Media Releases
Amherst, Municipality of Cumberland Collaborating on Infrastructure to Support Residential Development
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The Town of Amherst and the Municipality of Cumberland County are collaborating to ensure efficient use of municipal infrastructure and to support residential housing development today and in the future.
A parcel of land in the Brookdale area that straddles the border between the two municipalities acquired by the Shaw Group and has the potential to accommodate hundreds of new housing units, but the municipal boundary makes efficient development of the site complex.
Under the agreement reached by the two municipalities, the full property would become part of the Town of Amherst, allowing for the development of the property under one set of regulations and much less complex. In return, the County will gain new access to the Town’s sanitary sewer servicing capacity to support future development in an expanded service area in Cumberland County just outside the town boundary. The agreement further outlines how costs and revenues, associated with extension of services, and new developments, will be shared between the two municipalities.
Amherst Town Council Meeting September 23, 2024 – Meeting Highlights
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The prospective owner of 9 Laplanche Street proposes adding six apartment units to the existing building. On July 2, 2024, the Planning Advisory Committee recommended that Council enter into a Development Agreement. Council gave first reading at a special meeting of on August 12, and on Monday night, the Development Agreement received second reading, allowing renovations to proceed as proposed.
Victoria and Havelock Intersection
The intersection of Victoria and Havelock Streets has been operating as an all-way stop since the traffic lights were de-activated after a motor vehicle accident earlier this summer. A traffic signal warrant analysis was completed for the intersection by a consultant, which confirmed that the traffic volumes at that intersection were below that necessitating full traffic signals. The analysis considered current traffic counts as well as anticipated growth over the next five years. Council approved removal of the traffic signals and installation of appropriate signage for an all-way (4-way) stop. Council also directed staff to investigate accessibility options for crosswalk signals at the intersection.
Tax Collection Policy Amendments
The Town of Amherst’s Tax Collection Policy has been amended as part of the ongoing policy review exercise. Amendments approved by Council on Monday night include a policy name change to “Revenue Collection Policy.” In the previous document there was no indication of how interest was to be charged for miscellaneous and water/sewer accounts. This is now to be charged as “simple interest,” or interest on the bill only and not on the total balance outstanding, including prior interest. Two further changes will allow the CAO to write off miscellaneous account balances under $250, and remove interest for government agency payments submitted late to the Town but ultimately paid in a reasonable amount of time.
Nominations Closed for Amherst’s October 19 Election
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Nominations have now closed for Amherst’s October 19 municipal election. Fifteen candidates are running for a position on town council, including all incumbents.
There are two candidates vying for the Mayor’s position. The incumbent David Kogon is being challenged by Rob Small.
There are six council seats to be filled in this election and all current members of council – George Baker, Charlie Chambers, Hal Davidson, Lisa Emery, Leon Landry, and Dale Fawthrop – are running to reclaim their positions. Other candidates for a council seat include Sharon Leblanc, Kathy Wells, Dwayne Ripley, Vaughn Martin, Norm Robitza, Nic Furlong, and Terry (Mouser) McManaman.
Housing Initiatives in Amherst
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You don’t have to drive far in Amherst to see construction and development projects. Whether it be construction cranes on Brown Street or road construction starting on the upper Church Street housing development, there is no denying that this season is shaping up to be one of the strongest in many years.
One of the priorities of Town Council has been to encourage development and improve the quantity and mix of housing units throughout Amherst. Everything from larger executive housing to small affordable housing units is on the table.
Town of Amherst Council Brief - Policing
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Amherst Police Department
Amherst Town Council has approved a recruitment competition for 2 full-time uniform police positions during a special meeting on Monday August 12th, 2024.
The positions will be used to offset rising overtime costs due to long-term shortages and to provide extra coverage when required while providing much needed relief for officers who have been working extra hours to cover shortages.
Arrest and Remand
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Amherst Police Department
Three individuals who were arrested by Amherst Police within the last 24-hours have been remanded into custody until July 22nd, 2024 for a show cause hearing on numerous charges.
On July 17, 2024, a 30-year-old female and a 36-year-old male, both from Amherst, were arrested in relation to a Break, Enter and Theft that occurred on July 14th 2024 on South Albion Street. Both were held in police cells overnight and made a brief appearance in court on July 18th. They have been remanded into custody and are scheduled to return to court on Monday July 22, 2024 for a show-cause hearing.
