Media Releases

Amherst council gives first reading to development agreements

The Amherst town council gave first reading to two development agreements when it met on Monday, Feb. 27, 2023.

The first development agreement was for 3,4,5,7 Robie Street. It would allow the community hall currently on the site to be expanded and turned into a commercial office building.

The second development agreement was for 264 Church Street. It would permit the construction of a 96-bed, long-term-care facility on the property.

The town’s Planning Advisory Committee recommended council approve both development agreements.

By giving the development agreements first reading, council initiates a process that requires a public hearing be held before a second reading and final approval is given. The public hearing for both projects is slated for March 22, 2023, at noon.

Referred back to Planning Advisory Committee

Council referred an application for a develop agreement, which would have seen a 59-unit apartment building constructed at 155 Victoria St. E., back to the Planning Advisory Committee with the instruction that it give consideration to a revised plan should one be received.

The committee recommended council not enter into the original request for a development agreement because the project was not in keeping with key policies in the town’s municipal planning strategy.

The applicant subsequently requested an opportunity to revise their proposal in order to address some of the major issues brought forth by the community during the public participation process.

Should the developer submit an amended proposal, the Planning Advisory Committee would review the proposed new development and provide a recommendation to council. Prior to the approval of any development agreement for the site, a public hearing would be required.