Holyoke Police Chief to speak at 16 Acres Civic Association

Date: 4/12/2010

April 12, 2010

By Debbie Gardner

Assistant Managing Editor



SPRINGFIELD -- Anthony Scott, chief of police for the city of Holyoke, will be the featured speaker at the next meeting of the 16 Acres Civic Association, slated for April 20 at 7 p.m. at the Greenleaf Community Center, 1188 Parker St.

Chief Scott's office confirmed that his topic for the evening will be "Effective Policing in Holyoke." According to 16 Acres Civic Association President and City Councilor Clodo Concepcion, there will be an opportunity for attendees to ask questions following Scott's remarks.

Concepcion told Reminder Publications he's been working to secure Scott as a speaker for the association since last December.

"He's tough to get," Concepcion said. "He's a good guy. I like him."

When asked about his choice of speaker, Concepcion was quick to point out that 16 Acres does not have major problems with crime and that he has a good working relationship with the Springfield officers who patrol the 16 Acres area. He simply felt the information Scott is planning to pass along is something all residents should have.

"The more they know, the better prepared they are if something happens.[They'll know] how to contact the police and such," Concepcion said.

Following Scott's talk, Concepcion said the association will conduct its monthly business meeting. On the agenda are a discussion of the status of the CVS project at the corner of Parker Street and Wilbraham Road and proposed safety improvements to the 16 Acres Library/Greenleaf Center entrance following a fatal accident at that site last year.