The Northampton State Hospital now stands as a backdrop to the bustling everyday life of the population of Northampton. Running people, romping dogs and nature enthusiasts now cover the land that once housed an innovative care facility for the mentally ill of Western Massachusetts.
        Since its official closing in 1993, the future of the hospital and the surrounding lands has been up for debate. Proposals for the use of the buildings and land have come from all sectors of the population including local citizens, Smith College and major developers. As the largest area of undeveloped land in Northampton, the city is determined to use the land in a manner beneficial to the city while preserving a portion of the valley's natural beauty. In keeping with this thought, large portions of the land once used as supportive farms for the hospital have become state agricultural lands. This preserves the ">free open space" of the area as well as taking advantage of the natural resource of the valley's rich soil. Other propositions include commercial investments such as stores and office space, several types of housing, a cot shelter site, and speculations of expanding the Smith College campus onto the hospital grounds.
        There are certain central concerns that must be taken into account no matter which direction development of the former state hospital takes. Respect for the history of the institution, both patients and staff whose lives revolved around the hospital, is at the center of importance. Also key to this history are the antique buildings themselves and the traditional Elizabethan architectural style they preserve. Another central concern, the welfare of the surrounding community must also be taken into account so as to benefit and protect the people of Northampton.
        Inherent in supporting the citizens of Northampton and the surrounding towns would be the use of the state hospital lands to create a wide range of job opportunities. Such developments as retail stores or office space in newly constructed buildings house potential for beginning or expanding companies. These companies would add to the healthy economy of the valley as well as providing a variety of employment positions.
        In order to successfully redevelop the Northampton State Hospital several developments should be included. The first step would be to renovate a building on the property as a museum of the Hospital's history. This would encompass memorializing the unmarked graves within the cemetery located on the property. The development of this museum and memorial should be comprised of input from former patients and staff as well as the surrounding community.
        Another key development would be the building of affordable aesthetically pleasing housing on the site. This would provide a much-needed source of shelter in the area, especially with the inclusion of a permanent cot shelter on the site. The construction of such housing may involve renovation of current buildings as to preserve the hospital's beautiful architecture. In order to create a varied neighborhood however, single family homes as well as apartment style living should be newly constructed on the grounds. It should be done in such a way as to attract all types of families to Hospital Hill to avoid continuations of any stereotypes associated with the hospital. Incorporated into the established plans as of this date is the use of much of the land for recreational activities such as walking, running or riding. This is a great resource for the people of Northampton while helping to preserve the rural atmosphere of the outskirts of the city. In order to allow more access to this land for recreational purposes, there should be a bridge built across the Mill River. Several local residents oppose the addition of a bridge fearing that an increase in pedestrian traffic would take away from their privacy. Overall however this addition to recreational lands would benefit the majority of the population.
        There are many options available to the state and city in redeveloping the land and buildings of the Northampton State Hospital. The large amount of community involvement in the project to date ensures that the result will be positive and successful.