Ward 1 Newsletter (03/27/23): New parking regulations
The city on Monday, March 27, began fully enforcing new parking regulations that increase the rates for spaces closest to Main Street and eliminate time limits on most metered parking. The hours of enforcement are now 10 a.m. to 5, 7 or 8 p.m., depending on where you park Mondays [...]
Ward 1 Newsletter (03/04/23): COVID-19 Remembrance Day
The City Council on Thursday unanimously approved a resolution recognizing the first Monday of each March as COVID-19 Remembrance Day, " in recognition of those who died as a result of the pandemic and the suffering of those who survived but carry the long-term impacts of this virus." I co-sponsored [...]
Ward 1 Newsletter (02/18/23): Reparations Commission approved
The City Council on Thursday unanimously approved a resolution calling for a commission "to study racialized harms perpetrated against Black residents, workers, and students in Northampton, historically and currently." The resolution is sponsored by Garrick Perry (Ward 4) and at-large councilors Jamila Gore and Marissa Elkins. The resolution states "that [...]
Mayor announces ARPA community recovery grants
Mayor Gina-Louise Sciarra during Thursday's City Council meeting announced the 61 projects that received grants totaling $4 million from the American Rescue Plan Act money designated by the city for community recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. These projects will support recovery, build resilience and reconnect the community. I was one [...]
Ward 1 Newsletter (02/03/23): Reparations Commission proposed
A resolution calling for a commission "to study racialized harms perpetrated against Black residents, workers, and students in Northampton, historically and currently" received strong support from every city councilor when it was introduced Feb. 2. The resolution is sponsored by Garrick Perry (Ward 4) and at-large councilors Jamila Gore and [...]
Ward 1 newsletter (1/21/23): Cap on retail marijuana shops approved
Cap on cannabis dispensaries The City Council on Thursday voted 6-3 to approve an ordinance capping at 12 the number of retail marijuana dispensaries in Northampton. I voted with the majority, and President James Nash (Ward 3), Marissa Elkins (at-large) and Garrick Perry (Ward 4) opposed the ordinance. It now goes to [...]