Am I imagining things or has this Hope Street parking lot debacle turned into a bit of a soap opera? A very poorly done soap opera or a Fox news circle, yes, circle, not cycle, of mistruths, coercion, intimidation, bullying, distraction, misunderstandings and a total lack of respect for our city and the people working for and in it, shall I go on? I’ve run into people that have been told complete lies to encourage them to put up signs supporting this endeavor, a list of bad information that doesn’t reflect the work that’s already been done to ferret out what this parcel is best used for. 

The city probably will not and should not sink a half million dollars into the Hope Street parking lot. The landlords of Greenfield as well as the LLC’s of mystery, will just have to be more competitive with their rates to keep up with market rate housing. Last I knew, housing people was not a get rich scheme, it’s an investment in community and humanity, not a cash cow.  There have to be options for all, not just for those that can afford a one-bedroom apartment for $1,500 to $1,800 per month. Those apartments will still be occupied. We must have choices for all. It’s good for Greenfield. Many of us have been priced out of being able to move into smaller digs after retirement. Our young people are moving away because they cannot afford to leave home. The YMCA and the courthouse are already using the parking garage now that its built and both entities have built themselves out of parking! 

Here’s an idea. Why not have the 800 citizens of Greenfield that signed up to support a parking lot simply buy the property themselves?  Pool your money, hire the contractors, demolish the current lot, digging down several feet as it’s crumbling underneath from wear and the weight of fire trucks, deal with the ups and downs of cost as tariffs swing back and forth, fence it in, purchase kiosks, lighting, paint the lines, plow it in the winter and have a sand truck standing by at all times to avoid personal injury, keep it weed free and trash free, add landscaping and voila, you’ve got yourself a money making machine.  All that’s left is to choose a name for this esteemed parking lot. Any suggestions? 

Remember to vote on Nov. 4! 

Ellen Villani lives in Greenfield.