Town Aims To Buy Land, Hold Off On Development

The town of Amherst is first in line for a piece of land that can be developed for recreational fields to replace those that are closing down in two years.

Selectmen have decided to purchase the land while they can, but will hold off on development to ease the burden on taxpayers this year.

The 6.5 acres of land resides on Merrimack Road at the Route 101 overpass on the east side of 101 and the south side of Merrimack Road. It is currently owned by the state of New Hampshire, but it is selling the land to potential buyers.

Chairman Bruce Bowler said that the town has a chance to buy the land and, if the purchase is rejected by voters, it will likely be snatched up quick by another eager buyer.

He said that the the town is losing after Cemetery Fields closes in 2014. If approved by voters, the land would cost about $180,000.

Bowler said it is important to buy the land now before the opportunity passes. The board made the decision to hold off on developing the land since the proposed operating budget is already up this fiscal year due to the road bond and other costs.

The Board of Selectmen officially removed the warrant article regarding the land’s development at their meeting this week, which was listed as $800,000 including the amount to buy the land.

At the public hearing on the town’s warrant, one resident spoke against the purchase, claiming the town’s population has gone down and has enough fields.

Selectman George Infanti disagreed and said that the town now has a stronger recreation program with more children involved in clubs and activities that need fields. In fact, a recent study done on the town suggests that the current fields are overused.

Voting on this purchase and other warrant articles will take place on Tuesday, March 13 at Souhegan Cooperative High School from 6 a.m. until 8 p.m.