The Amherst Redevelopment Authority has recently endorsed the concept to proceed with a project to redevelop approximately ten acres on North Pleasant Street immediately adjacent to the University of Massachusetts Amherst. This project would bring additional student housing and related services to this district. The value of this project comes in two primary areas. First, the project would provide for significant new taxable assessment. Second, the project would provide additional student housing, allowing the University to expand its enrollment. Bringing new students to Amherst allow the University to grow to an appropriate and sustainable size while providing additional new customers for downtown Amherst.
There is much to be done in order for this vision to become a reality. I am dedicated to bringing energy and focus to this exciting project.
Larry
Friday, March 5, 2010
Sunday, December 20, 2009
HOLIDAY SEASON IN AMHERST
There is very little that can match the pleasure of the winter holidays in Amherst. This year is no exception. With the light snow and brisk air, there is little thought of the previous summer or an early spring. I wish all the very best for a happy holiday.
Last Sunday, I had the pleasure to present, as part of the 250th celebration, my thoughts as to the future of Amherst. Utilizing 2059 as my target, I expressed to the audience my extreme confidence that Amherst would be able to preserve its small town charm that has allow it to be defined as the best college town in America. Our future is bright. If our future is to be defined as the intersection of circumstance, values, resources and decisions then very few communities can match our prospects.
I spoke to the Retired University Professors organization, at its holiday luncheon, last week. I explained the town's budgetary challenges. This lively group peppered me with many interesting questions.
The town employees held a holiday party last Friday. It was an opportunity to celebrate the many achievements and contributions of the town's excellent employees. David Orell, from the Department of Public Works, was recognized for his forty (40) years of service to the citizens of Amherst. His dedication is a fine example of the contributions made by our employees to the Town of Amherst.
See you in 2010----have a wonderful New Year.
Larry
Last Sunday, I had the pleasure to present, as part of the 250th celebration, my thoughts as to the future of Amherst. Utilizing 2059 as my target, I expressed to the audience my extreme confidence that Amherst would be able to preserve its small town charm that has allow it to be defined as the best college town in America. Our future is bright. If our future is to be defined as the intersection of circumstance, values, resources and decisions then very few communities can match our prospects.
I spoke to the Retired University Professors organization, at its holiday luncheon, last week. I explained the town's budgetary challenges. This lively group peppered me with many interesting questions.
The town employees held a holiday party last Friday. It was an opportunity to celebrate the many achievements and contributions of the town's excellent employees. David Orell, from the Department of Public Works, was recognized for his forty (40) years of service to the citizens of Amherst. His dedication is a fine example of the contributions made by our employees to the Town of Amherst.
See you in 2010----have a wonderful New Year.
Larry
Saturday, November 21, 2009
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN AMHERST
The prospects for future economic development in Amherst were greatly approved over the last few weeks with two recent achievements.
First, the Amherst Planning Board recently unanimously approved the proposal to develop a five story retail and apartment complex on Boltwood Place, directly behind Judi's Restaurant. This important proposal was made possible by two particular initiatives. First, rezoning, approved by Town Meeting, expanded density possibilities that allowed for the additional lot coverage needed to make this proposal possible. Second, town staff worked carefully with the developers to ensure that the proposal had the greatest opportunity to be approved by the Planning Board. Congratulations are in order for Dave Williams and Kyle Wilson, the project developers and Jonathan Tucker and Bonnie Weeks who worked hard to resolve the challenges that may have prevented the project from being approved.
Second, Amherst College has announced that the project to restore the Lord Jeffery Inn has been approved by the Board of Trustees. The restoration of this venerable component of downtown Amherst is critical to bringing people and energy to the central business district. Amherst College is dedicated to bringing a top flight restaurant as part of the magnificent restoration. I would like to congratulate Amherst College for its continued support for our community.
Town department heads have been preparing budgets for Fiscal Year 2011 which begins July 1, 2010. There is no good news to share about the prospect of being able to avoid serious consequences relative to the lack of state revenue. However, we are working hard to provide innovative solutions to very difficult circumstances.
Larry Shaffer, Town Manager
First, the Amherst Planning Board recently unanimously approved the proposal to develop a five story retail and apartment complex on Boltwood Place, directly behind Judi's Restaurant. This important proposal was made possible by two particular initiatives. First, rezoning, approved by Town Meeting, expanded density possibilities that allowed for the additional lot coverage needed to make this proposal possible. Second, town staff worked carefully with the developers to ensure that the proposal had the greatest opportunity to be approved by the Planning Board. Congratulations are in order for Dave Williams and Kyle Wilson, the project developers and Jonathan Tucker and Bonnie Weeks who worked hard to resolve the challenges that may have prevented the project from being approved.
Second, Amherst College has announced that the project to restore the Lord Jeffery Inn has been approved by the Board of Trustees. The restoration of this venerable component of downtown Amherst is critical to bringing people and energy to the central business district. Amherst College is dedicated to bringing a top flight restaurant as part of the magnificent restoration. I would like to congratulate Amherst College for its continued support for our community.
Town department heads have been preparing budgets for Fiscal Year 2011 which begins July 1, 2010. There is no good news to share about the prospect of being able to avoid serious consequences relative to the lack of state revenue. However, we are working hard to provide innovative solutions to very difficult circumstances.
Larry Shaffer, Town Manager
Monday, October 12, 2009
GOOD TO BE BACK
On September 21, 2009, I had complete hip replacement surgery at Hartford Hospital. My surgeon, Paul Murray, did an excellent job. I feel so fortunate to have a condition that is completely correctable. I came to work last week for five half days. This week, I hope to work a full schedule.
While I was out, John Musante served in my stead. I could not have asked for a more competent Assistant Town Manager. Many thanks to John for a job well done.
It looks increasingly certain that further cuts in revenue will be exacted by the Commonwealth on Amherst. With state revenues not meeting previous estimates, the state has few other options but to cut revenue to the municipalities. This will lead to further cuts in town services.
As I learn more, I will keep the community posted.
Larry
While I was out, John Musante served in my stead. I could not have asked for a more competent Assistant Town Manager. Many thanks to John for a job well done.
It looks increasingly certain that further cuts in revenue will be exacted by the Commonwealth on Amherst. With state revenues not meeting previous estimates, the state has few other options but to cut revenue to the municipalities. This will lead to further cuts in town services.
As I learn more, I will keep the community posted.
Larry
Saturday, August 29, 2009
PLUM BROOK DEDICATION
On Saturday, August 29th at 10:30, the dedication of the Plum Brook Recreational Area took place. Located on Potwine Lane, this beautiful facility is now open for use by the citizens of Amherst. Notwithstanding the rain, many people attended to participate in the celebration. The Master of Ceremony was the Chair of the Leisure Services and Supplemental Education Committee (LSSE), Stan Ziomek. Stan entertained the audience with his good humor and stories. A presentation was made by the Amherst Youth Soccer Association of a check of $50,000.00 to the town to support the construction of this great facility. Linda Chalfant, Director of LSSE, stated the town's appreciation for this extraordinary gift.
I also would like to acknowledge the great work of the Department of Public Works (DPW) on the Plum Brook Project. Guilford Mooring, Superintendent of the DPW provided the leadership and resources necessary to complete the construction portion of the project. Jason Skeels, Town Engineer worked very hard on this project especially ensuring that the environmental commitments made by the town were completed. Dave Orrel has worked his magic on the turf to reduce the weeds and enhance the growth of grass.
Larry Shaffer
Town Manager
I also would like to acknowledge the great work of the Department of Public Works (DPW) on the Plum Brook Project. Guilford Mooring, Superintendent of the DPW provided the leadership and resources necessary to complete the construction portion of the project. Jason Skeels, Town Engineer worked very hard on this project especially ensuring that the environmental commitments made by the town were completed. Dave Orrel has worked his magic on the turf to reduce the weeds and enhance the growth of grass.
Larry Shaffer
Town Manager
Friday, August 7, 2009
SUMMER PROJECTS
The summer is a great time to take a look at those possibilities that require time and study. This summer, we are completing the reorganization of departments. Inspections and Community Development have been incorporated into the Planning and Conservation suite on the Second Floor of Town Hall. The consolidation of these departments allows for each to share resources and for the public to have an opportunity to have one stop shopping for zoning, planning, conservation, community development and building permit activities.
I have been reviewing water and sewer performance over the last number of years in preparation for recommendations to the Select Board for particular initiatives late in the fall of this year. Completing the search and selection process for the Police Chief and Fire Chief positions is also a top priority for the near term. The feasibility study to consider regionalization for emergency dispatch will also take place this fall.
The Town of Amherst Health Insurance Trust numbers for FY '09 are complete. The Town of Amherst increased its reserves in the Trust from $2,458,194. to $2,881,617. over the last fiscal year. The success of the Health Insurance Trust is the result of the movement of employees to a less expensive plans and the continuous monitoring of claims to catch errors and to seek reimbursement. John Musante and Kay Zlogar have done a great job with the Health Insurance Trust.
Cherry Hill Golf Course financial report for Fiscal Year 2009 is complete. Cherry Hill revenue for the period is $253, 725. and expenses for the same period is $210,611. Cherry Hill's operation has generated a surplus of close to $100,000. over the last two years. Much credit goes to Linda Chalfant and Barb Bilz for their work at Cherry Hill.
Have a great summer.
Larry Shaffer, Town Manager
I have been reviewing water and sewer performance over the last number of years in preparation for recommendations to the Select Board for particular initiatives late in the fall of this year. Completing the search and selection process for the Police Chief and Fire Chief positions is also a top priority for the near term. The feasibility study to consider regionalization for emergency dispatch will also take place this fall.
The Town of Amherst Health Insurance Trust numbers for FY '09 are complete. The Town of Amherst increased its reserves in the Trust from $2,458,194. to $2,881,617. over the last fiscal year. The success of the Health Insurance Trust is the result of the movement of employees to a less expensive plans and the continuous monitoring of claims to catch errors and to seek reimbursement. John Musante and Kay Zlogar have done a great job with the Health Insurance Trust.
Cherry Hill Golf Course financial report for Fiscal Year 2009 is complete. Cherry Hill revenue for the period is $253, 725. and expenses for the same period is $210,611. Cherry Hill's operation has generated a surplus of close to $100,000. over the last two years. Much credit goes to Linda Chalfant and Barb Bilz for their work at Cherry Hill.
Have a great summer.
Larry Shaffer, Town Manager
Sunday, July 12, 2009
SUMMER 2009 -
The summer is typically the time that town government begins to put into place the initiatives approved at the close of annual town meeting. However, this year, with the adoption of the state budget, Amherst, like many communities, will ask town meeting to consider the local option taxes for both rooms and meals. Special Town Meeting will be on Monday, July 27, 2009. I hope to be able to explain the importance of the local option taxes to the members of Town Meeting. Fundamentally, the approved Fiscal Year 2010 Town of Amherst Budget includes the anticipated revenue from the local option taxes. Consequently, without Town Meeting approval of those local option taxes, a revenue shortfall for FY 10 will occur requiring action to address.
My hip replacement operation has been postponed until some time in the fall. I am not particularly upset about the delay but I know that it needs to be addressed soon.
Hope the summer finds you well.
Larry
My hip replacement operation has been postponed until some time in the fall. I am not particularly upset about the delay but I know that it needs to be addressed soon.
Hope the summer finds you well.
Larry
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