Michael Di Pasquale: A year-round farmers market for Northampton
Published: 02-06-2023 12:48 PM |
A recent article in The New York Times showcased several cities with farmers’ markets that have become year-round destinations. I have visited two of them, the Eastern Market in Detroit and Reading Market in Philadelphia. In addition to fresh produce and food, these markets offer a range of other activities, including classes, crafts, movies, and music. Space is also available for community meetings and events.
We don’t have such a place in Northampton. But we could. As the city moves forward with plans to create its “Community Resilience Hub,” I encourage our leaders to consider a project that is not limited to one use. I don’t know where planning stands, but I hope the city can imagine a facility that includes a mix of uses, in a larger building, for more people. St. Mary’s Church on Elm Street could accommodate an exciting range of uses, including a year-round market in the existing sanctuary space (think of the great European markets) and a Resiliency Hub, including temporary housing and office space, on the lower floor.
I applaud the city’s efforts to build the “Community Resiliency Hub” and its priority to reuse an existing building. Still a larger structure such as St. Mary’s will provide greater benefits to more people. Instead of segregating one population in a detached facility, a mixed-use facility will provide greater opportunities for more of us to support one another, and to be together. And that would be a better way to build the “resilient” community we strive for.
Michael Di Pasquale
Northampton
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