Selectmen Launch Village Strategic Planning Process

As an element of a multi-year strategic-planning process, the Board of Selectmen, working with the Nashua Regional Planning Commission (NRPC), are undertaking a Village Strategic Planning project to engage town government; boards, commissions and committees; schools; and residents and businesses in framing an holistic vision of what people hope the village to be in the years ahead, along with initiatives and investments needed to make that vision a reality.

The Amherst village area – an important town-wide resource – sits at the center of the Amherst historic district, which covers 2,600 acres, making it the largest historic district in New Hampshire.

For years, many separate conversations about the village have occurred, covering such topics as:

• Roadways, traffic flow, parking, walkability and overall public safety;
• The mix of utilities and how/where they are located/delivered;
• Preserving the historical nature of the area (buildings and landscape);
• Balancing the mix of residences and businesses;
• Attracting more people to the village, the common, and environs.

According to Vice Chairman Mike Akillian, who is leading the strategic planning process, “In September, we will launch a planning committee to solicit and integrate as many ideas as possible from residents and business people regarding their vision for the village area. Hopefully, this can be one of many opportunities for townspeople to help shape the future of Amherst.”

NRPC will compile information and ideas into issue areas for further thinking and research by the committee, which will then craft a proposed vision, plan, and related investments to be reviewed by townspeople as part of preparing a more refined proposed plan to go before the BOS in spring 2015.

The committee will comprise 10-12 people, some drawn from town government, schools, and boards. Several residents and business people will also serve on the committee. Any Amherst resident or businessperson interested in being considered for committee membership should send their application to Mike Akillian, makillian@amherstnh.govbefore August 29, 2014. Application guidelines and other related project materials can be found at amherstnh.gov/villageplan/.

Submitted by the Board of Selectmen of Amherst.