Amherst City PWS

Amherst City PWS Municipal Water Report Info

The initial clearing of land in the Amherst region began with Jacob Shupe in 1811. He constructed a log lodge near what we now call Beaver Creek, establishing the first settlement on a hill around today's Cooper Foster Park Road. Recognizing future demand for timber, Shupe brought a craftsman from Pennsylvania to build Lorain County's first sawmill.

Amherst went through several name changes in its early years, including "the Corners." Jonas Stratton, arriving from Amherst, New Hampshire in 1819, established a cabinet shop and gave the township its current name. Early businesses included gristmills, sawmills, and quarries.

The area's extensive sandstone deposits significantly contributed to the town's growth. This high-quality stone, used in many important buildings throughout Ohio and Canada, attracted the railroad and boosted Lake Erie transportation businesses. Many Swiss immigrants joined the established German settlers as the quarry industry flourished.

Today, Amherst is a thriving community of approximately 12,000 residents offering an attractive alternative to urban living while maintaining small-town friendliness. The city features excellent schools, hospitals, churches, parks, and service clubs that enhance quality of life.

Housing consists primarily of single-family homes, though duplexes, condominiums, and apartments are available. More than a dozen new housing developments have been completed in the past decade, with more currently under construction. The city also preserves many historic homes and buildings, several listed on the National Register of Historical Places, particularly along Cleveland Avenue, Park Avenue, and downtown.

Amherst's government operates under a statutory structure with a full-time Mayor and part-time Safety/Service Director. The Auditor, Treasurer and Law Director serve part-time in elected positions. Council members serve two-year terms – four as ward representatives and three as at-large members. The council president, who presides over all meetings, is elected as the eighth council member. Council meetings, held every second and fourth Monday at 7:30 pm in City Hall, are open to the public with resident participation welcomed.