Posted 7/1/2009

The Town Manager's/Select Board Office will be closed on Thursday, July 2, 2009 for cleaning and in preparation of office reorganization.

Posted 7/1/2009

The Town of Amherst is very fortunate to have a dedicated group of private citizens annually organize and conduct the July 4th Parade. The parade is scheduled to begin at 3:00 PM on July 4, 2009 and may be viewed from the intersection of College Street and Route 9, South Pleasant Street, and North Pleasant Street. Traffic will be detoured around downtown Amherst beginning at 2:30 PM and will continue throughout the duration of the July 4th Parade until approximately 4:00 PM. Best wishes for a happy July 4th.

Posted 7/1/2009

The Town Offices will be closed on Friday, July 3, 2009 in observance of the 4th of July Holiday.

Posted June 25, 2009

In accordance with the Amherst Town Government Act, I am appointing Captain Michael Kent as Interim Police Chief effective Friday, June 26, 2009.

Interim Chief Kent shall have all the powers and duties vested in the position of Police Chief and will serve in this interim position until the conclusion of the recruitment process and appointment of a Police Chief.

Laurence Shaffer
Town Manager

Posted 06/23/2009

The 2009 Amherst and Umass Police Youth Adventure Academy is a ONE week program, being held Monday July 20th to Friday July 24, 2009 from 8:30AM to 4:00PM. Youth entering 6th, 7th, or 8th grades are eligible to attend. The cost is FREE and academy size is limited to 20 youth, so preference will be given to Amherst and Umass Affiliated families ....
[Additional info...]

Posted 6/8/2009

The Amherst Public Shade Tree Committee is celebrating Amherst’s 250th by encouraging residents to take part in a fundraiser to plant an additional 250 trees this year. Thanks to local nurseries, young sapling trees are available to Amherst residents for $50 each with the request that it be planted within 20 feet of the street or sidewalk (public right-of-way). An order form is attached. Please contact Tree Warden Alan Snow (413-259-3045 or treewarden@amherstma.gov) if you have questions about the prospective tree site or desire selection assistance. [Order form]

Posted 6/1/2009

The Department of Public Works has installed two solar trash compactors in downtown Amherst. The Big Belly® compactors have the same footprint as a 32 gallon trash can, but provide a capacity five times greater via compaction, potentially reducing collection time, fuel cost, and greenhouse gas emissions. The compactors are constructed of steel and plastic with a leak-proof trash bin and a photovoltaic system that recharges its 12 volt battery. An LED sensor monitors capacity and uses 1250 pounds of force in a 41 second compression cycle.

The compactors have been purchased with funds from the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative Renewable Energy Trust’s Clean Energy Choice Grant. The bins have been placed in front of Antonio’s Pizza and Starbuck’s Coffee on North Pleasant Street; two areas that traditionally generate a high trash volume. Big Belly® bins have been employed in communities all over the United States, including Boston, Philadelphia, and Chicago. [Additional info...]

Posted 4/15/2009

WHERE: Amherst Transfer Station
WHO IS ELIGIBLE: All residents of Amherst, Pelham & Shutesbury

Collection Dates: May 5, 2009 through September 17, 2009
Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday
TIME: 8AM – 2PM

What is acceptable:
-No more than 10 gallons per person per day
-Oil and Latex based paints and stains will be accepted for reuse with the following conditions:
·Original container
·In good condition in liquid form
·Clearly labeled for contents and color

PLUS: (Aerosol cans & paint thinners will be accepted)

Please be prepared to pay $2.00 per gallon (*equivalent) to leave any paint products.

Remember – small quantities of latex paint can be safely disposed of in household refuse by mixing an absorbent material (i.e. kitty litter, speedy-dri) to contain the liquid portion of the paint. Notify your trash hauler if you will be disposing of dried paint in this manner. Empty cans that have been scraped, brushed or wiped clean may be recycled at the Transfer Station at no cost.

Pre-register hazardous paint products if the materials are not suitable for the Paint Collection Program.

This program is designed to remove paint from the solid waste stream. Many paint products will be collected for safe disposal. Unfortunately, we may have to refuse materials that do not meet the specific conditions of the program.

Quantities over 10 gallons will be accepted by appointment; please call 259-3050 X-0

RESIDENTIAL UNIVERSAL WASTE PROGRAM – WITH STICKER

Fluorescent bulbs, thermostats, thermometers, button batteries and rechargeable batteries are accepted at the transfer station Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday 8AM – 2PM. Cost $1/Bulb.

*equivalent is based on total number of full gallons. Example: bring 4 half gallons = 2 full gallons = $4.00 disposal fee.

Posted 3/27/2009

The Public Transportation and Bicycle Committee is seeking new members. Anyone with an interest in Public Transportation or bike issues in Amherst would be most welcome. Interested persons can get an application from the Town www.amherstma.gov , then click on the online forms tab.

Posted 3/23/2009

The Town of Amherst Department of Public Works has begun sweeping the Main routes and hills that receive the most sand during the winter months. After completing these areas the DPW will begin sweeping the various sections of town, if all goes well this will start on March 30, 2009. [Full Schedule]

Posted 3/19/2009

In February 2009 the SelectBoard approved increases in both water and sewer rates for fiscal year 2010, effective 7/1/2009. The SelectBoard functions as Water and Sewer Commissioners in this rate setting capacity. The new rates will affect the bills issued by the Collector's Office beginning in July, August and September.
Water and Sewer Rate History

This report is now available for download. Click Here for the report

The Rolling Ridge/Harlow Dr sewer project will begin the week of May 26,2009. [Additional info...]