Thank you to Darcy Dumont for her suggestion to hit the pause button on the construction of new buildings in downtown Amherst (in a letter to the editor, Sept. 27). Many of us feel blindsided by the sudden and seemingly precipitous construction of the out-of-scale buildings that now loom over the northern sector of downtown. I wince every time I go by them and find myself avoiding that part of town so I do not have to see them.
I was horrified to learn recently that three more huge buildings are being “fast tracked” for approval and construction. I frankly am bewildered by how these buildings have come about. I have friends who have tried to start or expand businesses in Amherst, and they complain about the town’s stringent and onerous guidelines. So how did these huge apartment buildings get past all of the usual checks and permitting processes? Were they evaluated for sustainability or visual impact? Why do they not include affordable housing? Were they vetted for how they would make downtown Amherst more inviting? If so, where are the outdoor cafés, benches, trees, small gardens and interesting sculptures that grace new buildings in other towns?
So yes, let’s hit the pause button on new buildings in our downtown. We need to have a plan and not be so blinded by promises of revenue that we let developers construct out-of-scale buildings that violate the town’s commitment to accessibility, sustainability and affordability. Our downtown has a unique ambience and history — it has evolved over time and of course it will continue to evolve. But let’s pause and talk about how we can make our downtown more inviting for everyone — pedestrians of all ages, cyclists, runners, and folks who want to sit and socialize. How can we preserve and enhance our downtown’s uniqueness, quirkiness and charm while still making room for new businesses? Once the town has been turned into a tunnel of large apartment buildings, it will be too late. Thank you, Darcy, for your suggestion — you have my vote!
Patricia Ramsey
Amherst