Amherst is currently updating its 2010 Master Plan, a community driven, long-term planning document that guides growth, land use change, and resource protection. The Master Plan will also inform future land use regulations, infrastructure investments, capital improvement projects, and other municipal initiatives. It includes a vision for the future, identifies community opportunities and challenges, and outlines an actionable path forward. This work is being guided by the Town of Amherst's Master Plan Steering Committee.
In December 2020, the Master Plan Steering Committee developed a survey to get feedback from Amherst residents and businesses on the Town's future. 1,815 individuals responded to this survey and the town will use these results to help guide the Master Plan Update process. There will also be many other opportunities for the community to provide their feedback on topics that mean the most to them - whether that be housing, transportation, conservation, or others.
The final plan will take a less traditional approach than past plans. Rather than following a chapter format, the Committee plans to take the data from the survey and the analysis of trends and characteristics in Amherst to create a theme-based Master Plan. A theme-based Plan allows the Committee to explore the intersectionality of community topics in greater depth and craft a document centered around Amherst's vision and goals.
Master Plan Steering Committee Members:
Dwight Brew
Chris Yates
Tracie Adams
Jared Hardner
Tim Kachmar
William Ludt
Tom Gauthier
Joe Ilsley
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FAQ
What is a Master Plan?
A Master Plan is a planning document that guides the overall character, physical form, and future development of a community (see RSA 674:2). It provides guidance to local officials making decisions on budgets, ordinances, capital improvements, zoning and subdivision matters, and other development-related issues. While the master plan is not a legal document, it does provide the legal basis for zoning and other land use regulations. A number of community topics are analyzed in the Master Plan including transportation, natural resources, economic development, housing, and others.
How will my feedback inform the Master Plan Update?
Community feedback will be collected throughout the master planning process and will inform the vision statement, goals, and action items for Amherst. This feedback will also directly inform the development of themes for the updated Master Plan document.
What is the timeline of the Master Plan Update?
The Master Plan update process is expected to wrap up with final adoption of the Plan in June/July 2022.
Contact Us
Natasha Kypfer
Town Planner
Office of Community Development
P: (603) 673-6041 Ext. 215
E: nkypfer@amherstnh.gov
