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Amherst commission debates whether to bundle five landmark nominations, affirms public hearing requirement
Summary
Commission members discussed scheduling and public hearing logistics for five pending landmark nominations and confirmed the town requires public hearings. Commissioners also noted outreach efforts, including providing a realtor list for blue-rated property outreach.
Amherst’s Historic Preservation Commission on June 9 debated how to handle a backlog of five landmark nominations, weighing whether to present them together at a single public hearing or hold separate hearings for each nomination.
Commissioners said bundling nominations could streamline staff time but might concentrate public attention; holding separate hearings could attract different speakers for each property. A commissioner asked whether the town requires public hearings for landmark nominations; the commission confirmed that public hearings are required as part of the nomination process.
Members discussed practical logistics: if nominations are placed sequentially on the agenda, speakers attending for one nomination are likely to remain for subsequent items, which can affect the tone of public comment. The chair suggested providing an order to staff to manage presentations and public comment effectively.
Commissioners also reviewed outreach on so-called "blue-rated" properties. Town staff member James and Commissioner Mary Lou Manuso had provided a list to the local realtors association; commissioners noted the outreach is a heavy lift for the association but appreciated the collaboration.
Next steps: staff will coordinate with commissioners to set the hearing schedule and prepare required public-hearing packets; the commission will decide whether to bundle nominations or schedule them separately based on staffing and anticipated public participation.
