Hickory Ridge Events This Week Seek Public Input

Source: amherstma.gov

The public is invited to town officials  at the former Hickory Ridge Golf Course to learn more about this soon-to-be Town owned space. Explore the area at this family friendly event and share ideas for future use of the land. Town of Amherst staff will be on hand to share information, lead activities, and answer your questions. 

When: 

Thursday Oct. 7th from 9 a.m. -10:30 a.m. 

Friday Oct. 8th from 3:30 p.m.-5 p.m.

Saturday Oct. 9th from 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.

Where: the former Hickory Ridge Golf Course clubhouse parking lot at 191 West Pomeroy Lane in Amherst, MA

Please wear appropriate footwear if you plan to explore and we recommend bringing a water bottle.
Please contact the town at the number below if you require any accommodations or assistance in order to attend this event. 

Share Your Ideas On Line
To learn more and share your ideas online, visit our project page on Engage Amherst www.engageamherst.org/hickory 

Background
The Town of Amherst will soon close on the purchase of the former Hickory Ridge Golf Course in South Amherst. This 150-acre parcel is rich in natural beauty, ecological resources, and recreation opportunities with nearly 2 miles of the Fort River passing through, important open woodland habitat, and existing cart paths providing access throughout much of the land.

The reasons for purchasing this land include the protection and restoration of vital natural resources, the opportunity for passive recreation, walking trails, and connectivity for the nearby residents to the Pomeroy Village Center, and the possibility for limited development along the road frontage. A solar energy array will be installed on parts of the land to produce clean, renewable energy and support important carbon mitigation goals.

As the Town takes ownership over the Hickory Ridge, we will begin a master planning process to discern the land uses and activities which take place on this land.

Read a story about the property in the Daily Hampshire Gazette here.

Possibilities For Senior And/Or Affordable Housing
Most of the property is spoken for as conservation land with a relatively small set aside for a solar field on the north side.  John Hornik, Chair of the Amherst Municipal Affordable Housing Trust has pointed out that the south end of the property along West Pomeroy Road is perfect for “affordable housing”.  

Questions? Contact us at 413-259-3002

Click here for a PDF of event flyer in English and Spanish

Please let us know if you require any accommodations or assistance in order to attend this event.