Date: 4/25/2023
AMHERST — Exploring and dissecting language around potential alterations to the town’s current regulations for multi-use and mixed family living space, board members continued their discussions from previous meetings of April 5 and March 1.
The issues concern those regulations applying to duplex and triplex dwellings, their definitions and possible permitting changes. The public hearing that included input from community members also explored the apparent uneasiness from community and board members alike about conceivable housing shortfalls in Amherst.
Acknowledging the present zoning bylaws pertaining to use regulations involving parcels currently described as “Lots, Uses and Structures” and their present definitions, the board deliberated over revisions to previous proposals altering the zoning restrictions for owner-occupied and non-owner-occupied duplex properties and allowing for some townhouse construction with special permitting.
Town Councilor Mandi Jo Hanneke presented current revision proposals as they apply to special permitting and site plan requirements for housing, multi-unit dwellings and business structures.
“Since the proposal from March, we have added at the request of the planning staff in the general duplex and triplex categories and conditions and standards, a requirement for design guidelines that would be adopted by the permit granting board.” Hanneke said.
Hanneke also brought before the board a proposed clarification of what constitutes a “converted building” as opposed to a “new development.”
Alternate proposals for changes were also conferred by board member Chris Brestrup, those items concerned developments or modifications made to existing buildings without special permitting as opposed to a site plan review.
“I think the planning department feels that allowing multiple buildings on a site is something that needs to be scrutinized carefully,” Brestrup said while proposing alternatives in the language used in any changes.
Calling the discussion and its subject matter a “lingering issue,” Brestrup also stressed the importance of continuing the public hearing into May.
“This is an important proposal, it’s an important change in our zoning bylaw, it will really allow more dwelling units to be built in town and that’s a good thing, but we want to be able to control them and control where they go, carefully,” Brestrup said.
Discussions among the board members continued into the topic of design guidelines, particularly concerning duplex and triplex structures, whether they are owner occupied and how they impact or related to increasing housing density within some parts of town.
Board member Janet McGowan advocated for adopting uniform design guidelines across all multi-housing.
“We should adopt guidelines first before increasing density,” McGowan said, “I think we just have to bite the bullet,” she added.
Referring to succeed proposed language changes, McGowan also questioned the current clarity of what the board is openly discussing.
“This is a public hearing, it’s for the public to understand the zoning amendment and to respond to it. I feel like if I’m struggling, Bruce [Coldham, board member] is struggling and I assume other people might be struggling, I don’t know how members of the public are ever going to grasp this,” McGowan said.
Looking at current housing density in the town and its application in the proposed changes, McGowan questioned the reality of the intent, especially in the wake of increased student housing demand.
“The framework is that your goal for these zoning amendments which is incredibly laudable, which is to increase housing for low and middle income people…year-round residents is probably not going to happen, because we that know most of the new housing in Amherst has either been at the high end or it is student housing which is also at the high end or high rental prices and the people that can afford to build or convert or add or build a triplex are probably wealthy developers looking to maximize their investments,” McGowan said.
Town Councilor Pat De Angelis offered comment to the board, saying there is a housing crisis in Amherst.
“We have real problems in this town, what I see is a lot of fear, and not just in this group but in terms of the community at large, and I really, really want us to take some risks to address issues of need for housing in this town,” De Angelis said.
Ahead of public comment, the board agreed to review the issues further and bring them back to discussion at the May 4 meeting in hopes of coming to a consensus.