Published in the October 3, 2018 edition

By MARK SARDELLA

WAKEFIELD — The investigation into two recent incidents of hate graffiti in Greenwood is ongoing, Police Chief Rick Smith reported last week. Smith provided an update at last Thursday’s Town Council meeting.

“Just because it’s been a week, it’s by no means dead,” Smith assured the board. “These things take time.”

On Tuesday morning, Sept. 18, the principal of the Greenwood School called police to report two racial slurs written on some rocks behind the school. On Sunday, Sept. 23, a caller reported several different kinds of graffiti spray painted on Crystal Street in front of the Yeuell School. 

Smith said that in both cases the graffiti was photographed and then removed. 

“We’re confident that there is a relationship,” Smith said. He added that he could not say much more, because it is an open and active investigation.

Smith referred to a joint statement issued by the Wakefield Police Department and the Wakefield Human Rights Commission encouraging local residents to report perceived incidents of hate to the Wakefield Police, rather than just posting on social media.

Smith’s update came on the heels of a presentation by the Wakefield Human Rights Commission to provide the Town Council with updates on the commission’s past and future activities. 

WHRC Chair Pina Masciarelli and Vice Chair Richard Greif reminded the board of the commission’s composition and mission. They talked about some upcoming events, including a discussion of the book, “The Hate You Give” at Beebe Library on Oct. 11. There will be a talk by Daniel Levinson of the Anti-Defamation League on Oct. 16 at WCAT, and a program on transgender rights at the Unitarian Universalist Church on Oct. 17. 

They also discussed the commission’s support for Question 3 on the Nov. 6 election ballot and the fact that the commission still has “Hate Has No Home Here” lawn signs available.

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After a lengthy discussion, the Town Council tabled a proposal to raise certain fees for liquor licenses, common victualler licenses, entertainment licenses, Class I and Class II car dealer licenses, livery licenses, fortune teller licenses, bowling alley licenses, pool table licenses, second hand dealer licenses, lodging house licenses and peddler licenses.

The board was split on whether to increase the fees. Some believed that the increases were warranted to bring Wakefield’s relatively low fees in line with what other nearby communities charge. Others felt that it did not make sense to raise the fees while trying to establish the town as a more business-friendly community.

The fees will stay the same for this year. Town Administrator Stephen P. Maio will bring a new proposal on fees to the Town Council at a later date.

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In other business this week the Town Council:

• Voted to approve a request from Roy Moore for a plaque in the memory of Margaret Moore to be placed on the children’s play space at Col. Connelly Park with the inscription “To Margaret Moore: the joyful sounds of children at play were music to her ears.”

• Approved a request from Colonel James Hartshorne Association for a one-day liquor license on Nov. 10, 2018 from 4 p.m. until 9 p.m. at the Hartshorne House for a fundraiser.

• Voted to approve a new 2018 Common Victualler License and an Entertainment License from Sept. 27, 2018 through Dec. 31, 2018 for Schoolhouse Pizza at 927 Main St.

• Voted to approve a request from the Wakefield Community Partnership to conduct the Holiday Stroll on Saturday, Dec. 1, 2018 from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. (street closing to occur at 1 p.m.) and to use the right of way within the shutdown area.

• Approved a request from the Wakefield Community Partnership to close Main Street to vehicular traffic on Dec. 1 from Yale Avenue to Richardson Avenue; leaving Richardson Avenue open for right turn only (south) bound travel; Closing of the Lincoln Street parking lot on Smith Street so that access to the lot can be secured for WCP use; Closing of Albion Street to vehicular traffic from Main Street to North Avenue.

• Voted to approve a request from the Wakefield Community Partnership to utilize the area surrounding the Civic Center and part of Armory Street at the commencement of the Holiday Stroll Parade and Lincoln Street parking lot for Stroll activities, if needed on Dec. 1. There will be a rolling shutdown from the Civic Center to Lincoln Street starting at 2:55 p.m.

• Approved a request from Wakefield Community Partnership for a one-day liquor license on Dec. 1, 2018 from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. License will be good from Nov. 26, 2018 until Dec. 5, 2018.

• Tabled a renewal Pool Table License application from Sept. 27, 2018 through April 30, 2019 for Lakeside Inn at 595 North Ave.