Amherst Town Council Greenlights Exciting New University Drive Overlay District: What It Means for Residents

AMHERST — A new zoning rule is set to change University Drive. The Town Council has approved the University Drive Overlay District, allowing both mixed-use and apartment developments along a half-mile stretch. This area runs from Amity Street to Route 9 and is close to the University of Massachusetts campus.

Senior Planner Nate Malloy explains that the southern parcels will need to have commercial spaces on the ground floor. This helps preserve businesses like Big Y Supermarket and CVS Pharmacy, ensuring they remain vital for the community.

Even though the overlay encourages new residential projects, concerns have surfaced. District 5 Councilor Bob Hegner mentioned an email from Gus Johnson, a representative of Crosspoint Associates, suggesting that the Big Y plaza might not be fully protected. This raised eyebrows about potential mixed-use projects on that site.

New developments will require enough parking for both existing businesses and future residents. Most councilors, apart from District 1 Councilor Cathy Schoen, dismissed the email’s implications. District 2 Councilor Pat De Angelis stated that the 20-year lease held by Big Y assures the store’s stability, calling it a crucial resource for local residents.

At-Large Councilor Andy Steinberg added that fears regarding the email are exaggerated. The future of the overlay district remains uncertain. Currently, the street includes commercial plazas, a nursing home, assisted living facilities, and luxury apartments that are already under development.

Meanwhile, the Roberts Group is preparing to add 77 new units and 12,200 square feet of commercial space at the intersection of Amity Street and University Drive. These projects could significantly reshape the area, enhancing residential options while ensuring commercial spaces thrive.

This development reflects a broader trend in urban planning aimed at balancing living spaces with commercial needs. Experts in urban development suggest that mixed-use projects can improve community vitality, bringing residents closer to essential services and reducing the need for transport. This blending of space is becoming increasingly popular, as cities seek to create walkable neighborhoods that foster a sense of community.

In recent surveys, a significant percentage of residents in urban areas indicated they prefer living near shops and services, showing increased support for such developments. As cities like Amherst embrace these changes, they offer a compelling example of modern urban planning in action.

For further insights into urban development trends, you can explore the recent report from the Urban Land Institute on mixed-use developments.

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