Board hears update on Boulevard Mall redevelopment and proposed private sports complex

Presenter

Board members and district staff reported May 5 that they met with the Amherst Industrial Development Agency and town representatives about redevelopment plans for the Boulevard Mall site and other private projects that could affect the district’s tax base.

A board member and district staff said preliminary estimates put retail assessed value of a redeveloped Boulevard Mall at about $62,000,000, which the board described as potentially beneficial to the district’s tax base if redevelopment proceeds. Board members said they have asked IDA representatives to return in summer with updates and that they are monitoring the court process for an eminent‑domain action tied to the property.

Separately, the board discussed a private proposal to develop a multi‑sport indoor complex on Maple Road (inside district boundaries) that could include an indoor track, multi‑sport courts and an on‑site hotel to support tournaments. Board members described the project as privately financed and said it could offer access for district teams and host section events; details and tax‑incentive requests were under review by the IDA.

Ending: Board members said they appreciated inclusion in stakeholder conversations and expect follow‑up updates as developers and the IDA advance plans.