cpc support letter 10312023.docOctober 31, 2023
Sarah LaValley
Assistant Director
Northampton Office of Planning and Sustainability
slavalley@northamptonma.gov
Dear Ms. LaValley,
As an unpaved and paved accessible trail user, Board member of Friends of Northampton Trails, and Disability Commission member, I am happy to support the Planning Office's applications
to the Community Preservation Committee that will support our trail system.
The Broad Brook Greenway is a beautiful trail that leads to a beaver pond. To make it a universally accessible trail would allow more people to enjoy it. People with disabilities have
higher stress, yet few accessible trails exist even though we know access to nature reduces stress. This yawning gap in public outdoor recreation opportunities calls for timely rectification.
Converting this trail to be accessible will be a great start for Northampton and I urge the CPC to support this project.
I am also supportive of the other two projects:
--Rocky Hill Shared Use Path Construction Admin (liaison with MassDot engineers)
--CT River Greenway design to fund the 25% design for the shared use path from CT River Park to Hatfield
These will benefit residents and visitors alike, allowing people to walk and cycle for recreation, commuting, and errands, and will connect previously disconnected neighborhoods.
Thank you for your consideration of these impactful projects.
Sincerely,
Amy Sugihara
Florence, MA