Amherst seeks more funding from UMass in upcoming partnership renegotiation

AMHERST — Town councilors are demanding that the University of Massachusetts increase its financial support when the town and university renegotiate their Strategic Partnership Agreement before it expires on June 30, 2027, according to the Amherst Town Council meeting held September 28.

The council, led by President Mandi Jo Hanneke, identified roads, education, and public safety as priority areas for UMass funding. Councilors emphasized that the university's presence affects town infrastructure and services, and several noted frustration that current public-private partnerships generate no tax revenue for Amherst.

Councilor Jill Brevik advocated for UMass to contribute $1 million toward primary and secondary education. Councilor Sam MacLeod said that with UMass bringing roughly 25,000 people and vehicles to the area, road deterioration is inevitable. Hanneke suggested the town require a community benefit agreement before public-private partnerships begin operating and called for any commercial activities on campus to generate tax revenue for Amherst.

Town Manager Paul Bockelman will begin negotiations in November. Councilors also raised concerns about whether the university should contribute to public safety programs and address pedestrian safety along East Pleasant Street, where there is currently no sidewalk.

In separate action, the council voted unanimously to refer proposed amendments to the town's Accessory Dwelling Unit bylaw to the Planning Board and Community Resources Committee. The amendments, prompted by disputes over the implementation of a recent zoning bylaw, aim to clarify rules on gross floor area, floors, and the definition of interior spaces. Councilor Jill Taub noted that many municipalities are struggling with the state's new ADU law and that the state is accepting suggestions for improvements. Director of Planning and Economic Development Jeff Bagg said the joint committee will meet on October 22.

The council also voted 11 to 1 to refer a proposal to create an East Amherst Local Historic District to two committees. The district would comprise 23 parcels in the area of Main Street and North and South East Streets, protecting early colonial buildings dating to the 1700s. Elizabeth Sharpe, Amherst Local Historic District Commissioner and co-executive director of Historic Northampton, noted that the area has connections to Shay's Rebellion. Concerns were raised about costs and approval timelines for property owners, though supporters pointed to available Community Preservation Act funding and a hardship exemption. Hanneke voted against the referral, and Councilor Cathy Schoen was absent.