Letter: Solution to parking problem is needed now

The availability of parking in large towns such as Greenfield directly affects our quality of life. Fewer parking options leads to slower traffic, which in turns discourages the visitors and shoppers that contribute to the economic sustainability of our community. As John Howland noted, the lack of parking for the new courthouse is likely to increase people’s frustration and negatively affect the entire community. Greenfield’s leaders must stop complaining about and studying the problem, and devise solutions immediately — before the new courthouse opens and winter weather creates its own set of challenges. A new parking garage for $10 million is an unlikely prospect, as demonstrated by four failed attempts to identify funding for it.

Let’s stop whining about “fairness” and move on to less expensive, more immediate, and simpler solutions. Jim Zaccara is on the right track with his suggestion that the town designate space for courthouse employees in the parking area behind Wilson’s Department Store. I recommend taking this idea a little further: at a cost that would be significantly less than $10 million, Greenfield should provide free shuttle buses among the available parking lots near Main Street. The parking shuttles at Bradley Airport provide a good example for this idea: mini-buses that can accommodate 20 to 25 passengers. The Town of Greenfield could operate two or three such buses continuously throughout the business day. Perhaps one would simply go up and down Main Street while the other two could include the Olver Transit Center, the lot behind Wilson’s and other appropriate locations close to, but not on, Main Street.

Free shuttle buses would increase parking options for employees and visitors to businesses on and near Main Street in Greenfield, including the courthouse and the YMCA. It would aid shoppers and likely increase the amount of time and money they spend in our businesses.

Let’s avoid the “car-tastrophe” predicted by many and instead create a parking and transportation solution that will serve our residents, businesses, employees and visitors and contribute positively to Greenfield’s quality of life.

Raymond Lanza-Weil

Greenfield