NORTHAMPTON — From protected bike lanes to cafe seating and wider sidewalks, the city is surveying residents and visitors about what they want to see downtown as it gears up to redesign Main Street.
The online survey, recently posted on the city’s website, asks people to rate more than 20 possible new elements for downtown, such as a parklet, a buffered bike lane, art installations on the pavement, and a high-visibility crosswalk.
Results will help the city decide what ideas to try out this summer and early fall, said Wayne Feiden, director of planning and sustainability.
“We’re going to be testing concepts on Main Street — short-term installations to see what works and doesn’t work,” he said.
The actual construction for the redesign is estimated to start in 2025. The project’s more than $10 million cost will be paid for with state and federal funding, though the city would have to pay for any water and sewer work if it needs to be done, according to Feiden.
Last month, the city held a forum, “Picture Main Street — creating a safer place to live, work, and play,” to collect public feedback on the redesign. There will be future forums, though they are not scheduled yet, Feiden said, and the survey will be open at least for the rest of the month.
Greta Jochem can be reached at gjochem@gazettenet.com.