AMHERST — On Sept. 27, Amherst Planning Director Christine Brestrup will retire from the position she’s held for 20 years, one that has helped shape the town’s growth through various projects and developments.
“The thing that stands out to me the most is the way people who work for the town try to do the right thing,” said Brestrup. “Town employees care a lot about Amherst. They are hard-working and honest and strive to serve the residents of the town to the best of their abilities. I am proud to have been part of that tradition.”
Since 2003, Brestrup has overseen the creation of several new parks and the development of hundreds of housing units, as well as large capital projects and zoning and general bylaw changes. Her work brought praise from many Amherst officials.
“I have worked closely with Chris throughout her — and my — tenure with the town. We are fortunate that we had Chris to lead the Planning Department during a period of unprecedented activity, perhaps the busiest period of building and regulatory change in the history of the town,” said Assistant Town Manager David Ziomek.” Through it all, Chris has been unflappable, guiding the Planning Department with a quiet wisdom and steady hand.”
“I am also proud of our resiliency. When our former Town Manager John Musante passed away suddenly, people rallied around and quickly took up the reins and figured out how to make things work,” noted Brestrup, putting the praise back on her co-workers. “We did that again when COVID struck in 2020. We managed to continue to provide services to our residents all during the pandemic.”
During her time in Amherst, Brestrup worked diligently for market-rate and affordable housing units that provided much-needed options. Some of the bylaw changes she spearheaded included the Preservation of Historically Significant Buildings and the Inclusionary Zoning Bylaw. Brestrup also worked to develop new, more accurate floodplain maps that were based on recent scientific data.
Brestrup also brought about the development and expansion of Kendrick and Groff parks and renovations of North Common. Her legacy will continue with upcoming capital projects such as the Jones Library renovation and Fort River Elementary School construction.
“There is a continuous stream of projects and permit applications that come through the planning department. Therefore, there are many projects that have not been completed during my tenure,” said Brestrup. “I am proud of the things that have been completed and I am counting on my successor to take up the unfinished tasks and carry them forward to completion.”
In her retirement, Brestrup is hoping to spend time with family and friends, have time to exercise more and fix up her house, as well as to read more.
“I’m glad that people thought that I did a good job while I was here. I really tried,” said Brestrup.
Brestrup’s experience in Amherst began as a student intern in the planning department while pursuing a master of landscape architecture degree from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Brestrup then worked for Huntley Associates in Northampton and for a Boston-based architectural firm before returning to the department in 2003 and being appointed director in 2016.
“We are deeply grateful for Christine’s dedication and commitment to the town of Amherst,” said Town Manager Paul Bockelman. “Chris is the consummate professional. She is the embodiment of integrity, intellectual rigor and professionalism. She is an excellent listener and treats everyone with respect. Most importantly, Chris strengthened the public’s trust in the Planning Department and positioned the department to be successful well into the future.”
The town plans to have a retirement celebration for Brestrup close to her retirement date.
