WESTHAMPTON — Public feedback is being sought as officials are finalizing the town’s Municipal Digital Equity Plan. There will be a public meeting at Town Hall at 6:30 p.m. Thursday for town residents to provide input on the plan and speak to their experiences with the internet and their devices.

A 2022 master plan survey in the town showed that nine in 10 residents recognize the essential nature of broadband connectivity, both for town services and the local economy. As Westhampton has been crafting a Digital Equity Plan, like other municipalities around the state, officials have emphasized access to high-speed internet connections, which some residents do not currently have. Additionally, the town will work on device distribution, digital literacy, and helping those without connections when cost poses a barrier.

Local Digital Equity Plans are part of a program through the Massachusetts Broadband Institute that seeks to identify the internet needs of communities and bridge any digital gaps that community members may be experiencing.

The Massachusetts Broadband Institute advises municipalities on internet access and affordability, device access, and digital skills as part of this program, with the goal of equalizing digital access and usage. The program was created in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The plan is being completed with the town’s consulting partner VHB, and was funded by the Massachusetts Broadband Institute at the MassTech Collaborative under the Municipal Digital Equity Planning Program.

 

Free concerts, movies this summer at Millside Park

EASTHAMPTON — Arts in the Park and Millside Movies are here for the summer, beginning Friday. Through mid-August, anyone can enjoy free live music at the Millside Park bandshell at 2 Ferry St.

This summer’s lineup features the Grateful Dead tribute band Bring Out Ya Dead, classic rock band Above the Treeline, Jerry Brookman & The Spinning Hearts, Eddie Forman with polka music, Heritage Pops with big band music, and Timeless Tunes playing oldies.

The park will also host nine local groups for a Battle of the Bands on July 20 from noon to 5 p.m., showcasing the bands’ original music.

On Friday, June 28, Bring Out Ya Dead’s performance will be followed by a screening of Led Zeppelin’s “Dazed & Confused” at 9:15 p.m. which is rated R and recommended for older audiences. On July 26, there will be a family movie night with a showing for all ages of “Neverending Story” at 9 p.m.

Music will be performed on Fridays from 6:30 to 8 p.m. unless posted otherwise. Jerry Brookman & The Spinning Hearts will perform on Saturday, July 27 at that time.

 

Southampton discusses rail trail extension

SOUTHAMPTON — Southampton officials have embarked on some of the initial planning stages for two infrastructure projects: the development of the Southampton Greenway and pedestrian infrastructure improvements near William E. Norris School.

Recently, town officials met with representatives from Tighe & Bond as well as various divisions of the state Department of Transportation for discussions about these two projects, which are listed on the State Transportation Improvement Program. Together, they conducted a walk-through of the proposed project sites to examine and discuss possible utility conflicts, environmental considerations, and the conditions of bridges and culverts along the greenway.

The much-anticipated Southampton Greenway will serve as an extension for the Manhan Rail Trail, adding a southern portion from Coleman Road to Brickyard Road Extension, near Sheldon’s Ice Cream — a distance of about three miles.

The second project is for pedestrian improvements near William E. Norris School through the Massachusetts Safe Routes to School program.

Both projects will be paid for by state funding. Construction is not expected to begin until fiscal years 2028 and 2027, respectively.

Alexa Lewis can be reached at alewis@gazettenet.com or on Instagram and Twitter at @alexamlewis.