Amherst Launches Zoning Study For Hampshire College Campus's Future

The Town of Amherst has begun a zoning study to plan for the future of the Hampshire College campus after the college announced it will cease academic operations after December 2026, according to the town's official News Flash.

TOWN HALL

The zoning study, initiated by the town in response to Hampshire's announcement, is intended to develop zoning options to prepare the property for future uses once the college ends classes. It marks the first concrete step by town government toward addressing what happens to the sprawling campus after Hampshire's academic programs wind down.

Separately, the town noted that cooling centers and outdoor facilities remain open for residents seeking relief during continued summer heat, an update to its ongoing seasonal heat guidance.

SCHOOLS

Amherst Central High School has named Adam Wierbinski as its new assistant principal, adding to a round of leadership appointments the district has made ahead of the fall term. The Board of Education is scheduled to meet Aug. 4, and the district's Substitute & Jobs Expo, open to applicants for all grades and buildings, is set for Aug. 12, with online applications due by Aug. 5.

COMMUNITY & ARTS

The Amherst Public Library's Friends of the Library will hold an Artist Reception on Saturday, Aug. 8, at 1 p.m. The library also opens its "ATL Reads" book discussion of "All Systems Red" by Martha Wells, with sessions offered Aug. 11 at 1 p.m. and Aug. 12 at 6 p.m. for residents who prefer different times.

COMING UP

• Tuesday, Aug. 4: Amherst Board of Education meeting, 6 p.m., District Board Room.
• Wednesday, Aug. 5: Board of Health meeting; Planning Board & Community Resources Committee of the Town Council also meets.
• Thursday, Aug. 6: "Let's Play Mahjong!" at the library, 1 p.m.
• Friday, Aug. 7: Library's Summer Reading Program Finale Ice Cream Social, 2 p.m.; deadline to apply for the ACSD Substitute & Jobs Expo.
• Wednesday, Aug. 12: ACSD Substitute & Jobs Expo, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., all grades and buildings.
• Friday, Aug. 14: Library's Presidential Series with doodler Heather Rodgers, featuring Martin Van Buren, 10:30 a.m.
• Saturday, Aug. 29: Windermere Boulevard Elementary "Popsicles with Principals," 9 a.m.

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