TOWN SCHEDULES PUBLIC LISTENING SESSIONS ON FOUR MAJOR CAPITAL PROJECTS
The building housing the Amherst Department of Public Works is a 100 year old former trolly barn. Photo: Stephen Braun
SOURCE: amherstma.gov
The Town Council will hold four Listening Sessions to collect comments from the public on the need for four major capital investments facing Amherst and to provide guidance to the Town Council in setting priorities. Members of the School Committee and Jones Library Trustees have assisted in developing the information for these sessions and will be present at each session.
The goal of the Listening Sessions is to provide the Town Council with insights and opinions from the community that will help inform its planning for and funding of significant investments in each of the four capital projects.
The Listening Sessions will be structured to provide basic information to the public and offer the opportunity for members of the public to participate in small group discussions that it is hoped will ensure wide, active participation of all involved.
The Listening Sessions will be held on the following dates and times:
Tuesday, December 3rd at 3:30 p.m. at Bangs Center Large Activity Room
Tuesday, December 3rd at 7:00 p.m. at Crocker Farm Elementary School, Cafeteria
Monday, December 9th at 3:00 p.m. at Fort River Elementary School, Cafeteria
Monday, December 9th at 6:00 p.m. at Wildwood Elementary School, Cafeteria
The Town is planning investments in four major capital projects—elementary school(s) (Fort River Elementary School and Wildwood Elementary School), Department of Public Works facility, Fire/Emergency Medical Services headquarters, and expansion of the Jones Library. These investments could happen through new construction, extensive repairs and renovation, or only doing major repairs. According to a government press release, the Town seeks to balance these projects with ongoing capital needs of day-to-day operations, such as road paving, sidewalk maintenance (or replacement and additions), building maintenance, and replacement of town vehicles as needed.
The Town plans to provide a place on its website where the public can view relevant materials and provide comments.