I’m guessing that all Greenfield residents who have an opinion on the Hope Street parking lot controversy have what’s best for our city at heart, whether they support housing or parking.
Our master plan, written in 2014 but still relevant today on that matter, lists among its top three housing priorities “Locate housing near employment and town centers.” I support that goal. Building housing within walking distance of public transportation, the library, the post office, the YMCA, banks, shops and restaurants, and many service offices including at least two medical facilities, is very smart. A lot of people, including myself, value the possibility of living in such a convenient place.
I believe that building housing in that location will have a net positive effect on Greenfield: more residents able to patronize downtown businesses, fewer cars on the streets, fewer CO2 emissions, perhaps more students for our public schools. I’m not convinced that rebuilding a parking lot in that location would have any positive effect on our city. I’ve never had trouble finding a parking space in that area. I’ve used the parking garage on weekdays, no issues there.
I will vote “no” on the ballot question Nov. 4.
Marie-Francoise Hatte
Greenfield