on the town website and join us in opposition to this project so that a right-sized and environmentally sound one can be designed.
Sept. 24 will be the ninth hearing before the Conservation Commission on the project. It is time for that board simply to say “No.”
Sherry Wilson and Lisa Juris
Amherst