We ask that the Planning Board recommend modifications to the current Colvest Group plan for 1575 Northampton St. The current plan presents potentially dangerous traffic interactions between vehicles leaving the site and those traveling on adjacent public roadways.

The plan proposes too many cut-throughs (exits and entrances) for motor vehicles in a short, congested space leading into heavily trafficked roadways and crossing pedestrian walkways and demarcated bike paths. In addition, the current plan proposes an

inordinately high ratio between parking lot space and building space. Excessively large parking areas, especially those with unimpeded access by pedestrians and lacking monitored security cameras are a known crime inducing security risk for persons and property.

These security and safety concerns are supplemented by a poor visual affect created by the following: a vast sea of asphalt in relation to relatively small structures; the presentation of garbage dumpsters as the first sight for any motorists coming down the Easthampton

Road approach; and blindingly powerful lighting that is being offered as a partial attempt to offset the security difficulties presented by the overly large, unattended parking lot. Finally, we ask that the Planning Board not automatically recommend the issuance of special

permits for the two principal structures until there is some better understanding of what types of businesses will be occupying the main retail structure thereby giving a better indication of the suitability of the structure for the business.