On April 30, we mailed over 1,700 letters to voters around Apremont Triangle in Springfield, noting problems that have been reported around the Amazing.net porn shop there and suggesting various ways to mitigate them. We were pleased to receive the following communication from Springfield Police Commissioner Edward Flynn, which he has given us permission to publish.
From: Flynn, Edward A.
Sent: Thursday, May 03, 2007 5:27 PM
To: ‘info@nopornnorthampton.org’
Cc: Cochrane, William
Subject: Apremont TriangleDear Adam Cohen and Jendi Reiter:
I am the police commissioner in Springfield. Deputy Chief Cochrane is the area commander for the police division that encompasses Apremont Triangle and its environs. I received your mailing the day before yesterday and was intrigued by its thoughtfulness. We have a great interest in the quality of life in the vicinity of the triangle and have previously taken some steps to mitigate it. Much remains to be done and it is fair to say that “Amazing” constitutes an attractive nuisance that contributes to blighted conditions there.
We…would work with any group that has innovative ideas for dealing with this condition, particularly if they transcend the inherent limitations of an enforcement only approach. I would urge you to contact the [Armoury] Quadrangle Civic Association and offer to meet with them. Deputy Chief Cochrane would make sure the department was well represented. Thoughtful discussion with successful approaches from elsewhere may result in a coherent long-term strategy with the best chance for overall success.
Thank you for your interest in Springfield.
We look forward to lending what assistance we can to the civic association and anyone else interested in balancing the rights of adult enterprises with the interests of Springfield residents. These past NPN articles and categories are especially relevant:
Kittery, Maine Compels Capital Video Outlet to Alter Viewing Booths
Struggle Over “Love Shack” in Georgia; New City Adopts State-of-the-Art Adult-Use Ordinance
Stands back from the keyboard in amaenzmet! Thanks!