By Owen Boss
Staff Writer
NORTHAMPTON - The impact of Sunday's fires on area residents was evident at a neighborhood meeting Monday night that drew a throng of more than 500 residents to College Church, many of whom said they fear for their families in the city they once felt so safe in.
The meeting, which was organized by the Ward 3 Neighborhood Association, allowed members of the local police and fire departments as well as Mayor Clare Higgins the opportunity to reassure residents that all of the city's resources are being used to track down whoever is responsible for the fires, and that the best way to prevent future incidents is to remain vigilant.
"I know that a lot of people came here tonight wanting to know answers about the crime itself and, unfortunately, that is the thing we are not going to be able to give people answers about tonight," Higgins said. "We're not really here tonight to solve the crime; we are here to talk about how we can pull together as a community."
Higgins also said she has heard many rumors circulating in the city concerning the fires, and she urged residents "not to pass rumors along, but pass them up," to members of the local police and fire departments, no matter how insignificant they may seem.
While addressing Higgins, Deputy Fire Chief Chris Norris and Police Capt. Joseph Koncas, Naomi Cairns choked back tears as she announced that she may have to leave her home on Highland Avenue out of fear for her life.
"I came home to my house burning down for the second time the other night, and it just breaks my heart," Cairns said.
Another resident speaking at the meeting was Robert Davis, who said he watched helplessly Sunday night as a vehicle exploded twice outside of his Franklin Street home.
"I could not believe what was happening because this is Northampton, this is our home, this is the Happy Valley and I want it to stay the Happy Valley," Davis said. "Right now we may be paranoid about what has happened to us but I think it is better to be paranoid and safe than to be in any other position."
Before Gerald Budgar, president of the Ward 3 Neighborhood Association, addressed the crowd, he asked that a moment of silence be held for Paul W. Yeskie Sr. and Paul W. Yeskie Jr., both of whom lost their lives in a fire set at their Fair Street home.
"We are gathered here at a most difficult time for Ward 3. We are upset shocked, angry, fearful, enraged, traumatized and everything in between," Budgar said, "because we feel the safety and security that has defined our wonderful community has been stolen from us."
However, Budgar said the hundreds of phone calls, emails and willingness to help he has received from community members since Sunday has illustrated just how strong the neighborhood feels about the crime and that it is the strength of the community that will get residents through this difficult time.
"We are Ward 3 and our city stands with us," he said. "Tonight, we begin the process of confronting what has happened to us by channeling our energy and concern into programs and projects that will be of lasting benefit to the community."
Among those initiatives, Budgar said, was a donation of 300 smoke detectors from the Hampshire County Sheriff's Office, residents looking to donate vehicles to those who lost their cars, and three $1,000 donations, from the Northampton Rotary Club, the Three-County Fair Association, and an unnamed local resident, to add to the $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of those responsible for setting the fires.
Another major theme at the meeting, raised by several residents, was the organization of a community crime watch that would enlist members of the neighborhood to keep an eye on the streets. Higgins said the city is considering this initiative and it is in the works.
Although many residents who spoke at the meeting applauded the fire department's response to the string of fires, Chris Karney, of 11 Hancock St., said the same firefighters told him a similar story six weeks ago when his Hancock Street home was set ablaze.
"The city told me that you would do everything in your power to prevent future fires. Apparently, everything in your power is not quite enough," Karney said.
Koncas offered residents tips about protecting their homes from future incidents, such as installating exterior motion detector lights, smoke detectors and cameras, and keeping car keys with alarm activation buttons on them near the bedside in case something unusual is spotted.
"I can assure you that the investigation is being vigorously pursued by members of the task force," Koncas said. "I know from our own perspective at the police department that our detectives, crime scene personnel and most of our patrol staff have been living on catnaps because they are committed to bringing this investigation to a successful conclusion. This is especially difficult thing for the Northampton Police Department, because this happened in our city and it is a personal affront to us and we are doing our best."
Other precautions Koncas suggested include removing trash and debris from porches, leaving outside lights on, checking smoke detectors to make sure they are functioning properly, and locking front doors.
"I encourage you, if you have any information whatsoever, please, please, call it in to us," Koncas said. "The smallest detail could be the missing puzzle piece that brings this investigation to a successful conclusion."
Owen Boss can be reached at oboss@gazettenet.com.
