NativeMasshole

NativeMasshole t1_jbmklbt wrote

>The Blackstone report recommended the town share its findings with the Massachusetts Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission, which has the power to suspend or terminate Laudon's certification to work as a police officer in the state. The commission declined to say whether it has launched an investigation into the issue.

This story has been public for some time now. I first heard about it last year. They're not investigating it. They haven't really done much of anything, as far as I can tell. Cases like this seem like they would be an easy PR win for the Commission to let people know they're trying to make changes, and yet .... nothing. Won't even make a statement on it.

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NativeMasshole t1_jakjxts wrote

I don't think the people who badmouth Southbridge know what a bad city looks like. They were saying the same shit about Worcester, right up until the housing market exploded. If shit keeps trending this way, Southbridge could be the next to get gentrified. It's already started in Athol and Gardner!

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NativeMasshole t1_jakii05 wrote

Ok, let me put it this way.

I personally think it's a fine place for a starter home if you don't have children. The city itself isn't great, as I'm sure you've obviously noticed, but it's really not as terrible as people make it out to be. The more rural areas can actually be really nice. Overall, it's not great for socializing and whatnot, but Sturbridge has plenty to do and that's like 10 minutes away. And anywhere else in Worcester County within your price range is probably going to have far less access to ... well, pretty much everything.

If you do have a children, I would look into the Quabbin and Tantasqua districts. You may be able to find something within your price range in the small towns around those areas, although you will be in a cow town with fuckall to do. And probably have worse access to Worcester than Southbridge. The upside is that they're all quintessential little New English towns that all have pooled resources into better school districts.

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NativeMasshole t1_jak9upi wrote

No, it's not that bad. There are certainly shitty parts of the city, but I wouldn't necessarily say it's dangerous or anything. It's just a relatively poor city. So long as you're not scared of seeing poverty and know how to navigate city living, you'll be fine.

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NativeMasshole t1_jaak7of wrote

There's still no on-site consumption allowed in Mass for dispensaries/cafes. The only way is to have a private members only club, which can't sell weed or alcohol. So, I have no idea how they think they'll get approved for a smoking lounge. And without that, the idea is just as ridiculous as a topless liquor store. There's no point in bringing entertainment into the transaction.

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NativeMasshole t1_ja30v2m wrote

All inspections are $35. And they're required to have cameras in the bay for audits, so you might have a hard time finding someone who will let you skate by if it's really bad. With rust, the only concern is that there are no holes in the exterior panels, so you can just bondo or spray foam it for an easy fix.

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