Fires Strike Downtown Neighborhoods; Two Die

Today’s Gazette reports: Arsonist stalks Northampton: Two men die in night of multiple fires, task force takes up probe…14 fire departments were called in to help Northampton firefighters respond to at least nine fires authorities believe were deliberately set, all in neighborhoods on the eastern fringe of the city a short walk from downtown.Two people […]

Continue reading


Text of Plassmann Letter to Housing Authority Director Jonathan Hite

Ward 3 City Councilor-elect Angela Plassmann sent the following letter to Housing Authority Director Jonathan Hite on November 16. She awaits his reply. Dear Mr. Hite: Thank you for your letter dated October 3, 2009 regarding concerns I expressed about conditions at the Walter Salvo House during my campaign for Ward 3 City Councilor. I […]

Continue reading


Northampton Media: “Ward Three Councilor-Elect Angela Plassmann Takes on the Housing Authority”

Today at Northampton Media: Ward 3 Councilor-Elect Angela Plassmann campaigned on a promise that she would work to solve maintenance and safety problems reported by elderly and disabled tenants at the city-owned Walter Salvo House and Cahill Apartments. In a November 16 letter to Housing Authority Director Jonathan Hite, Plassmann listed tenant concerns and asked […]

Continue reading


Video: Ward 3 Community Meeting about Unresolved Fires, 11/24/09

Here is a complete blip.tv video of the 11/24/09 Ward 3 community meeting regarding unresolved fires in the area of Hawley and Market Streets. The meeting was moderated by Ward 3 City Councilor Bob Reckman and included Police Chief Russell Sienkiewicz and Fire Chief Brian Duggan. This video is 53 minutes long and was recorded by […]

Continue reading


November 24: Ward 3 Community Meeting re: Fires

See also:Gazette: “In Our Opinion: New fire, new unease” (11/14/09)As they look for breakthroughs today, Northampton police would do well to repeat steps they took in 2007: canvassing the neighborhoods to urge people to keep their cars locked, their porch lights on and their trash secured. It makes sense, also, to post new fliers with […]

Continue reading