Amherst schedules public hearing, committee meeting on Dewey Road tax increment financing district

The Amherst City Council scheduled a public hearing and a finance committee meeting on a proposed tax increment financing (TIF) district for Dewey Road.

Clerk and administration items read on March 24 identified two agenda items (A25‑14 and A25‑15) related to creating a Dewey Road TIF district and appropriating funds for a full‑time tax clerk. The finance committee chair called a committee meeting for Monday, April 7 at 7 p.m. City officials said a public hearing on the TIF is scheduled immediately before the committee meeting; the transcript records the public hearing time as 6:57 p.m.

City staff told council a law firm hired to help develop the district will be present at both the public hearing and the committee meeting to explain the proposal and next steps. Officials said the required notification for the public hearing was sent to the one property owner affected by the proposed district, as required by law. The transcript does not identify the law firm by name or list the specific improvements, but the mayor’s remarks described the general plan as widening the road, adding sidewalks and other safety improvements related to increased housing in the area.

Councilmembers also noted there will be an agenda request related to funding a full‑time tax clerk; separate committee consideration will address staffing and funding. No vote on creating the TIF or appropriating funds occurred at the meeting; the matter was set for committee and public hearing.

The transcript records discussion about the timing and outreach for the CIC annual report and staff distribution of materials in advance of council consideration; that subject will be placed on the next council agenda for formal acceptance.