AMHERST, Mass. (WWLP) - The Town of Amherst is updating its Housing Production Plan to address the housing needs of its residents. An open house allowed community members to share their concerns and ideas when it comes to housing. Those were taken into consideration tonight by town officials. "Right now there is a pretty tight housing crunch in Amherst like there is around the region and in the state," Associate planner for the town of Amherst, Greg Richane. The Town of Amherst is looking to update its Housing Production Plan to chart a path toward addressing the housing needs of low- and moderate-income people who live in town. Residents share what they think should be done to help those most vulnerable. "Updating the zoning codes to allow more housing density to be built. Not necessarily putting a skyscraper next to a single-family house, but, like, say, allowing like duplexes and triplexes in complexes to be built on existing single-family lots," said Joe Mascis of Amherst. The plan looks to facilitate the development and preservation of affordable homes for older individuals and college students. The plan will also include housing that meets the requirements of the state's affordable housing law, Chapter 40B. Community input on housing needs and preferences was conducted during a survey taken back in November. In their findings, it was reported that 45 percent of residents in Amherst expressed their intention to move out within the next five years. Town officials say this can be attributed to the high cost of housing in the area as well as the fact that many young people who graduate from college in Amherst often end up leaving the town. "If somebody loses access to a rental here more often than not, learn to end up someplace else, another community in the valley, and we'd like to give them the option to stay here," added Richard. The town is looking to include the following in its plan: Creating housing with a mix of price ranges Encouraging more housing options/choices/types across town Helping people stay in their current housing and community as they age The plan is expected to receive local adoption by the Planning Board and Council before submission to The Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities for approval. Local News Headlines Hadley looks to expand broadband internet for its residents Town of Amherst receives public input for its Housing Production Plan Tips to prevent heat loss this winter Pittsfield bridge project plans include bike lanes WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.