Only in The Republic of Amherst

Thursday, September 15, 2011

The Importance of Spelling

Okay so maybe I'm being overly picky or my usual micromanaging self, but when I get an official letter, note or newsletter--even if in digital form--I expect perfect spelling. Especially when coming from, you know, a school.

The brief "note from our Superintendent," however, was quite folksy and readable--although one too many exclamation points.

Since it is their first issue, maiden voyage and all that--and the error was only in the email title--I'll forgive it...this time. But they better shape up by next month's edition, or the copy editor gets detention!

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Send a stern message

Amherst Police Department, 111 Main Street

Maybe this Friday night the "Have a Heart" coalition of concerned UMass higher ups should play "good cop bad cop" with the hoards of zombie like students traipsing about nearby neighborhoods looking to party.

As the good cop they can hand out oatmeal raisin cookies while requesting restrained civility for the rest of the night while Amherst Police Department can don their riot gear and do whatever it takes to prevent a recurrence of last Friday's riot at 121 Meadow Street.

And perhaps large electronic message signs should be placed at north and south main gateways to campus blinking the stern message: "Get rowdy? Get arrested!" Either that, or spike the cookies with Thorazine.

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Termination

Atkins Corner trees on West Street

Two of the least surprising official decisions to emanate from Amherst Town Hall so far this week are--in chronological order--the Select Board's unanimous vote on Monday night to kill the Committee on Homelessness, age four, and this afternoon's decision by the tree warden to allow termination of 15 more trees around Atkins Corner, some of them age 40-something.

Although in this case the Shade Tree Committee voted unanimously not to vote on the permit application because they considered the process a charade. In a previous round their unanimous vote to deny the permit was overruled.

Hwei-Ling Greeney Committee on Homelessness Chair

Since Atkins Corner construction is a state project the town and its committees have no power. So why even bother voting?

Shade Tree Committee. Alan Snow, 2nd from left, Tree Warden

Ah, if only passion was the paramount factor in deciding these controversial cases--a stay of execution would be guaranteed.

Out with the old

Clark House 8/24/11

Clark House 8/29/11

On August 23 last year the Amherst Historical Commission hit Amherst College, the number one property owner in a town half owned by tax exempts, with a one year "demolition delay," the maximum extent of protection they can offer to all things historical--public or privately owned in Amherst.

The Daily Hampshire Gazette demonized the decision saying it "tested the boundaries of common sense." Coming from the Gazette, the Commission probably took that as a good sign.

Monday, September 12, 2011

Town Mgr Musante released from hospital

9/11 turned out to be an auspicious day for Town Manager John Musante. According to the breaking news wing of the Amherst town website:

(September 12, 2011) Town Manager John Musante is now recuperating at home, following injuries received in a fall on September 6th. He was released from Baystate Medical Center in Springfield on Sunday, September 11th.

“It is wonderful that John is now home and that his recovery continues to progress so well,” said David Ziomek, Acting Town Manager. “All members of the Town staff are sending him good thoughts and best wishes, and we look forward to when he is well enough to be back here with us. In the meantime, we have the Town’s business well in hand, so that he can focus all his energy on feeling better.”

Select Board Chair Stephanie O’Keeffe concurred and said “There is an incredible team here, and the community is very fortunate to have the service of such a tremendous staff. And, we are also all fortunate to serve in such a caring community. The outpouring of concern and thoughtfulness for John has been amazing.”

A statement issued last week by Musante’s wife, Marlene, indicated that his recuperation will require considerable rest, that his phone calls and visits will be limited and that visits can’t be accepted without prior arrangement. At that time, she said “We are optimistic that he may be able to return to work in several weeks.”

Meadow Street Marauders

121 Meadow Street. Directly across street from Townhouse Apartments

While top ranked UMass and town officials and Northwestern District Attorney Dave Sullivan staked out the south side of campus Friday night intercepting throngs of students traveling by foot through residential neighbors to discuss civility, respect and politeness all while handing out raisin oatmeal cookies, the north end of campus became party central, culminating in a riot at 121 Meadow Street. According to police narrative (11:57 PM):

1000+ party guests were cleared out. While doing so, bottles were thrown at officers who had to retreat and don riot helmets for protection. It took approximately 45 minutes to clear the party out. All party guests were moved east bound down Meadow Street and toward North Pleasant Street. The resident of 121 Meadow Street was issued a TBL (town bylaw) Nuisance House violation.

Summons issued:
XXX
18 Pond Street Stoneham, MA
age 21

Issuing a $300 Nuisance House ticket sets the groundwork for holding the owner of the house responsible, because after the second offense the town can fine the landlord $300 for not controlling their irresponsible tenants.

Property card for 121 Meadow Street