Master Plan

 

 

Envision Amherst 2035

 

Recognized for its heritage and cultural resources, location, natural resources, and quality schools and services, Amherst continues to be known as one of the most desirable places to live in New Hampshire. As a predominantly residential community near larger urban centers, Amherst has prioritized investments in land conservation, historic preservation, and outdoor recreation to maintain the distinct character of the community and overall quality of life that residents desire.

A survey administered by the Town during the Winter of 2020/21 received over 1800 responses calling for continued work on the preservation of the town’s character through protection of Amherst’s natural resources and open spaces, historic resources, and water resources. Respondents also expressed a strong desire to manage the cost of community services and property taxes, while indicating a commitment to maintaining or improving this infrastructure and the services provided including the schools.

In the Spring of 2021 the Master Plan Steering Committee, with support from Resilience Planning & Design, began preparing existing conditions profiles for the many topics typically explored during a comprehensive planning process. The Committee also developed an outreach and engagement plan to build on the findings of the Winter 2020/2021 survey, and to provide additional opportunities for the residents to inform and direct this planning process. A Buildout Analysis was also completed early in 2022 with assistance from the Nashua Regional Planning Commission. Each of these phases of this planning initiative contributed to the community vision and planning themes used to organize this document, and the resulting implementation action plan.

The Planning Board will be holding a public hearing for the adoption of the proposed Master Plan on Wednesday, January 18, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. in the Town Hall.  Everyone is encouraged to attend.  Please send any questions, comments or concerns to Nic Strong, Community Development Director at [email protected].

Please click here for the Proposed Master Plan

Please click here for the Proposed Master Plan with full appendix

See below for Steering Committee meeting minutes:

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PDF icon Minutes 9/11/20210.56 KB
PDF icon Minutes 9/24/20182.5 KB
PDF icon Minutes 10/27/20151.04 KB
PDF icon Minutes 11/5/20179.63 KB
PDF icon Minutes 1/28/21198.12 KB
PDF icon Minutes 3/29/21199.92 KB
PDF icon Minutes 3/30/21210.57 KB
PDF icon Minutes 4/5/21206.91 KB
PDF icon Minutes 4/22/21200.52 KB
PDF icon Minutes 5/17/21194.84 KB
PDF icon Minutes 6/21/21199.1 KB
PDF icon Minutes 7/19/21196.07 KB
PDF icon Minutes 8/24/21198.19 KB
PDF icon Minutes 9/28/21226.72 KB
PDF icon Minutes 10/26/21217.99 KB
PDF icon Minutes 11/23/21192.47 KB
PDF icon Minutes 12/13/21232.14 KB
PDF icon Minutes 1/25/22301.93 KB
PDF icon Minutes 2/14/2298.97 KB
PDF icon Minutes 4/26/2296.82 KB