Planning Board — February 18, 2026
Routine approvals were unanimous, but Founders Way waiver generated DPW opposition and one board member's stated reluctance to approve, with public support from abutters.
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At its February 18 meeting, the Amherst Planning Board approved a partial waiver of the required gravel shoulder standard along Founders Way and Gatchell Way for 13 lots. The waiver allows existing homeowner lawns to remain in the right-of-way despite the road having been built without the approved 4-foot gravel shoulders.
DPW representative a speaker stated during the hearing that the department does not support the waiver and that it will create future conflicts when town maintenance disturbs private improvements. Board member a speaker noted they were inclined to deny the request because it deviated from the approved plans. The board still passed the motion 4-0 with conditions, including a recorded agreement placing maintenance responsibility on property owners.
The same meeting approved a conditional use permit and site plan for an automotive repair facility in the aquifer conservation district. Both decisions passed with limited dissent recorded.
Public impact
Automotive repair facility with spill prevention measures in aquifer protection district
Topics discussed
Continued review of non-residential site plan and new conditional use permit for 11,728 sq ft building with automotive repairs in aquifer conservation district; applicant presented site details, stormwater measures, 20-mil barriers, oil separators, and spill prevention.
Amendment to final subdivision approval seeking partial waiver of gravel shoulder standard along ~13 lots on Founders Way/Gatchell Way; applicant argued road was overbuilt, constructed per plans, and grassed shoulders pose no drainage or structural issues. Discussion of partial waiver where homeowner-installed lawns have encroached on the required 4-foot gravel shoulders; debate centers on functional equivalence, future maintenance conflicts, and compliance with approved plans.
Abutters and HOA representative support the waiver, citing timing issues, developer compliance, and willingness to accept responsibility via recorded notice; emphasize low-traffic dead-end roads and precedent of grassed edges elsewhere in town.
Presentation of straightforward lot line adjustment transferring 25 ft to one lot from two adjacent parcels owned by Vanderosa Properties; all lots remain compliant with rural residential zoning and no frontage changes.
Initial non-binding discussion of subdividing two lots into three residential lots plus remainder for Labelle Winery to separate an approved guest house onto its own lot. Discussion of subdividing two lots into three new lots plus remainder, including creation of a residential lot for an approved guest house and two additional lots requiring future permitting.
Board determines the Arboleda Realty subdivision application has regional impact due to involvement of multiple towns and state agencies.
Brief consideration of amendment to private easement for fire truck access in a previously approved subdivision; determined no regional impact.
Approval of January 21, 2026 minutes; meeting adjourned.
Controversy & dissent
Potentially controversial issues
Founders Way gravel shoulder waiver
Kent Service Station CUP and site plan in aquifer district
Split votes
Community vs. board tension
Public comment
Decisions logged
Action items
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