Amherst · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Town of Amherst public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Pending Town Landmark Nominations
Two local landmark nominations, including the Architect Building and One Poster Court, are moving forward for town board review on July 27.
MacArthur Drive Home Business Special Use Permit
Neighbors raised concerns about traffic, parking near a busy intersection, and precedent-setting commercial activity in a residential neighborhood when an applicant requested to run a home hair salon.
Historic Preservation Code Amendments for Building Alterations
Commissioners are working with planning staff to strengthen code enforcement and clarify procedures for historic properties.
Town Divestment of Former Eggertsville Community Center
The Town of Amherst is rezoning 4110 Bailey Avenue from community facilities to general business so it can sell the former community center via an RFP while placing covenants on prohibited uses.
Multi-Family Residential Development at 4795 Sheridan Drive
LMK Realty Associates is seeking to rezone 3765 Sheridan Drive to build two three-story apartment buildings. Nearby residents voiced concerns about potential tree removal, building height, and loss of green space buffering.
Historic Landmark Designation for 4467 Main Street
The historic preservation commission and property owners clashed over proposed local landmark designation for the historic Bank of Snyder building at Main and Harlem.
North Forest Road Multi-Family Development Rezone
Developers are seeking to rezone several parcels on North Forest Road to allow them to be combined with an adjacent parcel for a three-building, 144-unit multifamily residential project.
Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) Zoning Regulations
The town is proposing a new zoning rule to allow large-scale battery energy storage facilities in industrial districts to support the electrical grid, raising questions about fire safety and technology safeguards.
Comprehensive Plan Update Award
The town awarded the Comprehensive Plan update contract to Interface Studio LLC for over $726,000 to guide future town development and land-use policies.
Boulevard Central District SDGEIS Review
The town opened a public hearing on environmental impact reviews for the Boulevard Central District before adjourning it to July.
Muir Woods Site B Townhome Development
Developers are seeking to amend environmental findings for Muir Woods Site B to build 160 townhomes instead of student housing, with residents calling for updated traffic and environmental studies.
HPC Code Revisions and Landmark Nominations
The town is planning to review and update the local historic preservation statute. Officials will coordinate with the Town Attorney to draft and discuss proposed changes.
Mixed-Use Design Guidelines and Checklist Revision
The town is updating its design guidelines for mixed-use districts to make expectations clearer for developers. The changes tighten rules around pedestrian walkways, public amenity spaces, and art requirements to ensure new buildings enhance neighborhood walkability and appeal.
Invisible Dog Fences and Neighbor Disagreements
A resident raised concerns about gaps in town code regarding invisible dog fences installed right along property lines, leaving neighbors fearful of approaching dogs. Town leadership promised to investigate and follow up on potential regulatory remedies.