For 13 years, I have driven into Northampton almost every day, exiting Interstate 91 and driving past a busy Starbucks on a busy road that also features a nearby Aldi, CVS, Big Y, and a Pride gas station. I am happy to report that I have lived through the experience and in fact applaud the vibrant cityscape that Starbucks helps create for our southern neighbor.
The pushback that Greenfield planners are now experiencing regarding Starbuck’s interest at the Friendly’s site on Mohawk Trail is exhausting and depressing. Throwing up roadblocks like revamped regulations on car trips per day and the frightening picture of coffee drinkers drifting from downtown to the rotary is just another heavy-handed way of stifling resident and tourist options in a city that is desperate for attention. For something else to do. For jobs.
I would urge city planners to listen not only to the loudest voices in the street but also to others of us who would appreciate making our own residential investment in Greenfield sustainable. Starbucks is not a perfect company, but it pays for its employees to go to college. It pays taxes. It offers people choices.
So welcome Starbucks. Welcome visitors looking for a quick caffeine jolt who, with good marketing and signage, may just decide to take a farm tour, have a meal downtown, spend the night.
No more roadblocks. Open this city up!
Mieke Bomann
Greenfield