Like all urban areas, however, Palmer Cove faces certain challenges when it comes to maintaining a safe environment. Long-standing concerns include the sometimes unruly behavior of Salem State University students, particularly on Friday nights and weekends, as well as the ongoing effects of drug activity and associated anti-social behavior occurring within The Point, a relatively densely populated neighborhood adjacent to Palmer Cove. More difficult to observe and quantify are the crimes against residents of the neighborhood's senior citizen housing, often occurring in the form of financial fraud perpetrated by criminals who use the telephone for their scams or disguise themselves as legitimate door-to-door sales people.

 

Property crime, including theft from homes and vehicles, is a concern across the entire city, as are other general public safety concerns, such as reckless driving and the ability of fire engines and ambulances to navigate tight neighborhood streets when vehicles are parked illegally at street corners. Incidents of illegal disposal of bulk waste items are also common, as can be observed on our sidewalks and on the city's See-Click-Fix website, where neighbors report illegal dumping. Illegal dumping can lead to neighbor disputes and, by lending to an overall impression that residents do not care about the neighborhood, invites criminals to use neighborhood streets and parks for illegal activity.

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Neighborhood businesses have, likewise, struggled with various aspects of criminal and anti-social behavior, from shoplifting and public intoxication, to robberies and racially motivated crimes. There is more that we can do to partner with, protect and support those who operate businesses along Palmer Cove.