Planning Board Extends Permits For New Amherst Media Headquarters
Architect's rendering of proposed new Amherst Media building at Main Street and Gray. South Elevation. (Prior to final required changes). Photo: amherstma.gov
Report On The Meeting Of The Amherst Planning Board June 7,2023
This meeting was held over Zoom and was recorded.
Present
Doug Marshall (Chair), Bruce Coldham, Thom Long, Karin Winter, Andrew MacDougall, Janet McGowan, and Johanna Neumann.
Staff: Nate Malloy (Senior Planner) and Pam Field-Sadler (Assistant)
Amherst Media obtained a two-year extension on the Special Permit and Site Plan Review approved in August, 2020 to construct a new headquarters on the corner of Main and Gray Streets. Executive Director Jim Lescault said that the construction delays during the pandemic and the retirement of the project’s architect Bill Gillen, put the project behind schedule. He said that the detailed designs are now in place under new architect Chris Metcalfe, and Amherst Media expects to apply for a building permit in the near future. The current permits expire on June 15, 2023.
The Local District Historic Commission has granted Amherst Media a 90-day extension to approve the detailed plans. The basic plans for the site have not changed since the Planning Board approved them.
There was little discussion from Planning Board members. Bruce Coldham asked why the board should grant a two-year extension if Amherst Media intended to apply for a building permit in the next 30 to 60 days. Planner Nate Malloy said that the extended period was standard and was intended to protect against unanticipated delays. The structure must be “substantially built” by the time the permit expires.
The reissued permits, valid until 2025, were approved unanimously. Amherst Media is currently occupying temporary headquarters on the second floor of 101 University Drive.
The meeting adjourned at 7:15 p.m. The next Planning Board meeting is scheduled for June 21. The Community Resource Committee of the Town Council will conduct interviews for new Planning Board members on Monday, June 12 at 4:30 p.m. over Zoom. Thom Long and Andrew MacDougall are leaving the Board as of July 1.