Decision on Stearns Road Playing Fields Delayed...Again

The decision on whether or not to allow a property on Stearns Road to have a commercial use for playing fields continues yet again.

The Amherst Zoning Board of Adjustment had intended to come to a decision Monday on allowing Brad Knight to use his property for commercial purposes. That decision was delayed yet again after another round of lengthy discussion and legal uncertainty.

Knight had purchased the property, formerly known as Brewster Fields, with the intention of having it serve as a replacement to Cemetery Fields. The recreational fields will return to the cemetery trustees next year, and many in Amherst worry over a lack of field space.

Abutters do not want to have their residential neighborhood disrupted by Knight’s operation, but supporters see it as the only hope to address what they see as a major playing field shortage.

Monday’s discussion between the two camps was very similar to previous meetings. Knight and his supporters argued that his property is the only viable option, while opponents voiced concern over disruption, and a lack of need for recreational space in the face of declining enrollment.

Knight did come to the meeting with some additional concessions in an attempt to appease abutters. In addition to lowering the commercial uses of his property, he has cut out possible disruptions like amplified speakers, lighting and offered to only host four tournaments a year.

These changes to his original proposal are not reflected in the original application, thus creating a complication as the board faced a vote on it. The board felt it best to recess the public hearing and address this issue after they had talked to legal council.

The Amherst ZBA will meet again on Tuesday, April 30 at 7p.m. in the Amherst Town Hall.