Amherst opens zoning study for Hampshire College campus ahead of 2026 closure
AMHERST — The Town of Amherst has opened a zoning study to plan for the future of the Hampshire College campus after the college announced it will cease academic operations following the end of the fall semester in December 2026, while Town Manager Paul Bockelman named Daniel Garcia the town's new Director of Senior Services.
TOWN HALL
The town has launched the Hampshire Campus Zoning Study to develop zoning options for the property once Hampshire College ends academic operations after December 2026. Residents can attend an information session on the study Tuesday, July 21.
Town Manager Paul Bockelman announced the appointment of Daniel Garcia as the town's new Director of Senior Services; Garcia is expected to start Monday, July 20.
The town remains under Level 2 water use restrictions, and cooling centers and outdoor facilities are open as extreme heat continues this summer. Renovations at the Bangs Community Center — covering health and safety, accessibility, and upgrades to the Senior Center — are underway with completion expected in early 2027; the building will stay open throughout construction. Separately, the town is inviting residents to weigh in on a cable television survey open through Friday, August 7, and has posted an update on swimming conditions at Puffer's Pond.
COMING UP
The Town Council and several committees meet Monday, July 20, including the Residents' Advisory Committee, the Design Review Board, a joint meeting of the Regional School Committee and Union 26, and a special Town Council and Finance Committee meeting for a public forum on an appropriation outside the annual budget. The Finance Committee of the Town Council meets Tuesday, July 21.
On the community calendar: a Disability Pride Celebration and Small Business Advising at UMass Downtown are both set for Monday, July 20. Tuesday, July 21 brings open-play pickleball at Mill River and the town's information session on the Hampshire Campus Zoning Study. Nature Storytime is scheduled for Wednesday, July 22.