Published: 4/10/2021 5:59:06 PM
NORTHAMPTON — What is the future of downtown? That’s the topic of two upcoming city meetings — one to get feedback about redesiging Main Street and another about business recovery post-COVID.
The Main Street redesign project public meeting will take place Wednesday at 6 p.m.
“We will share multiple options for eventual Main Street reconstruction (sidewalks, street trees and sidewalk furnishings, parking, bicycle facilities, and travel lanes) and explore benefits and tradeoffs,” reads information from the city’s department of Planning and Sustainability.
The city expects to receive $16.6 million from the state in 2025 for the project. In a survey of 800 people last year, high-visibility crosswalks, sidewalk cafes, protected bike lanes and artistic crosswalks were the four top-rated possible new features, according to the city page on the project.
The project’s goals include making downtown safer and more accessible for everyone. More information about the project can be found at: https://arcg.is/0KC90T0.
Then on Tuesday, April 27 at 6 p.m., the city is hosting “Helping Downtown Recover from COVID-19.”
“I am truly excited to continue the public conversation about plans for downtown Northampton,” Mayor David Narkewicz said in a statement. “There’s a lot on the agenda for both meetings. Please come and share your thoughts about downtown’s future, and help us spread the word about these two important meetings to everyone you know.”
Both meetings will be held over Zoom, and more information can be found on the city’s calandar at northamptonma.gov/calendar.