Stage Set For Next Round of Debate on Playing Fields

The Amherst ZBA has approved a request for a rehearing to decide whether or not to allow commercial use for a potential recreational field replacement.

Brad Knight, owner of 57.2 acres on Stearns Road, has plans to use his property as a replacement for Cemetery Fields, which will cease recreational use in 2014. However, his property lies in a rural/residential area with protections for surrounding wetlands, watershed and aquifer.

Knight plans to use his property for local sports, weddings and events, but the ZBA had denied his efforts after a heated public hearing with concerned residents and abutters.

Thirteen members of the opposition were present at the ZBA meeting on Tuesday, and plan to come out in force during next month’s rehearing. Concerned residents worry about noise, parking, environmental damage, flooding and other problems from turning the property into a new playing fields and event destination.

“This is a very large intense commercial activity in an otherwise quiet residential area,” said abutter Peter de Bruyn Kops. “If this gets approved where does it stop?”

Knight said he purchased the property a few years ago with the intention of using it as a replacement for Cemetery Fields. Opponents say that he knew full well of the property’s history with the previous owners.

Benjamin and Rosemary Brewster had initially gained approval to use their property for commercial purposes, but this was revoked after voters changed the zoning. The couple took their case to supreme court and lost.

Knight said that he has already invested $750,000+ into the property, and is frustrated that there is opposition as he tries to help the town. Opponents argue that he should have known what he was getting into.

“This is a risk he took, a risk he knew because I’m sure he looked at the history of the land,” said Anna Goulet Zimmerman.

Knight could not be reached for comment after Tuesday's meeting.

The rehearing will take place on Tuesday, March 19 at 7 p.m. in the upper level of Amherst Town Hall.