AMHERST — A fire station, possibly combined with a new community center, or an affordable housing development, are among the concepts unveiled for the front portion of the former Hickory Ridge Golf Course on West Pomeroy Lane, the 150-acre, town-owned site where construction of a new municipal trail system and a private solar project are underway.

Earlier this month, Assistant Town Manager David Ziomek unveiled to the Town Council a series of illustrations and conceptual drawings showing how the previously developed portion of the property, including the dilapidated clubhouse, a small out building and the 100-space parking lot, could be redeveloped.

Ziomek said town officials have created both a land stewardship plan for the site, acquired in 2022 for $520,000, and done assessments for a possible fire station, a separate municipal building and private homes.

“We know we have a site here. We believe it will fit quite nicely,” Ziomek said of a potential use as a fire station.

There is also the possibility of co-locating a fire station and an unidentified community building.

“It’s a long narrow strip on West Pomeroy Lane,” Ziomek said. “We can’t go too deep into the property due to the flood plain.”

While the town will pivot based on needs, Ziomek said the site does have town water and sewer and electrical connections to the clubhouse, which will be demolished at some point.

“Water and sewer is there, and when we take the building down and we regrade that area, we’ll make sure we don’t limit ourselves in any way,” Ziomek said. He added that, no matter the future use, some parking will be reserved for those who want to visit the trails and bird watch.

Taylor Davis Landscaping was recently hired to do complete the trails that will be 6 feet wide and fully accessible. “Very similar to the Conte trail, if you will, over in Hadley on Moody Bridge Road,” Ziomek said.

Like that federal site, Ziomek said he anticipates the trails will be a regional attraction.

Residents to the north, on East Hadley Road, are expected to be able to use these trails to get to the shops in the Pomeroy village center.

Ziomek said officials are excited to work with a local contractor for the $500,000 project being supported by a $280,000 Parklands Acquisitions and Renovations for Communities state grant and $120,000 from the town’s Community Preservation Act account, along with Community Development Block Grant money.

When the town pre-acquired the property, which is divided by the Fort River, solar was already planned. That project, to produce 6.44 megawatts of electricity annually and which also includes a 3,500-kilowatt battery system, is already under construction by PureSky Energy. Town officials have required emergency access for firefighters due to more overtopping of the Fort River and the possible need to deal with any issues this might cause for the batteries.

The solar will bring in $80,000 per year in payment in lieu of taxes payments. The energy produced is being purchased by the city of Springfield. If all goes according to plan, this will be complete by the end of the year

Ziomek calls Hickory Ridge a “stunning property” with deep ecological significance, and 17 acres of ecological restoration is already happening by PureSky.

Meanwhile, a portion of a $3.5 million National Fish and Wildlife America the Beautiful grant is being directed to restore damage along the Fort River, including removing riprap and the extensive irrigation system that was used for the golf course.

Among ideas for future additions to the site are an outdoor ampitheater for performances and community gardens for the nearby apartment complexes.

Following the presentation, District 1 Councilor Cathy Schoen said she would like to get more details about the town’s ongoing expenses.

“I am blown away by the quality of work that has gone into this thinking about this project,” said District 2 Councilor Pat De Angelis, though added she is concerned about battery storage, especially if the flooding from the river affects and could cause irreparable harm to the habitat should the batteries be compromised.

District 3 George Ryan, who represents residents who live off East Hadley Road, said his constituents are ready for the work to be finished.

“The residents of District 3 are very excited about this and are looking forward to it very much,” Ryan sad.

Scott Merzbach can be reached at smerzbach@gazettenet.com.