BRATTLEBORO — A discussion of the problems and solutions to the violence, drugs and intimidation taking place on Elliot Street came up before the Selectboard last week.
“It has really become an unsafe, violent place in our community. That needs to stop,” said Selectboard Chair Dick DeGray.
The discussion quickly turned emotional as Selectboard members, business owners and residents weighed in. Many business owners and residents shared stories of intimidation and verbal assault. One local woman said she has been repeatedly accosted by a woman - and Elliot Street regular - known to carry a knife.
Dan Yates, president of Building a Better Brattleboro, BaBB, submitted a letter signed by over 100 supporters outlining four areas of concern. Overt illegal activity such as drug dealing and vandalism, sexual harassment, intimidation, and nuisance issues that contribute to an “uncomfortable atmosphere.”
Police Chief Eugene Wrinn said that for the past two years, the department has had direct patrols in the area, specifically in the early afternoon and when the bars close. Often officers work overtime to cover Elliot Street during these times.
“Would cameras help?” asked DeGray.
“People are less likely to commit crimes if they know they're being taped. So yes, cameras would help,” said Wrinn.
The group also discussed the feasibility of creating a loitering ordinance, adding staff to the police department, enacting fines for parents whose children cause problems on Elliot Street and developing a street outreach program similar Burlington's.
“[The street outreach program] is a tool. The more tools the better you are. They're like spokes in a wheel,” said Chief Wrinn.
The business owners who spoke said the situation is out of hand. Even though Elliot Street has always had a reputation, they said what they are seeing now has escalated beyond what they've experienced in the past.