Amherst
Holyoke, Amherst receive federal funding for electric school buses
Electric school buses will soon start phasing into Western Massachusetts roads after Holyoke and Amherst were two of 17 districts in the state to be awarded portions of $42 million in federal funding that will enable districts to replace fossil-fueled school buses with cleaner electric models.
Amherst Planning Board discusses overlay district for University Drive
AMHERST — After many months of discussion, the Planning Board is on the verge of officially submitting its recommendation for an overlay district on University Drive between Amity Street and Northampton Road.
Western Mass. senators push priorities in budget debate
Following a vigorous May 23 debate session, the nearly $60 billion budget reached unanimous approval by the Massachusetts state Senate. Members adopted more than 400 of the 1,100 amendments filed, resulting in close to $90 million of additional spending with Western Massachusetts lawmakers maintaining the regions stake in funding.
Amherst town manager floats idea of using ARPA money for regional school budget
AMHERST — During the Finance Committee meeting on May 28, Amherst Town Manager Paul Bockelman floated the possibility of using $1 million in one-time American Rescue Plan Act funds to support the Amherst-Pelham Regional Schools fiscal year 2025 budget.
Public input welcomed at June forum about new Amherst housing facility
AMHERST — A new project dedicated to mitigating the problem of regional homelessness is currently revving up in Amherst.
Committees execute contract with new ARPS superintendent
AMHERST — After officially naming Ericilda Xiomara Herman the district’s new superintendent in late April, the Amherst Pelham Regional Schools School Committee and Union 26 School Committee officially executed a contract with the new superintendent.
Summer Sips wine tasting to benefit Newman Catholic Center in Amherst
AMHERST — Newman Catholic Center is prepping to host its first ever “Summer Sips” wine tasting event to benefit the ministry of the center on Friday, June 7, from 6-8 p.m. inside the center’s new facility located at 111 Thatcher Rd. on the campus of the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
State approves Valley Green Energy, Amherst leads community choice aggregation
AMHERST — The Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities’ approved the Valley Green Energy Community Choice Aggregation application, which will now lead to Amherst, Northampton and Pelham having collective buying power to purchase electricity more competitively and increase the amount of renewable energy in the electricity supply.
Amherst Planning Board approves two-story carriage house for the Evergreens
AMHERST — The Amherst Planning Board unanimously approved a site plan review by the Emily Dickinson Museum for a new 1,650 square-foot, two-story carriage house right next to the Evergreens on 232 Main St.
Amherst town manager presents $97M budget to Town Council
AMHERST — Town Manager Paul Bockelman officially presented his proposed $97 million fiscal year 2025 budget to the Amherst Town Council during the May 6 meeting.