RUSSELL – It has been common practice for sportsmen in Russell to park their vehicles along Route 20, enabling them to venture into local waterways and fish.
Now, crackdowns by State Police have at least one citizen calling for a boycott of local businesses.
In a letter sent anonymously to The Westfield News, a reader states: “Time for a boycott of the businesses in the town of Russell. The state police are harassing the fishermen parked along the side of Rte. 20 in Russell. You can park along the Deerfield River, Swift, Farmington and The Miller’s etc., and no one bothers you. These people have parked along Route 20 for 30 plus years. The Russell Selectmen are behind this. Let them know your feelings!”
While the complainant failed to identify himself in the letter, State Trooper Mark Rogers addressed the issue.
“Some areas along Route 20 are private property which those residents have posted,” said Trooper Rogers. “Recreational swimmers park their vehicles and leave all sorts of trash on people’s private property.”
“We are not in the business of ‘harassing’ people. We are in the business of public safety,” said Rogers. “We believe fishing and swimming are relaxing hobbies which we encourage. We just ask for people to be responsible.”
According to Russell Selectman Jason Boyer, this complaint is merely the agitated yarn of a local resident who is perturbed with change.
“We’ve heard of this,” Boyer said in reference to complaints from townspeople. “But the road is posted ‘No Parking’ in many places, and it’s a state highway. I don’t know exactly how many people have private property on the road, but if it’s posted, than you just can’t park there.”
