I grew up in small town in Western New York called Lockport. The Erie Canal runs parallel to the town’s main street. Along the banks of the fabled canal there were many brick buildings that were built in the 1800s. As a child we would often go downtown to shop, eat and browse. The downtown was safe and busy, with people strolling the main street, visiting the many stores, bars, and restaurants.
Then, in 1960s urban renewal was taking hold across many cities in the U.S. Lockport was one of them. Over the course of the next decade, urban renewal money tore down most of the old structures. Many businesses left for the main drag heading toward Buffalo. This suburban sprawl consists of an endless chain of stores and restaurants. You can only access these stores by car, it is too unsafe for walking or a bike.
I see a similar concern regarding Greenfield and the recent congestion from chain stores on the Mohawk Trail. Today Lockport’s downtown is virtually empty of foot traffic. Parking lots and high-rise housing have replaced the stores and restaurants and businesses. The Greenfield downtown is already suffering from lack of businesses and empty storefronts. Go to Northampton on a sunny day. The streets are full of pedestrians and bikes! Greenfield needs to do its homework before radically altering its options.
John David Boles
Greenfield