GREENFIELD — City Council voted unanimously in favor of an ordinance to create a Parking Benefit District in the downtown area, to be used to reinvest parking funds into public projects aimed at attracting businesses.
The idea, first proposed by Community and Economic Development Director Amy Cahillane and Greenfield Business Association Director Hannah Rechtschaffen at an Economic Development Committee meeting in April, will use revenue from parking meters and paid lots to fund downtown improvements at the city’s discretion. Revenue from parking tickets would not be used in this manner.
The Economic Development Committee unanimously supported the proposal, with some members referring to it as a “no-brainer.”
“This was something in EDC that I really wanted to see move forward,” Precinct 9 City Councilor Derek Helie said during Wednesday’s City Council meeting. “By Mass General Law, we’re allowed to do this, and it’s going to help us improve our downtown sector in a positive manner.”
Rechtschaffen previously argued that the district would act as an incentive for local businesses to set up shop in Greenfield’s Central Commercial District, adding that it’s expected to have a “cyclical impact” in which businesses are able to attract more customers, bringing the city more parking revenue.
In fiscal year 2024, Cahillane previously said, Greenfield’s parking meters, kiosks and funds collected through the Passport parking app equated to approximately $244,500. She noted that creation of a Parking Benefit District was not referenced in the city’s 2023 parking study simply because Stantec, the consulting firm that conducted the study, did not prioritize it.
“[The Stantec consultants] were just prioritizing other action items for Greenfield at that moment in time, but they thought that a Parking Benefit District was a good idea,” Cahillane said. “This feels to me like a great time for it to be coming before us, because I think we have, albeit circuitously, traveled the loop of talking about it. … I’m thrilled that the city is open to making this investment.”
The new district is expected to help the city provide local matches on state grant-funded revitalization projects and help pay for public amenities downtown such as art installations, improved parking meters or sidewalk cleanups.
Prior to the council’s unanimous vote to approve the district, Precinct 2 Councilor Rachel Gordon voiced her support, noting it will have far-reaching benefits to the downtown.
“There’s really no downside to this,” Gordon said. “It’s just adding money to the city that we can use to make the town more attractive and a nicer place to be. It doesn’t cost taxpayers anything extra. It’s a win-win. We don’t get those very often.”
Mayor Ginny Desorgher previously voiced her support for the district, explaining that while the city faces financial restraints and often relies on parking revenue to offset the tax burden, she believes portions of that revenue should be used for downtown revitalization.
“Both this year and last year, we’ve used $350,000 of parking money to balance the budget. We are using some one-time funds, because that’s sort of what people do when they have some issues. As you know, we’ve been up against it a little bit financially,” Desorgher said. “I think it’s a great idea. It would be a winning part of the business community downtown.”
Anthony Cammalleri can be reached at acammalleri@recorder.com or 413-930-4429.
