When you enter downtown you are greeted by the historic Hotel Northampton — a treasure of our city. Beautiful flowers in the front, back and on the side of the hotel are jewels there for everyone to enjoy. The entrance is welcoming. You can enjoy a delicious lunch, or even a cup of coffee or drink served by a kind and well-trained staff.
On New Year’s Eve, Northampton has a ball-raising (rather than lowering tradition.) At midnight, a 6 foot in diameter steel globe of the Earth is raised from the roof of the Hotel Northampton as part of the family friendly First Night Northampton celebration.
Mansour Ghalibaf, the owner of the hotel, is not responsible, nor pleased, with all the obstacles that are causing delays in the construction of yet another landmark hotel on the grounds of the former Daily Hampshire Gazette. But, as he stated in a recent Gazette story, “… I haven’t given up on it.”
Isn’t it time to praise, offer support, and not punish the folks who have been and continue to care for and develop our beautiful city?
Margo Cooley, former downtown business owner
Northampton