Businesses to town: You don't call, you don't write ...

By Scott Merzbach
Staff Writer

Published on June 05, 2009

Amherst business owners are asking town officials to improve communication with them when streets are being closed, parking meters are being bagged and construction projects might impact their livelihood.

Nick Seamon, owner of Black Sheep Deli on Main Street, told the Select Board this week that he wants a better system in place for approval of street closings and meter baggings so businesses don't lose potential customers, especially on weekends that are expected to be busy.

Such a system would have prevented what happened on May 16, when Hampshire and Smith colleges had their commencement ceremonies, and coinciding with these was the town's 250th anniversary community picnic on the Town Common.

On April 22, the Select Board voted to allow 57 meters to be bagged and Boltwood Avenue and Spring Street to be closed so the picnic and accompanying horse-drawn carriage rides could take place.

Requests for street closings and bagging of meters start with Police, Fire and Public Works departments, to ensure there are no safety concerns, said board Chairwoman Stephanie O'Keeffe.

These would likely be the only groups to prevent such requests prior to coming before the Select Board. "Criteria is if people ask, we pretty much allow it," O'Keeffe said.

Seamon suggested the board establish a policy to consult with the Town Commercial Relations Committee and the Parking Commission before granting such requests.

"You might also consider asking the Chamber of Commerce what they think. You might also consider having a discussion," Seamon said.

Sydne Didier, who owns the Essentials store in the Amherst Cinema building, said she endorses Seamon's suggestions, noting her business has been dealing with a construction project at the neighboring Bank of America building.

When her business opened the Tuesday after Memorial Day, employees were greeted by a fence in the parking lot surrounding the building, a Dumpster inside the fence and many worker vehicles. Yet there was no notification from the town or the bank that such an impact would be occurring.

"As a small independent retailer, we're looking at lost business and lost revenue," Didier said.

She has attempted to work with town and bank officials to rectify the situation, but is not yet satisfied. Sightlines to her business are blocked and sidewalks may appear to be inaccessible to the public.

"If the town wants to make claims about supporting small businesses, there needs to be better communication," Didier said. "We receive little to no communication about what is going on in town."

Didier said she has had to close the door to her business to prevent dust and debris from entering it.

Seamon said the Select Board seems out of touch with the realities on the ground for businesses. He wondered why the town isn't obligated to notify businesses about changes it makes, while businesses are required to notify the town when they propose any alterations to their establishments.

Town Manager Larry Shaffer said he would be receptive to an enhanced process for dealing with street closures and closing off parking spaces.

"I think Mr. Seamon's comment about consulting with the TCRC is a very legitimate issue, and is something we should do going forward," Shaffer said.