Northampton council backs police alternative, pressures mayor to act
Northampton Police Station
Published: 5/7/2021 7:02:06 PM
NORTHAMPTON The City Council threw its support behind the recommendations of the city’s Policing Review Commission on Thursday, adopting a resolution that urges Mayor David Narkewicz to establish a Department of Community Care this fiscal year and take other steps recommended by the commission.
“The community deserves our feedback. We didn’t really get a chance to do that at the presentation,” said Ward 7 councilor Rachel Maiore, referring to the final report the commission presented to the council in late March. “I really feel like those who served so thoughtfully and tirelessly on the commission deserve no less as well.”
Northampton eyes Roundhouse building for resilience hub
The Roundhouse building at 244 Main St. in Northampton. GAZETTE FILE PHOTO
Published: 4/16/2021 2:21:20 PM
NORTHAMPTON The city is getting closer to making the proposed community resilience hub a reality after Mayor David Narkewicz announced Thursday that he has executed an option to purchase the historic Roundhouse building behind Pulaski Park.
The news, which he delivered to the City Council, came on the same day Smith College pledged $200,000 toward the creation of the hub, which would support residents who face chronic and acute stress, such as those who are homeless, and act as an emergency center if there is a disaster.