Having lived in this Valley for over 30 years, I am saddened by the downturn of vitality in Northampton. Many closed storefronts in addition to three closed music venues has dampened the energy of this once lively city.

So I was interested to read the front page article in the April 28 Gazette, titled “Main Street overhaul makes room for bikes, people.” Yay, I thought to myself, let’s read what this new vision is for downtown Northampton!

I was absolutely bewildered to read that this vision includes spending $19.1 million to re-design less than 1/2 mile of Main Street — that’s $7,235. for every 12 inches of redo!

This project leaves me with the feeling and thought that there is no longer a comprehension of the value of money and what is reasonable. The funds for this project, it says in the article, will come entirely from federal and state sources. Groundbreaking to begin in 2025. One can only imagine what the city’s consulting costs are for Toole Design Group, the consulting company hired to work on the design.

To make room for this expensive overhaul, the plan calls for narrowing Main Street by eliminating 57 on- street parking spaces, expanding sidewalks and adding bike lanes. The mayor suggests this will “revitalize the city’s economy.” How about revitalizing town by filling the empty storefronts.

Wendi Weinberg

Pelham

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