When a Hampshire Superior Court judge’s ruling disbanded the former Northampton Business Improvement District late in 2014, supporters were in mourning. Some expressed anger in the decision’s aftermath, others were simply sad that a nearly decade-long effort had come to an abrupt end.
The decision followed the death of the man who was driving force behind the BID’s creation — longtime restaurateur and city leader Daniel Yacuzzo. It seemed to zap the will of other supporters intent on keeping the city’s heart vibrant.
But time is the ultimate healer, and it didn’t take long for a new plan to take hold. That vision, spawned after several forums spearheaded by the mayor’s office and the Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce, led to a new organization called the Downtown Northampton Association. It deserves – and needs – the backing of all who care about Northampton.
The fledgling organization recently announced its initial membership drive and is in the process of hiring an executive director. It will soon announce its inaugural programming calendar.
The group’s acronym, DNA, is appropriate. The building block of any city is a strong downtown, and for years Northampton has been the envy of the region in that regard.
But not all is perfect. And few are more equipped than property and business owners to identify the warts that go beyond the obvious vacant properties and business openings and closings. Yacuzzo recognized this. So did other longtime business leaders.
Despite the contentious disagreement over the BID’s setup and structure, few argued with its overall goal of maintaining a safe, clean and vibrant downtown. The need didn’t vanish because the BID did. That’s why it’s encouraging that people are picking up where Yacuzzo and others left off, but with important tweaks that form the basis for the DNA.
They can’t do it alone. The DNA needs members, not only for the enthusiasm and ideas they bring, but for the financial backing required to carry out the vision. The group wants to raise $200,000 to pay the salary of a full-time director and fund beautification efforts and events downtown.
The group is seeking contributions at all levels, whether that be $25 from an individual or $5,000 from a business. The organization is inviting property owners to contribute $1,000 a year per property. Those within the downtown business district who have chosen to join the Chamber of Commerce are automatically part of the DNA. First-floor businesses will be charged $200 per year, while upper-floor businesses will pay $100. Dues for new members will begin at $490 a year and increase based on size and location.
So far, Thornes Marketplace and Smith College have joined as major contributors, each donating $10,000. And starting next year, Smith has generously pledged a $20,000 annual contribution. These commitments speak to the importance of this undertaking. The city also has dedicated a maintenance worker to downtown, and the Chamber will house the DNA’s office at its Pleasant Street headquarters.
Why might the DNA succeed where the BID failed? While the goals are the same, the means are different. It’s voluntary, so people who sign up are motivated to put their money on the line. It’s telling that some of the people who have already joined opposed the BID. Let’s hope when the spring membership drive is over, other prominent BID opponents join.
Additionally, the DNA has opened its arms to all residents, not just property and business owners. This is another important shift in thinking that is more inclusionary than the former BID.
Some may argue that an organization dedicated to downtown is a bad idea. Others may not want to pay. But downtown won’t clean itself. Vacant storefronts won’t magically spring new businesses.
Individual property and business owners, however well-intended, can’t shoulder the work possible by a group of motivated people. Nor will they. History has proven that. Now’s your chance to do something about it. To join the DNA, visit northamptonDNA.com.