Amherst residents should not be swept away by Evan Ross’s guest column (“Downtown Amherst is rising. Let’s keep it going,” May 20) thinking that moving Amherst forward into a future prosperity and cultural activity hub requires the new parking garage he sponsored during his time on the Town Council.
Studying location options is crucial to getting this (a major parking garage beneficial to all visitors drawn to Amherst) right. The structural integrity of the current parking garage by the Bangs Community Center was built with possible additional levels in mind. That, and the parking lot space behind Amherst Cinema, should both be considered.
The addition of the Drake is wonderful and so will a newly renovated library. As a pro-parking garage resident who lives in the neighborhood, I want to know our Town Council has fully investigated a location, not one which was pushed forward by Ross, a councilor who lost over his handling of this and other issues.
Let’s move smartly forward — I agree not at a turtles’ pace. As a voter, red flags appear to me when town politicians argue against taking time to study issues. More information makes for wiser and more profitable decisions. The council making quick unstudied actions benefits fewer and weakens taxpayers’ trust in town government.
Sharon Judge
Amherst
