Comments on: Northampton Community Copes With Arson

By: Hawley Street Resident

Hawley Street Resident — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 20:34:28 +0000

Although I am thankful for the response and dedication of firefighters, police, etc., I, too, am not surprised that it has come to this. I am also disappointed in certain comments made (e.g. the mayor saying that we want to live in a community where we can leave our cars unlocked but that, right now, we need to lock them for safety). I don’t know which part of town the major lives in, but much of the ward three area has not felt safe for a long, long time. Comments such as this downplay the fear and struggles that residents of this area of Northampton have been facing for years. As a resident of Hawley street, I have never left anything unlocked and have not slept soundly for years. This is simply not a safe area, despite the “Northampton as a safe and caring community” myth. Arson has been occurring and escalating for years now, and has included houses, porches, and completely burned out cars. While some recent reports have claimed that the area has been plagued by “small fires” for years, these fires have not felt small to me. And, frankly, a rash of “small” or “smaller” fires should have been a major concern for everyone all along, since arsonists tend to start and then escalate in that manner. The area is also prone to break-ins, the open use of a variety of drugs, and other disturbances. True, here was some response form the town in the form of “meetings” at which we were given safety tips and the assurance that things were being investigated. Still, I have not seen, until now, any real evidence of increased police presence or heard any facts, news, or updates on the investigations. I was even told by one officer, after a break in several years ago, that the best solution was probably to move away from this part of town, if we could. Although the other night was particularly horrific and tragic due to both the number of fires and the deaths, there have been many horrible incidents before, that I do not feel were given satisfactory attention by the town or taken seriously enough by residents. . I find this particularly vexing since it is one of the few areas in town where working people can still (almost) afford to rent. I hope that in the light of the tragedies that have now occurred, the increased police presence we are seeing, and the investigations that have been initiated will not wane over time as they seem to have done in the past.

By: tobe

tobe — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 00:02:17 +0000

i’m shocked and stunned but not really surprised. i lived in that exact same neighborhood for two years. and while i was there, some idiot burned down the house two doors down and several cars in our street, including one in our driveway right behind our kitchen. man this is so messed up, i used to go running past that house on fair st. this has been going on for years and nobody figured it out, or really bothered to figure it out. it’s a shame that people always have to die first before some real effort is made.

By: Bill

Bill — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 22:59:05 +0000

This is so hideous and evil. There must have been a lot of accelerant used to start so many fires at once, so I hope they are looking at Northampton and vicinity gas station videos and stores selling gas cans in the days before for clues. Leave no stone unturned, get these B’tards!

By: Val Nelson

Val Nelson — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 17:54:49 +0000

I live and work in Northampton and it’s all we’re talking about today.
Having survived a fire years ago, I am moved by all that is already happening in a short amount of time to support the victims. There will be a community meeting tomorrow night and there is a Facebook group with photos, donation offers, updates, and more; it already has 1000 members in only 24 hours. Very impressive what a loving community can achieve, with a little help from technology.
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=224400058116&ref=mf