NORTHAMPTON — In an apparent dig aimed at prominent Northampton businessman Eric Suher, posters stating “It Came From The Suher” popped up on several downtown buildings in recent days.

A Gazette photographer and reporter spotted posters on five downtown buildings Sunday afternoon, some of them tattered after someone apparently tried to rip them off brick walls.

The posters were seen near the vacant storefront on 50 Main St., on Masonic Street on the side of Noodles Restaurant, at 63 Strong Ave. on the site of the Pearl Street Nightclub, in the alley near the vacant Marinello Schools of Beauty on Pleasant Street and on Old South Street near the doorfront to the Shear Xtreme Salon.

There was no information on the posters to indicate where they came from or who posted them.

Suher — pronounced SHU-er — is a well-known property owner in Northampton and Holyoke and also owns Iron Horse Entertainment Group — the company behind Calvin Theatre, Pearl Street Nightclub, Mountain Park and Iron Horse Music Hall.

Suher has recently caught flak for what critics say are deteriorating conditions at his venues and for his treatment of artists. The magnate has also taken heat from the public for his vacant storefronts.

Suher could not be reached for comment on Sunday.

Capt. John Cartledge and Sgt. Joe Barszcz of the Northampton Police Department said they were unaware of any reports of vandalism on the buildings.

“I don’t think they have been reported,” Cartledge said.

Barszcz, who came in at 3 p.m. Sunday, said that “to my knowledge” there had been no reports.

He said such vandalism could be considered “tagging” under state law. If convicted, “taggers” face a maximum of two years in prison and/or a fine of at least $1,500. Perpetrators could also be required to clean up the damage.

Jack Suntrup can be reached at jsuntrup@gazettenet.com.

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