Not Too Late For Transparency

Published in Leapfrog Vol. II Issue #2.

https://hampshireleapfrog.org/...

A proposed apartment complex is planned for the area behind Atkins Market, which would involve the sale of land by Hampshire College. According to President Wingenbach’s comments at the Amherst Planning Commission meeting on March 19, the sale is the final part of Hampshire's financial stabilization plan, and any delays would cause significant hardship.

I’ll take Wingenbach at his word and support the sale. However, supporting urgent actions doesn’t mean suspending critical questions or the need for transparency. I attended the meeting via Zoom.

An article published on March 3 in the Daily Hampshire Gazette states that Hampshire’s vision is for faculty and staff housing, as well as retail. Before the planning board, Wingenbach stated that Hampshire would benefit from having faculty and staff reside there, as the limited availability of housing in Amherst has made it more challenging to attract and retain employees.

While the Planning Board sounded mostly supportive, board member Jesse Mager was quoted in the Gazette, “I just want to be really clear: My view on this it’s not going to be populated by faculty, staff and families, maybe a few, but it predominantly will be students, is my best guess,” These students may come from other colleges, such as UMass, especially since the development will be on the bus route.

During the public comment period, a neighbor to the proposed project noted that it was misleading to suggest that the apartments are for faculty, staff, and families in general, as 80% of the units are 600-800 square feet, which is less space than most families would consider for a long-term apartment. The leases would be for one year,
whereas an option for longer leases might be desirable for staff or faculty who hope to work for the college over the long term.

Despite having little time left in his term and the current semester, Wingenbach should hold an information session where he can explain the merits of the project. It should include a Zoom component so that the entire campus, as well as alumni
and others who care about Hampshire, can participate in an open Q&A. Questions may include whether it is possible to set aside a certain number of units for rentals to Hampshire community members, and what other ways we can support Hampshire in recruiting and retaining employees, as well as improving their quality of life. Attendees might also have ideas for alleviating some of the neighbors' concerns about the project so that they will not oppose it.