Hampshire College Zoning Study

Following Hampshire College’s announcement that it will cease academic operations after December 2026, the Town of Amherst began conducting a study to develop zoning options to prepare for future uses of the Hampshire campus property. This study will include various assessments, opportunities for public input, and a final report by January 2027.  

The Town will review its long-range plans and community needs when developing zoning options. The Town’s intent is that zoning options will be in alignment with the Town’s overall needs, goals, and long-term vision. It is also desirable that the zoning study will support the College’s needs.    

The Hampshire College Board of Trustees, as the property owner, will make all decisions about marketing and sale of the property.      

Important Clarifications:  

• The Town is not initiating a land purchase, taking, or acquisition.  

• The Zoning Study is not attempting to limit the options available to the College regarding the sale or future use of its land. It is intended that future zoning options will allow a wider range of uses on the site.    

• The Zoning Study will not be making land use decisions for the College.   

• The Zoning Study is not intended to impact or delay the sale of the campus.   Property transactions by the College are not dependent on the completion of the Zoning Study. The College’s Board of Trustees has the final decision on who the land is sold to, and when.  

• The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, Yiddish Book Center, and Hitchcock Center for the Environment are not closing. These entities are independent from Hampshire College; each owns or leases the land they occupy.    

Why a Zoning Study?  

All communities in Massachusetts establish zoning for land regardless of size or ownership. Currently, the zoning for the land owned by Hampshire College dates back to the late 1960’s – when the College was first formed – and allows the land to be used for higher education purposes only. 

The Zoning Study seeks to gather information about the property that will guide updated zoning. This will provide an understanding of the areas that are developable, the capacity of infrastructure (i.e. water, sewer, roadways), housing market demands, opportunities for economic development, and other options that could allow creative reuse of existing buildings.   

The Zoning Study is being conducted by a team of experts who will assist the Town with gathering data, organizing information, hosting community engagement sessions, and sharing important updates throughout the process.   

Who is involved?  

• Town of Amherst staff, led by Planning and Economic Development Director Jeff Bagg, will guide the Zoning Study. Staff from Conservation, Public Works, Fire, Inspection Services, and other relevant Town departments will be involved.  

• Hampshire College, as the property owner, will provide information and input throughout the process.  

• Through MassDevelopment, the Town is receiving technical assistance from a skilled team bringing environmental, land use, and economic development expertise to the effort: Horsley-Witten Group, Dodson and Flinker, and U3 Advisors.   

• Town of Hadley will be regularly consulted and provide input.  

• Community members will be invited to be engaged throughout the process.  

What is the process?  

The Hampshire Campus Zoning Study began with a meeting of stakeholders including the Hampshire College President and staff, the Amherst Town Manager and staff, and the MassDevelopment team.  The Hadley Town Administrator and a Hadley Select Board member were also consulted. The project will also include:   

• Creation of a website to share important information about the project. Now available at amherstma.gov/Hampshire-Campus-Zoning-Study 

• A series of public meetings – including an initial virtual information session to be held on July 21 from 6-8 pm on Zoom.  Register and Submit Questions Here. 

• Economic analysis, interviews, and small group meetings.  

• Assessment of existing infrastructure including water, sewer, and electricity, as well as mapping relevant environmental considerations.  

• Scenario planning to create conceptual level illustrative plans for different redevelopment themes such as mixed-use villages, continued education, or housing.  

• Draft Zoning Amendments and a final report by January 2027.  

What are the Town of Amherst’s priorities/goals?  

The Amherst Town Council adopted the following statement identifying the Town’s priorities for the future uses of Hampshire College’s property:  

“The future uses of Hampshire College land are of critical importance to the Town of Amherst, and comprehensive, consultative, and inclusive land planning efforts are being undertaken by staff. As this effort continues, and as Hampshire College decides what to do with its land, the Town Council identifies the following key priorities and stands ready to provide zoning and regulatory support for them:  

•  Buildable land should be prioritized for housing, small business development, and other appropriate tax revenue-generating uses.   

• Sensitive habitat, farming, or resource areas should be prioritized for preservation, creating a balance between potential redevelopment and preservation.   

• Housing development should prioritize a wide range of housing types, as reflected in the Town’s 2021 Comprehensive Housing Policy and 2025 Housing Production Plan.   

• If components of the property could support identified Town space or facilities needs, those needs should be considered.”