All nine city councilors spoke in favor of “A Resolution in Support of Picture Main Street” that was introduced Thursday, Oct. 19. A vote on the resolution supporting the proposed redesign of Main Street is expected on Thursday, Nov. 16.

The project, for which the state would pay $19 million, would channel motor vehicle traffic to one travel lane in each direction with a center turning lane; add separated bicycle lanes on both sides of the road; widen sidewalks; shorten crosswalks; reduce the overall number of parking spaces by 57; increase accessible parking spots by two; and add 36 trees.

Construction is scheduled to start in two years and last for three years.

The resolution states: “The Northampton City Council recognizes and stands by the more than twenty years of planning by our elected and appointed officials that will lead to a safer, greener and more vibrant downtown with their thoughtful planning reflected in Picture Main Street.”

In my remarks supporting the resolution, I cited Picture Main Street’s alignment with the city’s transportation, sustainability and accessibility goals adopted during the last 18 years.

I also said the project complements other activity downtown that will help revitalize Main Street, including new housing for all income levels on Pleasant Street, King Street and Crafts Avenue; the city’s planned sale of 1.46 acres at 33 King St. for redevelopment; the city’s purchase of the former First Baptist Church at 298 Main St. for use as the Community Resilience Hub; and the recent announcements that two iconic downtown entertainment venues – the Iron Horse Music Hall and Calvin Theater – will soon fully reopen.

I also emphasized the importance of the resolution’s conclusion that “it is time for us as a community to come together around Picture Main Street to begin working with our downtown business community to thrive and survive the coming construction, and to actualize our shared goal of a more walkable, cyclable, accessible downtown.”

On Monday, Oct. 16, the Northampton Energy & Sustainability Commission unanimously endorsed a statement affirming that the project “represents a great advance towards the city’s goals for sustainability, resilience and responsiveness to the climate crisis we all face.”

The full City Council resolution is available here:

https://northamptonma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/22102?fileID=185219

More information about Picture Main Street is available here:

https://northamptonma.gov/2547/Picture-Main-Street

Outdoor lighting ordinance

Mayor Gina-Louise Sciarra and the Planning & Sustainability department submitted to the City Council on Thursday, Oct. 19, an updated ordinance regulating outdoor lighting The ordinance was referred to the council’s Committee on Legislative Matters, of which I am a member, and Planning Board for hearings, which likely will be held in November.

The proposal would replace the existing ordinance that was last updated in 2007. The new ordinance reflects current light-emitting diode (LED) technology and fine-tunes restrictions on glare and other impacts of outdoor lights on neighboring properties and the sky.

The proposed ordinance is available here:

https://northamptonma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/22095?fileID=185191

Winter clothing drive

The municipal winter clothing drive continues through Thursday, Oct. 26, with collection boxes at City Hall, Fire Department, Police Department, Forbes Library and the Division of Community Care at 1 Roundhouse Plaza.

Winter clothing that is gently used, including coats, sweaters, scarves, gloves, rain gear and blankets, will be distributed to adults and children in need “to ensure that vulnerable people, including the homeless and those with limited resources, can stay warm and safe during the colder months.” New socks and underwear, as well as personal care items such as toiletries and menstrual products, also are being collected.

Donations are sorted by Division of Community Care community responders and will be distributed during a fall festival at Pulaski Park from 12:30 to 3 p.m., Friday, Oct. 27. Sponsored by the Division of Community Care and Manna Community Kitchen, the event also includes activities such as gourd painting, cornhole and outdoor bowling.

Historic Preservation Plan

A new Historic Preservation Plan element of the Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive Plan will be presented and discussed at 6:30 p.m., Monday Oct. 30, in the City Council chambers at 212 Main St.

People may participate remotely by using this Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84463596117 (the passcode is 127871).

City officials are working with the Barrett Planning Group of Hingham to produce a 10-year plan identifying key preservation elements – including buildings, natural resources and cultural artifacts – as well as the tools available to protect them.

Two community forums were held last fall.

The draft plan is available here: https://northamptonma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/23284/Preservation-Draft-20230915

Stan