North Common Revitalization Project

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Consultation has concluded

Project Overview

The North Common is at the crossroads of Downtown Amherst. It is located at the center of our civic life. While the South Common provides a big open space for fairs, large gatherings and the Farmer’s Market, the North Common is a quieter, shaded, more intimate space. We want to make the North Common attractive and welcoming for residents and visitors alike, to bring people to Downtown Amherst, especially as we emerge from the effects of COVID-19, aiding the restaurants and retailers by providing an attraction to draw people to our Downtown.

Nearly 8 years of work went into formulating a design for the North Commons, beginning in 2013 with multiple public forums, to concept designs in 2018, culminating in approval from Town Council on March 22, 2021 of a preliminary plan. On Monday, May 24th, the Town Council held a public hearing and confirmed their March 22 vote in favor of Plan 3B to convert the Main Street parking lot into a pedestrian plaza.

In the coming months, Town staff will finalize the design for the North Common with opportunities for feedback and input from members of the public.

How to stay involved:

  • Review the design concept & other documents under "Important Links"
  • View the North Common photo gallery under "Photos"
  • Tell us what you are most looking forward to as part of the revitalized North Common below
  • Share your favorite memory of spending time on the North Common below

Project Overview

The North Common is at the crossroads of Downtown Amherst. It is located at the center of our civic life. While the South Common provides a big open space for fairs, large gatherings and the Farmer’s Market, the North Common is a quieter, shaded, more intimate space. We want to make the North Common attractive and welcoming for residents and visitors alike, to bring people to Downtown Amherst, especially as we emerge from the effects of COVID-19, aiding the restaurants and retailers by providing an attraction to draw people to our Downtown.

Nearly 8 years of work went into formulating a design for the North Commons, beginning in 2013 with multiple public forums, to concept designs in 2018, culminating in approval from Town Council on March 22, 2021 of a preliminary plan. On Monday, May 24th, the Town Council held a public hearing and confirmed their March 22 vote in favor of Plan 3B to convert the Main Street parking lot into a pedestrian plaza.

In the coming months, Town staff will finalize the design for the North Common with opportunities for feedback and input from members of the public.

How to stay involved:

  • Review the design concept & other documents under "Important Links"
  • View the North Common photo gallery under "Photos"
  • Tell us what you are most looking forward to as part of the revitalized North Common below
  • Share your favorite memory of spending time on the North Common below