Volunteers Sought For Town Boards & Committees

Source: amherstma.gov

The Amherst town manager continues to seek volunteers to serve on the following town boards and committees:

• Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board of Trustees
• Agricultural Commission
• CDBG Advisory Committee
• Community Preservation Advisory Committee
• Council on Aging
• Design Review Board
• Disability Access Advisory Committee
• Public Shade Tree Committee
• Residents Advisory Committee
• Transportation Advisory Committee

A current list of vacancies and more information on all boards and committees can be found here. Here is a little about each of the committees seeking members:

• Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board of Trustees: The Trust’s mission, as an instrument of Town government, is to promote the Town’s affordable housing priorities as determined through the most recent Town housing plan, particularly to create safe, decent, and affordable housing for our most vulnerable populations. The Trust meets monthly.
  
• Agricultural Commission: The Agricultural Commission’s purpose is to support commercial agriculture and other farming activities in the Town. The Commission’s duties include: promoting agricultural-based economic opportunities; acting as mediators, advocates, educators, and/or negotiators on farming issues; working for the preservation of agricultural lands; pursuing all initiatives appropriate to creating a sustainable agricultural community; reviewing and advising on development proposed in farmland areas, as may be permitted under zoning and other development regulations.
  
• CDBG Advisory Committee: The CDBG Advisory Committee makes recommendations to the Town Manager regarding the Town’s Community Development Block Grant program that includes both social service and non-social service community development activities. CDBG funds are awarded to projects, programs, and services that improve the lives of Amherst’s low- and moderate-income residents and/or increase the accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
  
• Community Preservation Act (CPA) Committee:  The CPA Committee studies the needs and resources of the Town regarding community preservation; makes recommendations to the Town Council annually for the acquisition, creation and preservation of open space, for the acquisition and preservation of historic resources, for the acquisition, creation and preservation of land for recreational use, for the creation, preservation and support of community housing and for rehabilitation or restoration of such open space, historic resources, land for recreational use and community housing that is acquired or created as provided in the Community Preservation Act.
  
• Council on Aging: The Council acts as an advocate for seniors in Amherst before local, state, and national bodies. The Council works to promote and support the efforts of the Director and Senior Center.
  
• Design Review Board: The Design Review Board (DRB) is to preserve and enhance the Town’s cultural, economic and historical resources by providing for a detailed review of all changes in land use, the appearance of structures and the appearance of sites which may affect these resources. The DRB exercises this responsibility by providing design review and recommendations to private applicants and permit granting boards within specific overlay zoning districts in the Town Center–the Design Review (DR) overlay district and the Town Common Design Review (TCDR) overlay district.
  
• Disability Access Advisory Committee: The Disability Access Advisory Committee serves the Town as an advisory committee on issues of physical, programmatic, and employment accessibility, and works to ensure equal access for people with disabilities. The Town is currently updating its ADA self-evaluation and transition plan.
  
• Public Shade Tree Committee: The Public Shade Tree Committee preserves, protects, and promotes Town shade trees and works in conjunction with the Tree Warden. The Committee advises the Tree Warden and Town Manager to ensure the values of shade trees are taken into consideration when policies are set. The committee also educates the public about the importance and benefits of Town shade trees and has regular tree planting activities.
  
• Residents’ Advisory Committee: The Town Charter called for the creation of a Residents’ Advisory Committee to assist with evaluation and selection of candidates for appointment. Members of the committee participate in interviews for membership on Town committees and boards.
  
• Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC): TAC is advisory committee on transportation matters. The TAC seeks to address specific transportation matters in a comprehensive and holistic manner. The TAC provides advice on current and proposed transportation regulations, policies, initiatives, and improvement projects.

The manager seeks residents who have relevant expertise or experience, especially individuals of diverse backgrounds. If you are interested, please fill out a Community Activity Form at: www.amherstma.gov/caf

If you have questions, reach out to our Community Participation Officers at getinvolved@amherstma.gov or via phone at (413) 259-3002