MassDevelopment

Northampton Launches Crowdfunding Campaign to Create Community Plaza

$10,000 goal to win matching grant through MassDevelopment’s Commonwealth Places Initiative


September 20, 2016


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contacts:
​Kelsey Abbruzzese, MassDevelopment, 617-330-2086 & 617-448-9077 (cell)
kabbruzzese@massdevelopment.com

Jonathan Berk, Patronicity, 617-750-6008
jonathan@Patronicity.com

Wayne Feiden, Town of Northampton, 413-587-1265
wfeiden@northamptonma.gov

MassDevelopment and the City of Northampton today announced a new campaign through the civic crowdfunding platform Patronicity and the Commonwealth Places initiative. The campaign will support the city’s continuing efforts to create a more pedestrian-friendly environment in downtown Northampton by converting an underused alley into a community plaza. To see a video about the project, click here.

If the campaign reaches its crowdfunding goal of $10,000 by November 4, 2016, at midnight, the project will win a matching grant with funds from MassDevelopment’s Commonwealth Places program.

“Downtown Northampton is a true local gem, and we’re pleased to work with Patronicity and the City to support efforts to increase walkability and community in the area,” said MassDevelopment President and CEO Marty Jones. “These community-driven projects leverage resources, spur public pride and inspire individuals to invest in their surroundings, and we look forward to the same success we’ve seen at Commonwealth Places projects in Danvers and Orange.”

The project is the first in a planned series of public space improvement projects, installations and events that will further enhance the pedestrian and bicycle friendly environment in Northampton.

“The Cracker Barrel Alley project is a great opportunity to add to Northampton's sense of place, add vibrant downtown parks, and make Main Street a safer and more desirable place to shop, walk, cycle and drive,” said Northampton Mayor David J. Narkewicz.

Commonwealth Places is a collaborative effort from MassDevelopment and Patronicity that leverages public support for placemaking projects through crowdfunding and a matching grant from MassDevelopment. The program engages residents in the development of strategic projects in their towns and cities. Communities, nonprofits and other entities can learn more and apply at www.massdevelopment.com/commonwealthplaces.

MassDevelopment, the state’s finance and development agency, works with businesses, nonprofits, financial institutions, and communities to stimulate economic growth across the Commonwealth. During FY2016, MassDevelopment financed or managed 352 projects generating investment of more than $4 billion in the Massachusetts economy. These projects are projected to create about 8,200 jobs and build or rehabilitate about 4,200 residential units.