On the Streets

Car ownership is a part of life for the vast majority of us in Western Massachusetts; over 92% of Northampton households own at least one vehicle. Between the intensity of New England’s weather and our underfunded and inadequate public transportation system, cars are often a necessity for even the able-bodied. Mayor Sciarra has deliberately pursued policies that make it more unpleasant to drive in Northampton: constraining the streets, creating congestion, encouraging unsafe street parking, deprioritizing certain repairs, and using bike lanes as cudgels in the local conversation. These policies are unrealistic and ableist.

The people of Northampton are environmentally conscious and deeply concerned about our climate. Many of our cars are hybrids, electric, or fuel efficient. We don’t need social engineering by way of irresponsible city planning to care about the planet. We love our bike and footpaths, we walk into and around downtown, we use the sidewalks so often that we are also calling City Hall constantly asking for repairs. We have many car dealerships and repair shops, none of which deserve to be antagonized. City Hall has done little to support public transportation, walkability, or downtown business vibrancy.

It is time to make sure that Northampton is walkable, bikeable, accessible. rideable, driveable, bearable, and liveable for all.