Disability commission forms subcommittee to rewrite Complete Streets language; approves role for commission comments

At its February meeting the Northampton Disability Commission voted to form a three‑member temporary subcommittee to revise a single sentence in the draft Complete Streets policy tied to mill‑and‑overlay projects, and separately approved language that gives the commission a formal comment role when projects seek exceptions to the policy.

Commission chair Amy opened the discussion by summarizing outcomes from the previous meeting and the remaining edits that needed consideration. Commissioners focused on two related points: proposed language that would require mill‑and‑overlay projects to include “complete streets elements, such as bike lanes and or sidewalks when geometrically and financially feasible,” and whether the commission should have a right to comment (versus a right to approve) when exceptions to the policy are requested.

Multiple commissioners said they were uncomfortable with the word “geometrically,” arguing it could be used to avoid building sidewalks for financial reasons or because historical designs did not prioritize access. Commissioner Emma Cornwell and others urged language that prioritized sidewalks and avoided wording that could create a loophole. Commissioner Jenna Perna Elias suggested phrasing that makes sidewalk installation the priority and allows bike lanes only when sidewalks are not possible.

After discussion the commission voted to form a temporary subcommittee to rewrite the sentence and return proposed language at the next meeting. The motion to form that subcommittee was made by Councilor Dubs and seconded by Kathy Murry and Rodney Cuneth; the roll call vote carried with the commissioners present voting yes.

The commission then considered the separate edit that would require the Disability Commission be allowed to comment when exceptions to the Complete Streets policy are proposed. Councilor Dubs moved to approve that language; Emma Cornwell seconded. The commission approved the language by roll call, so the Disability Commission will receive exception notices and supply comments to DPW; the city council will also have access to those comments.

Votes at a glance: - Motion to approve minutes from Jan. 14, 2025 (motion made by Rodney Cuneth; second by Councilor Dubs). Outcome: approved; roll call: majority yes with Emma Cornwell recorded as abstain. - Motion to form temporary subcommittee to rewrite the mill/overlay sentence in a11 (mover: Councilor Dubs; seconds: Kathy Murry and Rodney Cuneth). Outcome: approved by roll call (majority yes among present commissioners). - Motion to approve language in a11 granting the Disability Commission comment status on exceptions to the Complete Streets policy (mover: Councilor Dubs; seconder: Emma Cornwell). Outcome: approved by roll call. - Motion to adjourn (mover: Rodney Cuneth; seconder: Councilor Dubs). Outcome: approved.

Commissioners said the subcommittee will attempt to craft language that prioritizes sidewalks, clarifies when alternatives such as bike lanes are appropriate, and removes or narrows “geometrically” as a justification for forgoing sidewalks. Commissioners who volunteered to serve on the drafting subcommittee included Amy, Councilor Dubs and Emma Cornwell.