Ideas sought for streetscape improvements in Northfield

Northfield is working with residents to identify ways to improve Main Street, pictured, in a process referred to as “placemaking.”

Northfield is working with residents to identify ways to improve Main Street, pictured, in a process referred to as “placemaking.” STAFF FILE PHOTO/PAUL FRANZ

By ADA DENENFELD KELLY

For the Recorder

Published: 10-19-2024 3:32 PM

NORTHFIELD — The town is working with residents to identify ways to improve Main Street in a process referred to as “placemaking.”

A flyer explaining the project defines placemaking as “the process of creating quality places where people want to live, work, play and learn.”

The project is funded by a Massachusetts Downtown Initiative grant that Northfield received last year. It kicked off with a meeting on Sept. 18 at the Northfield Golf Club, where residents were invited to share ideas for streetscape improvements.

Town Administrator Andrea Llamas explained the town is looking for ideas for additions to Northfield — things like trees, lighting, seating, signs, parks, etc.

“What do people in the community say that they would like to see in the downtown area to improve a sense of placemaking for the community?” she said.

On Oct. 7, residents joined Northfield town staff on a walk from Town Hall to Dickinson Memorial Library and back to bolster the idea-generating process. An additional workshop was held on Oct. 16 at Pioneer Valley Regional School to give young people an opportunity to share their input on their downtown’s future.

“We’re trying to reach all sorts of groups,” Llamas said.

Over the winter, the town plans to send out a survey to residents, inviting those who were not able to participate in the fall meetings to give their input. The town plans to have a final report created in late winter or early spring.

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“We’re hopeful we’ll get an interesting report,” Llamas said, “with lots of ideas from residents.”