Marblehead ghost hunter denied Ft. Sewall request

MARBLEHEAD – Nicholas Smith, a summer resident of Marblehead and the head of Crypto Paranormal Investigations, told selectmen Wednesday evening that he disproves the presence of paranormal phenomena 96 percent of the time.But that one chance in 25 scared selectmen out of approving his request to spend a night in the closed portion of Ft. Sewall to follow up on some unusual things he observed there last year.Following a written request from Town Historian Bette Hunt, Selectman Judy Jacobi said she was concerned about publicity turning Ft. Sewall into a Halloween destination, or as Selectman William Woodfin put it, "paranormal central." Jacobi also declined to have Smith talk to Hunt, fearing that she would feel pressured.Smith, a student at Vermont’s Green Mountain College, showed the board photos of an anomaly he photographed at Ft. Sewall and played a recording of a voice saying "Help me."He said he has consulted with the New York Police Department and would not publicize Ft. Sewall if he observed anything on his overnight visit. Town Administrator Tony Sasso even offered to negotiate a visit with Smith to keep the visit date secret."I’d like to see this happen but I don’t see how it can," acting Selectmen Chairman James Nye said. He moved to allow Smith to make his night-time visit. Woodfin, who pointed out that Smith can still visit the park and the areas normally open to the public whenever he wishes, seconded the motion. When Jacobi voted against it, however, Woodfin joined her.