Residents voice concerns over basketball court disruptions at Fairview Park

Concerns over neighborhood safety and quality of life took center stage at the recent Chicopee City Recreation and Zoning meeting, as residents voiced their frustrations regarding the local basketball court and its impact on the community.

Elizabeth Goble, a long-time resident, highlighted the disruptive behaviors stemming from the court's proximity to homes, including excessive noise, littering, and unsafe driving in the area. "The noise and profanity make it difficult to relax in my own yard," she stated, urging city officials to consider removing the basketball hoops as a potential solution.

Carrie Wilbois echoed these sentiments, raising alarms about a homeless individual residing in Fairview Park, which poses safety risks for children frequenting the area. "We have concerns about drug paraphernalia being left in the park," she warned, emphasizing the need for immediate action to ensure the safety of local families.

Denise Gopal added to the discussion, calling for the relocation of the basketball court due to its hazardous location near the road. She pointed out the lack of school zone signage and proper safety measures, which could lead to tragic accidents. "Without the removal of the court, the activity will continue to affect the peace and security of our neighborhood," she asserted.

The meeting underscored a growing urgency among residents for the city to address these pressing issues, with many advocating for improved signage, removal of the basketball court, and better maintenance of local facilities. As the community grapples with these challenges, the city faces mounting pressure to take decisive action to restore safety and tranquility to the neighborhood.