Today’s Gazette reports the Retailers Association of Massachusetts has recognized Northampton as having the “best downtown shopping district” in 2006:
Rich Segel, who founded the Retailers Association of Massachusetts Awards of Excellence, said Northampton won the title because it is “everything a downtown should be.”
Segel cited the uniqueness of the city’s stores, their longevity, the walk-ability of downtown, the focus on arts and the variety of businesses as all contributing to the judges’ decision.
Keeping downtown Northampton pedestrian-friendly is an important goal of the adult-use zoning ordinances passed by the Northampton City Council on November 2. Another goal of adult-use zoning is to preserve the vitality and reduce the turnover of other businesses.