Weekly digest · Amherst, NH

The week in ⁠Amherst

May 25–31, 2026

3 public meetings analyzed this week. 14 late-arriving reports below.

3 meetings this week 8 public speakers 14 late-arriving

What's important ⁠this week

The Board of Selectmen narrowly approved a controversial move to reallocate $85,000 within the EMS budget to cover overtime and part-time wages. This 9-5 split vote reflects deep divisions regarding ⁠how the town prioritizes emergency service funding. The decision highlights growing friction within leadership over fiscal management and departmental support.

Other municipal bodies are also navigating shifts in oversight and regulation. The Zoning Board of Adjustment voted to streamline variance requests by combining testing criteria, while the Historic District Commission faced accusations of using ⁠subjective personal opinions over codified rules. Meanwhile, the Selectmen disbanded the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee following recent community tensions.

Residents should watch for the new variance testing process which officially takes effect on July 20. Keep an eye on upcoming hearings to see if these procedural changes or the loss of advisory committees ⁠impact local development and scenic protections. Future decisions regarding Town Hall security upgrades and historic preservation standards remain key areas for community scrutiny.

Meetings this week, in ⁠order of impact

Ranked by public engagement, decisional consequence, and whether speakers' concerns were addressed on the record.

All Amherst meetings →

board-of-selectmen2026-05-26

Board of Selectmen · May 26

The board debated Town Hall security upgrades and addressed the limited authority of the Bike Pedestrian Advisory Committee.

Topics EMS Month Proclamation· Promotion Ceremony· Citizen's Forum: Bike Pedestrian Advisory Committee· Introduction of Priority Power Management· Town Hall Security Improvements Discussion

Talking points

First, the Board voted 9-5-0 to reallocate $85,000 in EMS funds, moving money from the Deputy Chief’s salary line to cover part-time wages and overtime. This significant division shows a lack of consensus on emergency service staffing and budgeting.
Second, the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee is officially gone. Following a mass resignation linked to the Babusa Greenway controversy, the Board voted to disband the committee entirely rather than addressing the governance issues raised.
Finally, the Board remains divided on spending. A proposal for $11,000 in Town Hall security upgrades (fobs and cameras) sparked debate, with some members questioning if the expense is a necessary modernization or an unnecessary cost to taxpayers.
As these decisions impact our safety, infrastructure, and budget, residents should stay engaged. Follow for more updates on town governance.

Read the full report →

Mild friction

3public speakers

historic-district-commission2026-05-21

Historic District Commission · May 21

Commissioners reviewed various property modifications while facing criticism regarding the subjectivity of their decision-making processes.

Topics New Shed at Spalding Field· Paving of Jones Road Soccer Field Parking Lot· Front Door Replacement at 25 Old Milford Road· Stable Structure Extension at Seven Carriage Road· Proposed Barn Extension and Roof Modification

Talking points

The friction wasn't just talk. At 25 Old Milford Road, a door replacement was delayed because the Commission demanded specific window proportions and a four-panel design. The applicant's frustration over subjective decision-making was a major theme of the night.
Even the rules themselves aren't always applied uniformly. The Commission approved granite lampposts at 6 Courthouse Road—despite Article 14B regulations prohibiting them—citing specific site conditions as the reason for the exception...

Read the full report →

Mild friction

3public speakers

zoning-board-of-adjustment2026-05-19

Zoning Board of Adjustment · May 19

The board processed several individual variance requests and addressed expired property rights for long-term residents.

Topics Board Vacancy and Continuances· Rosemary Lane Variance Request· Robert Hovner Variance Request· Christopher Goodrich Variance Request· Approval of Minutes

Talking points

This change, set to take effect July 20, 2026, aims to 'streamline' proceedings. However, combining criteria could change the rigor with which the Board examines hardship and necessity. Residents need to monitor how this affects future applications.
The Board also addressed scenic setbacks. At 91 Christian Hill Road, a variance was approved to place a shed within the 100-foot scenic setback. While the Board added a condition to hide the shed behind the garage line, the precedent for relaxing these protections remains.
Stay informed on how these procedural shifts and setback relaxations impact the character and zoning standards of our town.

Read the full report →

Routine

2public speakers

Late-arriving ⁠reports

Minutes from these older meetings dropped this week. Analysis has been added to the existing reports — these are the ones to revisit.

14 reports updated

historic-district-commission

zoning-board-of-adjustment

All weekly digests for Amherst

Digest composed by gemma-4-26b on 2026-05-31.

The week in ⁠Amherst

Meetings this week, in ⁠order of impact

Board of Selectmen · May 26

Historic District Commission · May 21

Zoning Board of Adjustment · May 19

Late-arriving ⁠reports

Follow ⁠Amherst