Black Business Association calls for Amherst mayor to resign

AMHERST, Mass. (WWLP) – Members of the Amherst Area Black Business Association (BBAAA) came together today to speak out about the unfair distribution of ARPA funds.

“I am calling on Mayor Paul Bockelman to resign immediately due to corruption,” said Pat Ononibak, president of the Amherst Negro Business Association.

Mr. Bockelman presented an update on ARPA funding at this week’s conference. He was given $11.9 million and $9.8 million was distributed to the town in his ARPA funds. A total of $419,000 will be allocated to grants and economic development, including $300,000 to one downtown venue, The Drake, and seven BIPOC small businesses, according to data on the town’s website. was given.

22News reached out to Bockelman for insight into how the funds were distributed, but was told he was unavailable for comment. 22News also reached out to town council members but did not receive a response. Calls to the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce and Amherst Business Improvement District were not returned.

Bill Nath is a biracial business owner. Although he did not apply for his ARPA funds, he has had good experience working with the town.

“This community is very accepting of people from all over, especially students and universities. We know that approaching it with that mindset is not beneficial,” Nult said.

At Friday’s BBAAA meeting, 22News spoke with two business owners who applied for ARPA funding but were not granted it.

“I was confused and said this is really unfair,” Yasmin Blandford said.

And what did they say when you brought these concerns to them?

“There was nothing…no reaction after that,” Blandford said.

BBAAA members are urging Bockelman to reconsider his ARPA spending strategy.

“We want some of this money to go to black businesses as part of the economic recovery,” said BBAAA Executive Director Milkar Shabazz.

BBAAA members say they will continue to push for a more equitable distribution of these funds.