Co-sponsored by the Select Board and Planning Board, you are cordially invited to the first in a series of community forums related to downtown parking. The event will take place in the newly renovated meeting room at the Unitarian Universalist Society of Amherst, 121 North Pleasant Street on September 23, 2014 at 7:00 p.m.
The purpose of the first forum is to begin a broader community planning process by providing a basic overview of the current parking system and to provide an opportunity for public comment.
Facilitated by Senior Planner Jeff Bagg, the first part of the forum will describe the components of the current parking system, including a review of the Master Plan as it relates to parking, the Municipal Parking District, and the Town Center Permit system.
The second part of the forum is intended to provide a platform for residents, business owners, and others to identify issues and concerns, ask questions, make comments, or offer potential solutions. The goal of the public comment session is not to provide immediate answers or responses, rather, it is to record, catalog, and compile the comments. Subsequent forums will be organized to present a summary of the issues and concerns raised and to create a collaborate, comprehensive, and open process for the community, Select Board, and Planning Board to establish future options and solutions regarding this complex topic.
A webpage (amherstma.gov/parkingforum) will be available starting Thursday, September 18th which will be dedicated to providing complete copies of historical information and studies, as well as updated information in response to the community planning process. The webpage will also provide an opportunity for comments to be submitted online.
September 23, 2014 Agenda
Welcome/Opening Remarks
? John Musante, Town Manager
? Aaron Hayden, Select Board Chair
? David Webber, Planning Board Chair
Overview of current system by Senior Planner Jeff Bagg
? Master Plan
? 2008 PVPC study
? Municipal Parking District
? Town Center Permits
? Public lots, meters, private lots
Public Comment Session
? Moderated but open public comments
? 3-5 minute remarks
Summary/Preview of subsequent forums