Planners looking for ‘good growth’

By Scott Marshall

Published: October 1, 2008

Amherst planning commissioners will focus on so-called “good growth” this week when they take up another portion of the town’s comprehensive plan project.

The plan would identify ways to strengthen the job market, services, housing and address what some believe will be growth encouraged by the Madison Heights bypass.

For instance, the town already has concluded that the area of the Ambriar shopping center will change, not only because the bypass will encourage growth but also because large tracts of land on South Main Street remain undeveloped.

The Planning Commission began studying land uses, zoning, historical development trends and likely traffic flow patterns and concluded how to adapt.

After initiating studies in 2006, officials concluded that South Main Street could not accommodate full development in the Ambriar area, which likely will include retail businesses, restaurants and hotels or motels.

Traffic lights or circles likely will be needed in the area as the volume of motorists increases.

The town also would have to work with developers to ensure adequate water and sewer lines, among other things to manage development.

The Planning Commission meets at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at Town Hall, 186 South Main St.