Amherst · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Town of Amherst public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Senior Center Operational Policies and Restrictions
The town addressed temporary inconveniences at the senior center caused by canopy painting and parking lot maintenance happening right during early voting. Staff and senior center members are actively helping guide voters around the construction.
Audubon Golf Course Improvements and Bond Allocation
Residents debated the allocation of $500,000 in bond funding for Audubon Golf Course, suggesting funds would be better spent on cart paths, driving range drainage, and dispensing equipment rather than a par-three building.
Kingsgate Park Playground Removal
Residents expressed deep frustration and heartbreak over the sudden removal of the neighborhood playground equipment at Kingsgate Park. Town officials apologized for the lack of communication and pledged to work on restoration and funding.
Kite Day moved to Harvest Fest
With the Great Lakes Kiteflyers unavailable, Kite Day becomes part of Harvest Fest on September 26, 1–4 p.m. Kids will decorate and fly DIY kites the board plans to buy.
America's 250th 'Paint Amherst' art contest
The board planned an art contest for the nation's 250th birthday but has pushed it to February 2027 to get the contest process right — and maybe launch its own Facebook page.
Traffic Box Art Notification
The board is painting utility traffic boxes around town with patriotic and local designs. Eight of twelve locations are done, but state-owned boxes can't carry logos without Engineering approval. This is the art you see at intersections like Main & N. Forest and Sheridan & Sweet Home.
Evergreen Park Improvements and Bond
The town wants to build a small 2,100-square-foot playground and parking area at 75 Tupelo Lane. Neighbors and board members raised questions about ADA parking and garbage truck turnarounds, prompting a delay until May.
Tupelo Lane Park and Playground Development
The town is creating a small neighborhood pocket park at 75 Tupelo Lane, which required variances for play equipment setbacks, parking layout, and landscaping.
Senior Center Pickleball Glare and Safety Concerns
Senior pickleball players raised ongoing concerns about blinding sunlight glare reflecting off windows at the Northwest Center facility, creating safety hazards and injury risks.
Peanut Line Multi-Use Trail Grant Application
The town is applying for federal and state grant funding through the Transportation Alternatives Program to construct an off-road bicycle and pedestrian trail along the former New York Central Railroad corridor, known as the Peanut Line. The town committed an estimated local match of over $3.8 million to ensure timely project delivery.