Board of Selectmen — February 9, 2026
No public dissent, split votes, or unresolved conflicts; every agenda item passed without debate and public concerns were directly addressed.
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On February 9, the Amherst Board of Selectmen conducted a joint public hearing with the Conservation Commission and authorized the $300,000 purchase of a 13-acre parcel on Austin Road using Conservation Fund money for open space and trail connectivity. The board also reviewed NH DOT data on an all-way stop at the Merrimack Road/Route 122 intersection as a short-term safety step while the full reconstruction stays scheduled for 2036. Additional approvals covered a renewable energy credit sales agreement expected to generate about $2,100 annually from the DPW solar system and several routine Fire Department and consent agenda items. Nearly all recorded votes were 5-0, with the Jan 12 minutes approved 4-0 with one abstention.
Public impact
Interim all-way stop proposed; permanent fix delayed until 2036
$300,000 purchase for trails and open space
Topics discussed
Public comments on proposed state bills regarding daycare zoning and home businesses; request for Board support on a letter urging earlier DOT repairs to Route 101; concerns about potholes on Route 122; reminder about master plan action items.
Joint hearing with Conservation Commission on purchase of 13-acre Austin Road parcel (Map 7 Lot 44) for open space and trail connectivity at $300,000 from Conservation Fund.
Appointment of Peter Music as alternate member to Amherst Conservation Commission with term ending 2027.
Discussion of all-way stop control as low-cost interim safety measure for Merrimack Road/Route 122 intersection pending 2036 construction project; data from other states showing crash reductions.
Discussion of signing changes or other safety improvements following a recent accident; board agrees to seek public input before final approval.
Review of fixed-rate REC sales contract with Community Power Coalition of New Hampshire for the 58 kW solar installation on the salt shed, projected to generate ~$2,100 annually.
Update on discovery of billing error involving 16-inch pipe exclusion; anticipated reduction in rates and refund of prior overcharges.
Status of North O2 alternatives analysis, right-of-way issues on private segment, and potential repurposing of funds; North O3 remains on schedule with VHB selection pending. CMAC-funded extension from Courthouse Road to 101 overpass; funding secured at ~$1.6M total ($1.28M grant, $320K town share); seeking state approval to use VHB as engineer via QBS process, with survey work anticipated in April.
Status of Safe Streets for All grant project to redesign six village intersections; RFQ to be advertised Feb 13; discussion on reconvening Village Streets Committee with revised charter for input on prioritization and design.
Acceptance of federal surplus property (PA system, evacuation chairs); approval of part-time administrative assistant job description; approval of Captain of Community Risk Reduction job description and authorization to fill position.
Approval of consent agenda (veterans tax credit, manifests); three tax abatements; approval of Jan 12/20 minutes; approval of 4th of July event and Easter egg hunt requests; supplemental tax bill for Map 10 Lot 50.
Discussion of public input session for 122 Main St interim improvements; letters to Ways & Means and NRP regarding 101 project support; announcements of upcoming Bike/Ped and Planning Board meetings.
Controversy & dissent
Public comment
Decisions logged
Action items
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