Planning Board — November 20, 2024
Amherst Planning Board discussed sign rule changes and scheduled a special hearing without listing either on the November 20 agenda.
No public comments, unanimous outcomes, and standard procedural business with no evident conflict or off-agenda controversy.
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At its November 20 meeting, the Amherst Planning Board discussed updates to temporary sign rules—including size limits allowing 4x4 ft signs up to 15 ft high, flags, and political signs on town property such as Huntington Common—even though the topic was not listed on the published agenda. The board reached consensus to post the changes for a public hearing on January 8 at 6 pm. Separately, the agenda had listed final subdivision approvals and conditional use permits for the two Jacobson cases, yet the board only determined regional impacts on Mount Vernon schools and Milford traffic. No approvals were recorded. When items of this type are handled without advance public notice, residents lose the opportunity to review materials or prepare testimony before the board acts.
Topics discussed
Motion to continue public hearing PZ18273120523 to December 18, 2024 at Town Hall, with statutory deadlines extended by applicant.
Review of as-built compliance for PZ19701102124 at 10 How Drive; site substantially compliant with minor utility/pavement deviations and pending stabilization.
Two subdivision cases (PZ1981011134 and PZ19811111324) determined to have regional impact on Mount Vernon (schools) and Milford (traffic).
Review of driveway definitions (frontage access, max lots served, shared driveways), stormwater triggers, home occupation classes, and minor cleanup items for March ballot.
Discussion of updates to temporary sign rules including size limits (e.g., 4x4 ft signs up to 15 ft high), flags, and political signs on town property such as Huntington Common for consistency with existing practices.
Consensus reached to post discussed ordinance changes for public hearing.
Review and approval of prior meeting minutes with minor corrections for transcription errors.
Controversy & dissent
Public comment
Decisions logged
Action items
Accountability flags
Topics discussed — not on agenda
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