Recent discussion in the Gazette about the Main Street project causes me to think it may not be too late for me, a non-Northampton resident, to comment. I live in Amherst. I shop occasionally from a few stores in Northampton; more often, I go there to cultural events at the Forbes, or the Academy of Music, Look Park or Smith College.
At least as often, I drive through downtown Northampton on my way west, not wanting to be in Northampton at all, but that’s where the main roads are. I assume there are many of us who go to ”Hamp” sometimes, and often drive through on our way west or east, north or south.
I think if downtown Northampton becomes more difficult to drive into or through than it already is, I will go elsewhere to shop or for cultural activities (sorry!) and will drive out of my way to go west.
Once I’m in the habit of going to other places, I doubt I will change back. I think others will learn to avoid Northampton, too.
Elisa K. Campbell
Amherst