Accountability Posts

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Board's own stated confusion about a six-year application signals the project is not ready for approval

At the 11/18 Amherst Planning Board meeting, the chair said out loud: 'I genuinely am confused by what this project is at this point.' This is a 39-unit development that's been in process since 2019. The board continued it to Dec. 11. Residents deserve clarity before any vote.

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Board silence on developer financial credibility despite specific public allegations

Residents told Amherst's Planning Board on 11/18 that the Jacobson/Christian Hill Road developer went bankrupt on a prior project, leaving 130 creditors unpaid. The board did not ask the applicant a single question about financial backing or ability to complete this project.

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Unaddressed public concern about agricultural viability and potential cost-shifting to taxpayers

A resident presented math at the 11/18 Amherst Planning Board meeting: the proposed 'agrihood' farm parcel would generate $2,670–$4,500/year. Another speaker alleged the Town — not the developer — would manage it. The board did not respond to either point.

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Serious PRD compliance questions raised by former board members remain unresolved

Two former Amherst Planning Board members spoke publicly on 11/18 saying the Jacobson subdivision has 'gaping holes' in PRD ordinance compliance. One called approval 'an absolute miscarriage of justice.' The current board agreed the applicant hasn't met its burden. Hearing continues Dec. 11.

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THREAD: Amherst Planning Board met 11/18 on the Jacobson/Revival Trust Christian Hill Road subdivision — a 39-unit development that's been in process since 2019, survived two courts, and came back more controversial than ever. Here's what happened. 🧵

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The board chair admitted on the record: 'I genuinely am confused by what this project is at this point.' Board Member Gordon said the current plan is 'significantly different' from the approved Conditional Use Permit — relocated units, shrunken farm parcel, new frontage lots on a scenic road.

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The chair was explicit: 'Silence on the behalf of the board does not mean any item has been checked off.' Board Member Gordon told the applicant directly: 'I don't think you've met your burden of showing compliance with the CUP conditions or the PRD ordinance.'

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Two former planning board members showed up as public speakers. One, Tom Quinn — who recused as a current member — said the project has 'gaping holes' in PRD compliance and called approval 'an absolute miscarriage of justice.' These are not outside critics. These are people who know the ordinance.

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Residents raised specific financial concerns: the developer's prior project, Village Hill in Northampton MA, ended in bankruptcy with 130 creditors reportedly losing deposits. The board did not ask the applicant a single question about current financial backing or project completion capacity.

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A resident presented quantitative analysis: the proposed farm parcel is ~6 acres and could generate $2,670–$4,500/year — not enough to self-sustain an 'agrihood.' Another speaker alleged the applicant expects the Town of Amherst, not the developer, to manage the agricultural component.

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The board directed the Community Development Office to post a side-by-side comparison of the approved CUP plans vs. the current plans on the town website before December 11th. That's a win for transparency. Go check it when it's posted.

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The applicant's team had characterized public comments as 'frivolous' and raised in 'bad faith' in written letters. Multiple residents pushed back hard. The applicant's rep walked it back at the meeting. The board took no formal position on protecting public participation rights.

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Bottom line: The hearing continues December 11th, 7pm, Amherst High School auditorium. The applicant must present a coherent, comprehensive case for how this project complies with the CUP and PRD ordinance. The board has made clear the current submission is not close to sufficient.

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Longer-form draft.

AMHERST PLANNING BOARD — November 18, 2025: What you need to know about the Jacobson/Revival Trust Christian Hill Road subdivision hearing.

After six years, two courts, and a remand from the NH Supreme Court, this 39-unit development is back before the Planning Board — and the board chair said on the record that he is 'genuinely confused by what this project is at this point.' Board Member Gordon publicly stated that the current plan is 'significantly different' from the Conditional Use Permit the board originally approved, citing relocated residential units, a reduced farm parcel, new frontage lots on a scenic road, and an unresolved scenic setback exemption claim. The chair was unambiguous: 'Silence on the behalf of the board does not mean any item has been checked off.' The hearing was continued to December 11th.

Two former planning board members came to speak as members of the public. One of them — Tom Quinn, who recused as a current board member due to a conflict — said the project has 'gaping holes' in compliance with the Planned Residential Development ordinance and called approval 'an absolute miscarriage of justice.' Current board members agreed the applicant has not met its burden of demonstrating compliance with either the CUP conditions or the PRD ordinance.

Public speakers also raised two concerns the board did not address: (1) the developer's prior project, Village Hill in Northampton MA, ended in bankruptcy with approximately 130 creditors losing deposits — the board asked no questions about the current project's financial backing; and (2) a resident presented data showing the proposed 'agrihood' farm parcel could generate only $2,670–$4,500 per year, while another speaker alleged the applicant expects the Town — not the developer — to manage the agricultural component at town expense. Neither point received a board response.

If you live near Christian Hill Road, care about Amherst's scenic road protections, or want to know whether this project genuinely meets the PRD standards it's being approved under, be at Amherst High School on December 11th at 7:00 PM. The Community Development Office has also been directed to post a side-by-side comparison of the approved CUP plans and the current plans on the town website before that meeting — look for it and review it before you go.