More Amherst homes converted to rentals

AMHERST, Mass. (WWLP) - More single family homes are being converted to student rentals in Amherst.

27, that's the number of single and two family homes projected to be converted to rentals, mainly student rentals, in Amherst this year.

That's 14 more than last year and one too many for the Coalition of Amherst Neighborhoods. The group of Amherst residents recently petitioned to change zoning bylaws to reduce the number of absentee landlords.

Coalition member Maurianne Adams told 22News the change would require owners go through a Special Permitting process before converting single family homes into student rentals. Adams says the overhaul could help curb the number of unruly students and large house parties.

Other residents say a permitting process is not the answer.

“It seems to me that there are laws on the books that can be followed to keep the neighborhoods quiet,” said John Barbaro of Amherst. “Rather than reach into the people buying the homes telling them they'd have to get special permits.”