Amherst council backs zoning changes Amherst Town Hall FILE PHOTO Published: 1/5/2021 2:31:54 PM AMHERST — Motivating developers to pursue housing projects in downtown and village centers is a primary goal of zoning priorities being endorsed by the Town Council. With an affirmative vote Monday on action steps, which councilors deemed consistent with the master plan, the hope is to encourage more housing options for people from all economic backgrounds. “We have a massive deficit of housing in this town,” said At-Large Councilor Mandi Jo Hanneke. The 10-3 vote in support of the zoning priorities recommended by the council’s Community Resources Committee came despite concerns received in writing from several residents, including from a group calling itself Citizens for Better Planning.