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Broad Street neighbors press Chicopee officials to address noise, safety at basketball court
Summary
Residents told the Parks & Recreation Committee that an unsupervised basketball court near Broad Street and a school has caused years of noise, trash, safety incidents and at‑times public‑health concerns; they urged removal of hoops, traffic controls and other measures.
At the May 28 Parks and Recreation Committee meeting, several Broad Street residents described years of disturbance and safety risks tied to a basketball court near Fairview Park and a school.
Elizabeth Goble told the committee she and her husband have lived at 53 Broad Street for 44 years and described “excessive noise, loud music, shouting, yelling, and excessive ball bouncing” that she said often runs late into the evening and early mornings. She asked the city to consider “posting school zone speed limit signs and taking the basketball hoops down” as “an acceptable solution.”
Other residents echoed those concerns. Carrie Wilbois said a person experiencing homelessness has been sleeping in the park and “has frequently relocated around the park,” and she reported instances of urination and feces near playground areas where children are present. Denise Gopal, who lives at 31 Broad Street, told the committee the court should be moved or the hoops removed and suggested removing a nearby parking lot and planting a hedge to absorb noise and block errant balls and people from running into the road.
Rick Ramos, a neighbor, said police respond “numerous times” but the problem persists and said gatherings there have included “7, 8 cars” that park in the lot, play loud music and shine lights into nearby houses. Several residents said they had repeatedly called police.
Councillors on the committee acknowledged the complaints and encouraged residents to continue using city reporting tools. Ben Strepka, the parks department representative, said he would inspect a reported hollow tree stump at Rayash and refer larger removal needs to the city’s forestry division, and he reiterated the department’s limited staffing: “we are budgeted for 21 positions. We currently have 5 of those open.”
The meeting record shows no formal policy change or immediate removal order; committee members said they would explore options, including enforcement, signage and possible relocation of court facilities, and directed staff to follow up on specific maintenance and safety reports submitted through ClickFix.
Ending: Residents asked for short‑term safety steps (school‑zone signage, no‑parking zones) and longer‑term solutions (relocation or removal of hoops); parks staff said projects and changes may be contingent on capital funds, staff capacity and applicable grant rules.
