Athletes Need Fields, Abutters Want Peace

“This looks like the population of Amherst,” said Amherst Zoning Board of Adjustment chair Doug Kirkwood Monday night as he looked over the crowd awaiting a controversial rehearing.

Opponents and supporters of using a 57 acre Stearns Road property for playing fields with commercial uses had filled town hall last night. They had plenty to say and, as the clock approached midnight, the board decided to hold off a decision until they digest all of the information.

At the center of it all is Brad Knight, who purchased what is formerly known as Brewster Fields  in 2011 as a replacement for the Cemetery Fields, which will be unusable for recreation next year. Knight had previously applied for his property to have a commercial use in order to cover the costs of operating eight athletic fields.

The ZBA denied his initial application, but was granted a rehearing to try once more.

Attorney Greg Michael is representing Knight in his effort to solve the looming shortage of recreational space in town. He told the board that his client needs some sort of revenue to cover the estimated $130,000 a year for maintenance and other costs.

Knight has agreed to drop some of his proposed commercial uses for his field. He has taken out Girl/Boy scout events, farmer’s markets, hot air balloon festivals, and PA systems in order to appease abutters. He added that there will be no new construction on the property, and that there would only be lighting for two fields no later than 9 p.m.

The property will be used for about 6-10 weddings a year, if approved, and host multiple sports games and tournaments during the year.

Abutters are not convinced that Knight’s plans for his property will not have a negative impact on the noise, traffic and the nature of the surrounding rural/residential area.

Abutter Bill Molis said that have sports teams on the property throughout the week would be an “annoyance” with all of the noise created. He had experienced these same issues when the fields were used under the prior owners, Benjamin and Rosemary Brewster. The two had attempted to turn the Stearns Road field into playing fields, but were shot down by voters and courts.

“If we would known that [the property] were to be turned into sports field, we would have never bought the house,” said Molis.

Increased traffic was also a big factor for abutters worried about safety and privacy. Knight denied that the playing fields would create any traffic or noise problems for nearby residents, but some disagreed.

“This is a peaceful neighborhood, and I would like to leave it as such,” said Lisa Heany.

Knigth had an appraiser assess any impact on property values related to having a playing field nearby, who found no evidence that they would diminish. However, ZBA member Jim Quinn questioned the homes used in reach this conclusion in the appraisal. Abutter Randy Hunt had his own report from another appraiser saying that the report was not credible.

Supporters said that the playing fields will not have a negative impact on the area. Abutters to Cemetery Fields said that having games nearby had little impact on their lives.

Athletic coaches and teams also testified on the shortage of playing field space in Amherst, an issue that will worsen once Cemetery Fields goes back to the trustees next year.

President of Amherst Lacrosse Club Erich Herbert said that if sports clubs pull out of town because there isn’t enough field space, there will be a direct tax increase. The quality of recreation in a community can be part of a decision to buy a home.

Other supporters agreed that there is an absolute need for playing fields, and voters have shot down using tax dollars to do so. They applauded Knight for standing up and taking the issue upon himself.

Attorney Michael said that the Master Plan and the Gale Report spell out a clear need for athletic fields, and that the Stearns Road property is the best place to do it. Any alternatives would be much more expensive to taxpayers, and have an environmental impact on surrounding wildlife.

“For crying out loud you people need fields,” said Michael.

Knight insisted that turning his property into athletic fields is the best solution for taxpayers, athletes and every citizen of Amherst. The town has not been unsuccessful in finding a solution to this major problem over the years.

“I didn't enjoy stepping in front of the plate to solve this problem,” said Knight. “I am willing to put my wallet on the line to take care of it.”

The ZBA will meet again on Monday, April 15 in the Amherst Town Hall to deliberate on a decision.