Amherst Releases Update on Hampshire College Campus Zoning Study

The Town of Amherst released an update this week on its zoning study for the Hampshire College campus, moving forward on a plan to shape the property's future now that the college has said it will end academic operations after December 2026. Town Manager Paul Bockelman also named a new director of Senior Services, and the Town Council is set to hold a public forum later this month on a budget appropriation outside the annual cycle.

TOWN HALL

The town initiated the Hampshire Campus Zoning Study after the college's announcement that it will cease academic operations after December 2026, with the goal of developing zoning options for whatever uses eventually replace the campus. The update, posted Monday, is the latest step in that planning process as the town works to get ahead of the property's transition.

Bockelman announced the appointment of Daniel Garcia as the town's new Director of Senior Services; Garcia is expected to start July 20. Separately, the town remains under Level 2 water use restrictions, and residents have until Friday, Aug. 7, to complete a survey on their experiences with cable television service in Amherst, whether or not they currently subscribe. Renovations to the Bangs Community Center — covering health and safety, accessibility, the Senior Center and the area near Room 101 — are continuing with the building open throughout, and completion expected in early 2027.

COMING UP

The Town Council and Finance Committee will hold a special joint meeting Monday, July 20, at 6:30 p.m. for a public forum on an appropriation outside the annual budget, called under Section 5.6 of the Town Charter. The Town Council itself also meets that evening, alongside a joint session of the Regional School Committee and Union 26, the Residents' Advisory Committee and the Design Review Board. The Elementary School Building Committee meets Friday, July 17.

On the community calendar, Friday brings a Veterans Breakfast for All, office hours with state Rep. Mindy Domb, and the Downtown Summer Concert Series. Saturday's Amherst Farmers Market and open-play pickleball at Mill River round out the weekend.