In the aftermath of the recent spate of daylight violence on Worcester Common, the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce publicly requested City Manager Eric Batista develop a comprehensive and sustained plan to address the growing concern among Downtown and Canal District businesses and residents about criminal activity and other violations of law, such as trespassing, loitering, illegal dumping, littering, and drug dealing.
This concern among businesses and residents has been growing, and references to statistics from the city government provide little comfort to those whose livelihoods depend on profitable businesses or who call the Downtown or Canal District home.
Clearly, much of this illegal and unlawful behavior is a result of people dealing with addiction and/or mental health challenges. Undoubtedly as a society, we have an obligation to assist these individuals. Accordingly, hundreds of millions of dollars in federal, state, and local taxpayer funds go to government and nonprofit agencies to provide services to this population. However, the government also has an obligation to make sure that businesses, private property, and public spaces are safe and welcoming, and that those who violate the law are held accountable by law enforcement, the district attorney’s office, and the judiciary. Having worked as a housing search worker, criminal defense attorney, and later as lieutenant governor and chair of the inter-agency council on housing and homelessness, I recognize that elements of this can be challenging and complicated work.
Nonetheless, successful models exist and have proven that when high-level leadership in municipal and state agencies, along with social service nonprofit leaders and law enforcement, commit to meeting on a sustained basis and set measurable goals to ensure accountability, those in need have a better chance of getting the services they require. In many instances, these vital services can be secured voluntarily. In other situations, where an individual presents a danger to themselves or to the public, they can be linked to the appropriate services involuntarily.
Lastly, private-sector philanthropy should augment gaps identified after parties have demonstrated a genuine commitment and track record in working together to provide services to those in need, thus ensuring the efficient use of taxpayer and charitable dollars.
Worcester needs a plan that will be more than talking points in a speech, but instead a hyper-focused effort committed to ensuring daily collaboration and communication among the parties involved to get those in need the help they require. In doing so, we can make Worcester a safer and more welcoming city for those that live and work here or come to visit the city’s many attractions.
Timothy Murray is president and CEO of the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce.
