Driving into Northampton south on King Street after getting off I-91, we are greeted by a number of tire stores, fast food establishments, auto dealers, auto body shops, drug stores (both types), food and liquor stores, and an occasional different business such as a bank, hardware store or insurance agency.

There is not much there that is inviting or represents the values of Northampton. What we see are businesses that are necessary to our current way of life. One thing that most of these businesses have in common is that they are surrounded by acres of concrete.

There currently is an empty lot at the corner of Finn street that is just several acres of concrete and a few weeds. The question is what would make sense to replace that with. There are some idealists that suggest we return this space to nature. There are others who suggest that the space could be occupied by housing.

And finally, there are those that believe that we should put something there that fits in with what is surrounding it. This is a little difficult because of the serious constraints on the look of any use of that space by the city.

I have a hybrid suggestion. The city of Northampton has a plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This plan includes reducing the number of fossil fuel-powered vehicles in the city. Unfortunately, for all the good intentions, the city is an EV charging desert, which does not help move this greenhouse gas reduction effort forward. Just suppose that this plot of land in question was turned into a place where you could purchase non-fossil fuel-powered vehicles and charge them and any other EV.

I think that most people have a stereotype in mind when someone mentions an automobile dealership. They quickly conjure up acres of beat-up cars, oil spills, smoke and loud sounds from the repair facility. Guess what? EVs require hardly any maintenance. They need new tires, windshield wiper blades and an occasional bath. That’s it.

In cooperation with the city, a private business could build an attractive, modern showroom surrounded by EV chargers mainly powered by solar panels on the building’s roof. The structure can be offset from the street by greenery, either shrubs or trees, and you have something that not only reflects the values of Northampton but also its environmental goals and nature.

Owen Mitz lives in Northampton.