Amherst · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Town of Amherst public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Town E-Bike and E-Scooter Regulations
Town officials discussed ongoing public input for new regulations regarding electric bicycles and e-scooters. The board decided to keep public comments open and delay any final voting decision until November 30 to gather more feedback from local cyclists and residents.
North Amherst Fire Company Storage Building
The North Amherst Fire Company is looking to build an 80x60-foot storage building for trucks. The board approved the project with conditions to ensure the building's exterior matches the area's rural aesthetic.
Demolition of Abandoned Property at 790 Dodge Road
The town is moving forward with demolishing a severely damaged and abandoned property on Dodge Road that has become a haven for squatters, rodents, and fire hazards.
Proposed Changes to Town Board Rules of Order
The Town Board reviewed its upcoming schedule of over 80 resolutions, transitioning to a new software system called Civic Plus that temporarily altered standard numbering formats.
Battery Energy Storage System Regulations
Residents and firefighters raised severe safety, fire hazard, and toxic smoke concerns regarding utility-scale battery energy storage systems, prompting the board to enact strict safety standards and 500-foot setbacks.
Board Vacancy and Candidate Interviews
The commission is interviewing candidates to fill an open spot on the historic preservation board.
Repeal of Local Freedom of Information Law
The town board initiated proceedings to repeal its local Freedom of Information law in favor of relying entirely on New York State Public Officers Law and town administrative policy, drawing questions from residents about transparency.
Town Employee Residency Preference Local Law
Residents and town officials debated a local law establishing a hiring residency preference for town employees. Following public input, the board officially adopted the measure.
Student Resource Officer Agreements with School Districts
The town approved annual agreements to keep police officers stationed as Student Resource Officers in the Sweet Home, Amherst Central, and Williamsville school districts through mid-2027.
Board Quorum and Member Attendance
The traffic safety board discussed chronic attendance issues that have prevented voting quorums, leading them to recommend replacing an absent member.
ADA Accessibility and Compliance in Town Services
The Amherst Committee on Disabilities presented its 2025 annual report, highlighting ADA compliance, web accessibility upgrades required by April 2026, and challenges regarding service animal interference and town communication.
East Amherst Fire Department New Firefighter
The board processed the appointment of a new firefighter for the East Amherst Fire Department.
Fire Protection District Contracts
The board approved annual contracts for multiple volunteer fire companies and fire protection districts to ensure emergency services continue across town.
Police Department Staffing Levels
Residents questioned police department staffing levels, and town leadership noted a regional decline in civil service exam applicants while emphasizing rigorous vetting standards.
Police Shooting
An Amherst police officer shot a woman holding a knife during a tense confrontation, instantly sparking local debate over police tactics and neighborhood safety. This high-profile incident puts our city's emergency response procedures under the microscope.