This is my concern/fear with “Picture Main Street.” There was a similar project in Burlington, Vermont called “Great Streets” redesigning their downtown to make it more walkable, green etc., that started in 2022. I absolutely value those concepts and want to reduce our carbon footprint on the planet however, what happened in Burlington was a nightmare for the businesses and customers. It made things so inaccessible for so many that businesses have closed.
Their venerable music nightspot Nectar’s recently closed permanently … after 50 years? It’s the direct result of that city’s similar Main Street redo which, by accounts, has been a death knell for businesses. The projected lead times for its phases have already doubled. That, and sadly growing problems with homelessness, drugs, violence, vandalism, etc., have generated an impression that the Queen City is to be avoided … and this includes their signature Church Street Marketplace.
I am so afraid that Picture Main Street will render Hamp similarly and turn it into a ghost town, encouraging more aggressive panhandlers to solicit and practically take up residence on the sidewalks. We already have enough problems with this and I’m afraid this plan would magnify that all the more.
At this point I’m not planning to vote for any candidates that are supporting Picture Main Street. It would be wonderful to be wrong about this, and I’m open to hearing opposite opinions, but these are my concerns and remain my fears.
Betsy-Dawn Williams
Northampton