Concerns have been raised at a recent Select Board meeting about safety issues involving a resident of a group home on Klaus Anderson Road. Homeowners in the area have sought assistance to protect themselves from an individual who has repeatedly escaped from the group home, causing alarm among community members over the past ten months.
The incidents began approximately ten months ago, with the unidentified resident entering neighboring homes without permission on three occasions. Initially, the man walked directly into a local residence, only leaving after being chased out by the homeowner’s dogs. Despite police intervention, no effective measures were implemented to prevent future occurrences.
On a subsequent occasion, the individual attempted entry in the early morning hours, and most recently, he aggressively tried to open a neighbor’s front door on a cold, rainy night. Although the group home staff assured neighbors that precautions were taken to prevent further unauthorized departures, these measures have proven inadequate.
Authorities describe the man as having violent tendencies, capable of property damage, and difficult for staff to control during escalations. This volatility has heightened community concerns about safety. Residents argue that the group home’s current management cannot ensure security for both its residents and the surrounding area.
Beyond the incidents involving this particular individual, another resident has also been able to leave the premises unsupervised. Efforts to address these issues with the group home staff have reportedly been met with hostility.
Community members are urging the Select Board to initiate a state-level investigation into the home, seek emergency interventions, verify the facility’s licensing and operational status, and provide a clear plan of action. The situation has been described as dangerous, with residents taking personal security measures, including carrying firearms.
Town officials, including Select Board member Diane Gale, have expressed shock at the revelations and committed to taking action, though the specific steps the town can take are limited. The legal status and oversight of the group home are unclear, with no records found by the state’s Department of Mental Health or Public Health, nor by local authorities.
Property records indicate ownership by Wasserman Holdings LLC, but attempts to contact the agent, Adam Wasserman, for comment have been unsuccessful. Historical records show the home was once leased to Becket Family of Services, yet current operations are unclear, and the organization has not returned inquiries.
