Having worked at and owned a retail business for 42 years in Northampton (36 on Main Street ), I respectfully disagree with the mayor, Planning Department and recent columnist on their “vision” of Main Street going forward. Certainly much can be done to address public safety but why so drastic a facelift? And there’s no shortage of trees in Northampton now.

Since the plan is going to directly affect businesses, why are they not at the forefront of the discussion rather than public safety, biking and aesthetics when the businesses comprise the economic component?

The businesses pay enormous high rent for their storefronts and work extremely long hours to live their dream. Eliminating prime parking spaces and making it more difficult for cars to traverse the new maze proposed will deter more shoppers and diners.

Parking has been a major topic in and around Main Street since its renaissance in the 80s, even with the addition of the E. John Gare Parking Garage. Just as it is at the mall, prospective shoppers want to park as close as they can . Many are short-termers for quick turnover.

Major accommodations have been made for bikers and walkers with trails to access downtown areas over the years. Now planners want to redesign this area to make it more accessible for them rather than for vehicles. Have these same designers polled the Chamber members and businesses to verify that their customer base is primarily walkers or bikers? I certainly wouldn’t want a politician or planner to suggest to me what is best for my customer base at my expense and their “vision.”

Make the process transparent and include the downtown merchants, shoppers, restaurants and diners to get their vision of Main Street. That will make clear the process , since those businesses ultimately will be the ones paying the price and have the most to lose.

Paul Diemand

Southampton

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