Is Affordable Housing Suitable For Amherst?

A developer has proposed an that would build 18 units on almost 11 acres of property.

In August, members of the Planning Board expressed doubt about the proposed development meeting sound requirements.

Planning board member Michael Dell Orfano said he was not in favor of the project and would rather see the property developed for commercial use, which is it has been zoned for.

Abutters said that clearing the trees for the development near Route 101 creates noise issues for their properties. Others said the housing would not be in harmony with the rest of the town or meet its standard of living.

A group called "Citizens for Amherst's Future" has sent around petitions for the planning board to deny the application.

"The most unwise economic decision a community can make is to give up its land zoned for industrial, commercial or office use for a lower economic us, as is proposed," reads a section of the petition.

The public hearing will begin around 7:30 tonight in the upper-level of the Amherst Town Hall.