AMHERST — The town’s conservation areas and trails could get new signs that will bring some consistency to the appearance of those sites and mirror the branding of what is known as the downtown wayfinding system.

With a request for up to $100,000 in Community Preservation Act money, new signs, kiosks and trail markers are expected to be made and installed later in 2025.

Samantha Giffen, who handles communications for the town, told the Conservation Commission at a recent meeting that the money, if approved, will enhance the 2,400 acres of conservation land and 140 miles of trails. “Really uplifting the branding of the town in all of our conservation and recreation areas,” Giffen said.

Many of the existing signs are old and failing apart, and there is no consistency that indicates land is owned by the town, Giffen said, causing confusion for users. The areas are also not compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The designs of the arrival signs, trail makers, parking symbols and kioskis, with trail maps and information about the property, such as its history, will be complete in the spring, with the signs to be fabricated in the summer.

Assistant Town Manager David Ziomek, in a memo to the CPA Committee, wrote, “The lack of signage creates confusion for users and visitors when they try to find these areas and does not present a solid outward facing image for the town.” Ziomek also notes that staff in the Conservation, Recreation and Public Works departments have formed a working group to design a wayfinding sign system funded through American Rescue Plan Act money to create a “family” of signs including wayfinding, arrival, rules and regulations, and accompanying maps.

Jones for the Holidays

A tour of the Jones Library, showing parts of the building that are usually not accessible to the public, takes place Saturday at 10:30 a.m. as part of the Jones for the Holidays.

Led by the Friends of the Jones Libraries, people who want to go on the tour should gather in the atrium. The tour guide will explain the climate benefits of the $46.1 million expansion and renovation project, the historic preservation that will happen, and the new program spaces for children, teens and adults.

Atkins development

Archipelago Inc.’s plans for a mixed-use building at Atkins corner off West Bay Road is expected to be brought forward in the coming months, according to Senior Planner Nate Malloy.

Malloy told the Planning Board at a recent meeting that a sizable number of apartments would go up on land on Lannon Way and Gould Lane, owned by a subsidiary of Hamshire College.

“It will be a big project,” Malloy said. “The idea is to get some housing there.”

But he added that it’s a tricky site with topography and wetlands and potential contamination of soil from its use as an apple orchard. Archipelago earlier sought a variance from the Zoning Board of Appeals so it wouldn’t have to comply with requirements for nonresidential space set by village center regulations.

Art exhibit

The Jones Library’s Burnett Art Gallery is featuring an exhibit of works by library staff, “Art in the Stacks,” with a variety of art forms and mediums, formally launched on Dec. 8.

Library Director Sharon Sharry told trustees that she gives credit to library employees showing off their artistic side. “I think it’s really impressive for the staff to take that leap,” Sharry said.

Gingerbread build

A replica of the Emily Dickinson Museum and a representation of a Mill River music festival were among Amherst-based gingerbread creations that took home prizes in the 12th annual Gingerbread Build, a benefit for Pioneer Valley Habitat for Humanity.

The weeklong build-at-home event saw each group collect pledges and fundraise as teams.

Team Bertrand earned a Landmark Likeness for the Emily Dickinson Museum, while W.D. Cowls earned a Music to Our Ears with the Mill River Music Fest 2024. Kuhn Riddle Architects’ got recognition for its Livin’ on the Farm.

Habitat Executive Director Megan McDonough, in a video, said $27,035 was raised to support low-income families who will eventually call these developments home. “This is real money to help build real houses with real families here in Franklin and Hampshire counties,” McDonough said.

Cuppa Joe

Town Manager Paul Bockelman is holding his next Cuppa Joe on Jan. 10 at 8 a.m. at Cushman Market & Cafe, 491 Pine St.

As is customary, Bockelman will be joined by a special guest, and people are invited to ask questions, comment on municipal affairs and learn about town politics.

Song & Story Swap

Folk singers and songwriters Claire Dacey and Jamoof will be at the next Song & Story Swap, set for Saturday at 7 p.m. at First Church, 165 Main St.

Admission to the all ages event is free, though there is a suggested donation of $7.50 to the artists. Contact Paul Kaplan at 413-687-5002.

Meetings

MONDAY: Historical Commission public hearing on 94 Lessey St. demolition request, 7 p.m.

THURSDAY: Zoning Board of Appeals, 6 p.m.