It’s Monday and we’re back with our roundup of the week’s events. Here are this week’s town government meetings, and cultural and recreational events that caught our eye.

Local Historic District Commission Public Hearing – Monday

The Local Historic District Commission hosts a public hearing on Monday about a request for approval of a detached accessory dwelling unit at 68 McLellan St. At its public meeting afterward, the Commission will hear an update on design guidelines presented by consultant Chris Skelly. Monday, 3:00-5:00 pm on Zoom. MORE

Town Council – Monday

At its meeting on Monday, the Town Council will discuss and vote on proposed zoning map changes related to three parcels on Main St., the proposed zoning amendments to restrict student housing (which were proposed by citizen petition and rejected by the Planning Board last month), the Housing Production Plan (which was approved by the Planning Board in June), the 2025 Town Manager evaluation, and the 2026 Town Manager goals. 

The Council also will discuss and vote on a set of guidelines for FY27 budget development that projects a 2.6% increase ($2.7 million) in revenue over FY26 and 3.5% increases in the operating budgets for the town, library, and schools. Monday, 6:30-10:30 pm in Town Hall and on Zoom. MORE

Regional School Committee – Tuesday

At its meeting on Tuesday, the Regional SC will consider a proposal to shift the school start time for ARHS and ARMS from 9:00 am to 8:30 am. The SC also will review an initial draft budget for FY27. The initial draft projects a 9.5% increase in expenses to maintain level services and a 15.2% increase in funding from Amherst, or approximately $2.3 million more than the Amherst Town Council guidelines. Tuesday, 6:30 pm in the library at ARHS and on Amherst Media. MORE

Energy & Climate Action Committee – Wednesday

The ECAC meets on Wednesday to continue discussion on a variety of topics, including an education series, the draft solar bylaw, and more. Wednesday, 5:30-7:30 pm on Zoom. MORE 

Community Safety & Social Justice Committee – Wednesday

The CSSJ Committee meets on Wednesday to the upcoming budget development, to hear updates on the work of the Community Responders for Equity, Safety & Service (CRESS) and DEI departments, and discuss the creation of a Resident Oversight Board (ROB), the creation of a Youth Empowerment Center (YEC), and planning a retreat. Wednesday, 6:30-9:30 pm on Zoom. MORE

Back Porch Singer-Songwriter Series at The Drake – Wednesday

The Back Porch Songwriter Series started in 2017 as part of the Back Porch Festival in Northampton. To date this series has paid tribute to songwriting legends Townes Van Zandt, Dolly Parton, Doc Watson and John Prine. This December the series moves to the Drake in Amherst featuring the music of Randy Newman. The Deep River Ramblers (Chris Brashier, Jim Henry and Paul Kochanski) serve as the house band with several guest artists joining in for the evening, including Mark Erelli, Samirah Evans, Peter Mulvey, and Jenna Nicholls. Wednesday, 8:00 pm at The Drake. MORE

ARHS Varsity Athletics at Home – Thursday through Saturday

The ARHS winter sports season kicks off this week! Catch ARHS varsity athletes in action at home this week! Girls basketball vs. Ludlow on Thursday at 6:00 pm and vs. Smith Academy on Saturday at 6:00 pm. Girls & Boys swimming and diving vs. Longmeadow on Friday at 4:30 pm. MORE

Zoning Board of Appeals Public Hearing – Thursday

The ZBA holds a public hearing on Thursday about a request and special permit for McMurphy’s to operate at its new location at 24 North Pleasant St (in the space formerly occupied by White Lion), and a request for special permits for modifications to the property at 65 High St. Thursday, 6:00-9:00 pm on Zoom. MORE

Joint School Committees – Thursday

The Amherst, Pelham, and Regional SCs meet on Thursday to review and vote to ratify a new contract with the APAA, the union representing administrator professionals in the three districts. The committees also will review the annual district HR presentation and vote on an academic calendar for the 2026/27 school year. Thursday, 6:30 pm on Google Meet. MORE

Cuppa’ Joe with Paul and New Planning & Economic Development Director Jeff Bagg – Friday

The Town of Amherst invites community members to join us for coffee and conversation with Amherst Town Manager Paul Bockelman and new Planning & Economic Development Director Jeff Bagg on Friday. Jeff begins in this new role at the start of December. He previously served as a Senior Planner in Amherst from 2008 to 2016. He returns to Amherst with over a decade of additional experience in municipal planning and economic development in both the private and public sectors. As the Planning & Economic Development Director, he will oversee the administration of land use planning and permitting, lead the development of both short- and long-range planning projects, and guide all economic development initiatives.

At this event, Jeff is eager to re-connect with the community to discuss how he will help guide thoughtful, inclusive growth that benefits everyone. Friday, 8:00-9:30 am at Masuda’s Cafe. MORE

Free Parking Saturdays – Saturday

Take your time exploring shops and sampling local flavors across downtown Amherst this holiday season! Catch a show at The Drake or a movie at Amherst Cinema! The Town of Amherst is suspending parking enforcement in all metered spaces and public lots in downtown Amherst on Saturdays through the end of December. Begins this week in time for Small Business Saturday! Saturdays, Nov 29-Dec27. MORE

Music for Advent at South Congregational Church – Sunday

The South Congregational Church of Amherst Choir directed by Minister of Music and Organist Marilyn Brayne with soprano soloist Eugenia Coliins and guest tenor soloist Todd Fruth will offer the Cantata Hosianna dem Sohne David (Hosanna to the son of David) by Georg Philipp Telemann. They will be accompanied by violinists Kaila Graef and Sarah Briggs, cellist Mark Fraser and organist Gregory Hayes. The strings will also play several Mozart Church Sonatas for the Preludes, Offertory and Postlude. Sunday, 10:00 am at South Congregational Church. MORE

Save the Date: Charter Review Committee Public Forum on December 16

The 2024 Charter Review Committee recently completedtheir Initial Report and expects to have its final, preliminary report published later today (Monday, December 8). The Committee will hold its final Public Forum in hybrid format to hear residents’ input on the Preliminary Report on Tuesday, December 16, at 7:00 pm in the Town Room on the second floor of Town Hall and on zoom. MORE

---

Want more? We’ve gathered the event and program calendars from the many organizations and committees in Amherst onto Community Calendars. Check it out to find even more upcoming events.

Have an event you’d like us to spotlight? Email us TheAmherstCurrent@gmail.com.