Each site which is to be preserved has its own nostalgic allure, according to the Gazette. The farmland that will be preserved, including the 160-acre Hess farm and 43-acre Heart farm, are "the town's last significant parcels of farmland," according to the Gazette.
The West Cemetery is "the final resting spot of Emily Dickinson, and other town notables," reported the Gazette. According to the Gazette, the town will create the mural in an effort to attract visitors and to foster support for future restoration of the cemetery. Another site to be refurbished, the 40-foot-tall chimney of the Strong House, was once the most prominent element of the Amherst skyline.
The preservation endeavor will require the expenditure of considerable funds, according to the Gazette. At the meeting there was no debate over the $97,500 approved to preserve the Hess farm or the $41,500 for the Hart farm. However, there was debate as to the appropriateness of allotting funds to repair the chimney of Strong House, because it is home to the Amherst History Museum, a private organization.
Ultimately, $40,000 was approved in a voice vote, affirming the reasoning of museum director Fiona Russel that "the history museum's public mission made it worthy of public support," according to The Gazette.
Council member "Vincent O'Connor [...] questioned whether $15,000 to complete a mural of historic figures in the West Cemetery was the best use of money," reported the Gazette. O'Connor was uncertain that placing the mural in the West Cemetery would ensure that the mural would be appreciated and noticed.
"The town is losing historic resources every year. While I support public art, I would like to see it in a more public place. We should preserve the resources we are about to lose before we create new ones," he told the Gazette.
"The town's Community Preservation Act budget is funded by a one percent real estate surcharge, with the first $100,000 exempt, and state matching funds," reported The Gazette.