Environmental Assessment of Jones Library Project Open for Public Comment until April 28

The Town of Amherst released its Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the Jones Library Expansion Project on March 27. The assessment must be completed to secure the release of  $1.1 million in federal funds from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that have been provisionally awarded. At the same time, the town filed its Notice of Intent to Request Release of Funds (RROF). The funds ($1,110,661) were granted pursuant to a HUD  Economic Development Initiative (EDI) grant. The review is mandated by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

These documents are posted on the town’s website along with completed HUD worksheets and supporting information that served as the basis of the FONSI finding, in a combination known as the Environmental Review Record (ERR). You need to scroll down past the Section 106 information to reach the NEPA review information.

The FONSI/RROF document was published in the Daily Hampshire Gazette on March 28, 2025. Due to the controversial nature of the Jones Library project, the time for public comment has been extended from April 12 to April 28.

Any comments regarding the ERR should be submitted to Robert Peirent, Acting Owner’s Project Manager, at peirentr@amherstma.gov.All comments received by April 28, 2025, will be considered by the town prior to submitting a request for release of funds to HUD.