Cambridge City Council Opposes Construction of Cop City
by Patrick Wilson
On September 16, 2023, the Cambridge City Council in Massachusetts passed a policy order opposing the construction of Cop City and any similar facilities. The order also states that the Cambridge Police Department will not send trainees to Cop City or participate in any collaborations with the facility.
The passage of the policy order comes amid growing opposition to the Cop City project, a proposed $90 million police and fire training facility in Atlanta, Georgia. Opponents of the project argue that it will further militarize the police, destroy precious green space, and displace Black and brown residents.
Why is Cambridge City Council Opposing Cop City?
The Cambridge City Council cited several reasons for opposing the construction of Cop City. First, the council expressed concern about the project’s environmental impact. Cop City is proposed to be built on 85 acres of urban forest, which would result in the destruction of valuable trees and wildlife habitat.
Second, the council raised concerns about the militarization of the police. Cop City is designed to be a state-of-the-art training facility for police and firefighters. It will include features such as a mock city, a shooting range, and a burn building. Opponents of the project argue that this type of training will only serve to further militarize the police and make them more likely to use violence against civilians.
Third, the council expressed concern about the project’s impact on Black and brown communities. Cop City is proposed to be built in a predominantly Black and brown neighborhood in Atlanta. Opponents of the project argue that the facility will displace residents and further gentrify the neighborhood.
What Does the Cambridge City Council’s Policy Order Mean?
The Cambridge City Council’s policy order is a symbolic gesture, but it is also a significant one. It sends a strong message that the city of Cambridge stands in solidarity with the people of Atlanta and other communities that are fighting against Cop City and other similar projects.
The policy order also has some concrete implications for the Cambridge Police Department. The department won’t be able to send trainees to Cop City or participate in any collaborations with the facility. This is an important step, as it will help to ensure that Cambridge police officers are not trained in the same militaristic and violent tactics that are taught at Cop City.
The Cambridge City Council’s policy order opposing the construction of Cop City is a significant step forward in the fight against this controversial project. It is a sign that growing numbers of people are standing up against the militarization of the police and the destruction of green space. It’s clear that the city of Cambridge stands in solidarity with the people of Atlanta and other communities that are fighting against this project and other similar projects across the US.
** This piece was created with the help of ai.
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