Business at 174 Park Avenue cleared to add paver walkway, sign and freestanding pergola

The Amherst Historical Downtown Design Review Board approved an application from Robert Kia of Sandstone Property Holdings LLC to renovate the rear area at 174 Park Avenue, including a paver walkway (approximately 7 feet in length), plantings or rock/mulch, a rear building sign and a freestanding pergola. Kia told the board that he recently moved the business from 164 to 174 Park Avenue and wanted to "spruce that back area up" and add signage so customers can find the entrance.

Board members noted the temporary tent used for the Amherst Art Festival had been removed and said the proposed improvements fit the parking-lot context. A committee member moved to approve the application as submitted; the motion carried on a voice vote. A member clarified the quoted "7 foot" dimension referred to the walkway length, not height.