Affordable housing project in Amherst gets boost with solar power funding

May 19, 2026 AMHERST — A commitment of up to $137,500 from the Amherst Municipal Affordable Housing Trust will ensure that the 15 duplexes at Amherst Community Homes in North Amherst have their heating and cooling entirely powered by solar panels.

The trust on May 14 voted unanimously to approve, and exceed, the $125,000 request from Valley Community Development, allowing a $425,000 solar project proposed by PV Squared to move forward

“This is a unique project and a unique situation because it’s not a rental project, we’re just limited on where we can go,” Allan said.

Around $1.7 million is available in the town’s trust. The town has already provided about $1.5 million toward the development.

Trust member Karla Rasche said the request aligns with the town’s values of affordable housing and sustainability. “It’s just a further way to provide equity to people regardless of income,” Rasche said.

This is a great project, said trust member Bob Pomeroy. “It just deepens the affordability for all homeowners,” Pomeroy said.

Chairman Gaston de los Reyes said the trust was in a linchpin position to unlock the full potential for the project.

Both Rep. Mindy Domb and Sen. Jo Comerford put earmarks in the housing bond bill, but Domb, speaking for both legislators, told the trust that money is unlikely to be released.

“Though we have earmarks that would cover the cost, we haven’t been able to get them out of the bond,” Domb said.

The meeting also provided an opportunity to provide an update on how the development, with a passive design and all electric systems that are photovoltaic ready, is proceeding. Allan said the development, being built by general contractor Keiter Corp. of Florence, is 82% complete.

Article by by Scott Merzbach