CHANGE OF DATE!

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Councilor Tony Palomba

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Sep 18, 2015, 9:31:06 PM9/18/15
to Dog Park Task Force

​Dog Park Task Force Members and Friends,

I know you have been saving September 30 in your calendar for the big meeting about renovation of the Grove Street entrance to Filippello Park.  HOWEVER THE DATE HAS BEEN CHANGED!  The new date is MONDAY, OCTOBER 6​ at the same time, 7:00 PM, in the same place, Town Council Chambers, Town Hall.

​Here is a CONCEPTUAL design.  Personally I am not super impressed.  I think that Dog Park is too small and we will need to remove quite a few trees, while the courts and the Green take up all the presently unused space.  This is not using the entrance for a Dog Park, this is adding a dog park by clearing more space.  This was NOT the intention of the Council's public works committee.

This is what I posted when the design appeared on      www.facebook.com/AaronDushku4you/photos/a.817261071633307.1073741839.735947299764685/1228472427178834/?type=1                                   

​At first glance, the conceptual design is a disappointment in terms of the dog park. I believe it was the intention of the Public Works Committee of the TC and other members of the TC that some of the available unused space at the entrance would be for a dog park. In this design the dog park is carved out of existing space and would necessitate remove quite a few trees. It almost feels like the promised "state-of-the-art" dog park was an after thought and clearly it took back seat to basketball courts and the Green.

May I suggest that you click no the link above and register your comments and PLEASE SHOW UP IN NUMBERS AT THE OCTOBER 6 MEETING.












Tony Palomba
Councilor At-Large
 
 

jdpa...@comcast.net

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Sep 21, 2015, 8:01:46 AM9/21/15
to watertownmadogs
Fellow dog lovers,

To call this design for a dog park (and only a "potential" dog park at that) an afterthought is a disgrace to afterthoughts. I visited the site yesterday, and it looks even worse on the ground. I would describe it as shoehorned; it's even shaped like a shoehorn. But I'm not sure we can blame the desiger for this disappointing proposal: someone didn't get the memo that a dog park was supposed to be central to the redesign. It's a dog strip-mall, not a dog park.

It's not even accurate to call this a redesign. Other than relocating the entry road, everything stays pretty much the same. There will be basketball courts where there were basketball courts, and a green (sorry, "The Green") where there is, you guessed it, a green (though not a very green green, I have to admit). Oh wait, the hopscotch is new. And the ping-pong. Just no acceptable dog park.

Contrast this proposal with what just opened in East Boston: 22,500 square feet (about half a football field) with (and I quote) "two sections, a 17,000-square-foot area for large dogs, and a 5,500-square-foot area for small dogs. Both sections have exercise equipment for the dogs, pet waste stations, and water fountains both for pets and their owners". You can live next to the airport and still have a dog park that puts this "potential" park to shame. A vacant lot puts this to shame.
 
I'm not angry, just confused. Were we not heard? Was our hard work--by most of you more than me--proving the benefits of a dog park to the community and on what makes a good dog park deemed irrelevant? Who directed the designer to treat our dream as a postscript?

I hope we get satisfactory answers to these questions at the meeting (see Tony's correction: Tuesday, October 6th). But more, I hope we get a serious proposal. This one is sorry. If you weren't motivated to attend the meeting before, I hope you are now!

Josh Passell
Shattuck Road


From: "Councilor Tony Palomba" <councilo...@gmail.com>
To: "Dog Park Task Force" <waterto...@googlegroups.com>
Sent: Friday, September 18, 2015 9:31:05 PM
Subject: [watertownmadogs] CHANGE OF DATE!
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Barbara

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Sep 21, 2015, 10:30:53 AM9/21/15
to Google Group Dog Park Planning
I fully agree. A “potential” dog park after all this time? An isolated location? And more. But, let’s talk about PROCESS for a minute. 20 yrs ago people requested a dog park. 4-5 years ago I went to see Steve Magoon about finding a site and he said they’d looked into it and How Park was the answer, since there were problems with developing it for more intensive people use. Two years ago the Dog Park Task Force started to meet and discussed potential sites after developing a set of criteria for modern dog parks. 
Last year the Recreation Dept, Planning Dept, and Town Council with no public participation announced some choices, including Arsenal Park and the Grove Street entrance to Filipello Park. The chair of the Department of Public Works Council committee and many Councilors at hearings said that they wanted a state of the art dog park in the East End which would serve the Watertown public. Do it Right was a refrain. Grove Street won out as the DPTF had hoped. The town goal was to have three parks in different sections. A small private one opened to the public at the Waltham St Apts (new management, I dont remember the name now and it is technically in Waltham, but parking is easy); How Park is the second, the one with a cliff for half the site and no direct entrance except through the people park and impassible in winter unless a neighbor continues to plow a route; and finally, Grove Street. The Dog Park Task Force chose the Grove Street entrance to Filipello for many reasons which you can read about below.
Criteria- Complete, Modern Off-leash dog park.docx
Why Grove Street site best choice for Watertown’s Off.docx
DogPark.mov.zip

Kathy Alpert

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Sep 21, 2015, 10:40:16 AM9/21/15
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Bravo, Josh. See you on the 6th.

Best,

Kathy Alpert
Spruce Street

Sent from my iPad

barbara R

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Sep 21, 2015, 1:24:06 PM9/21/15
to Dog Park Planning Google Group
Dear SFTF Planning: I've asked Shannon to sort out this letter below. Try to follow the whole thing if you can. It is separated by google info between the three links I sent out. I thought this was the whole google group. You have them anyway. Please read at least the entire letter part. 
I hope we have a good presence tomorrow night at Council, the public forum before the meeting. Let's coordinate. I'd like to mail to all on the list. thanks, barbara

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Criteria- Complete, Modern Off-leash dog park.docx
Why Grove Street site best choice for Watertown’s Off.docx
DogPark.mov.zip

Barbara

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Sep 22, 2015, 8:23:54 AM9/22/15
to Google Group Dog Park Planning
Dear Planning, I realize that it is Yom Kippur and I won’t go to the meeting, but I’ve asked Mark Sideris if he will read a letter from me. I do hope that some of you will attend and let me know what you are thinking. If we wait until the next meeting, Oct 6, they will probably send it to subcommittee if there are people to challenge the plan, but you know that it is harder to come up with good thinking on the plan on the spur of the moment. What if they just select that plan? 
I personally think that the Council needs to consider the large constituency for a great dog park at Grove entrance before the election. We represent that and should contact the entire google group and friends. The election matters to these incumbents. (Only Kenny Woodland doesn’t have an opponent). 
We should have a presence Oct 6, but why not go tonight and talk at the Public Forum at the very beginning of the meeting at 7:15. Must sign in to speak. The key is that, like Victory Field, the plan was drawn without public input before being presented to the Council. And they had hundreds show up to complain about that once the public was invited. The DPTF might not win over the Conservation Comm. chair’s dream of a rose garden, but at least consider the criteria for a “state of the art” dog park and clue us in on the thinking. 
Is anyone interested at all? Barbara



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<Criteria-  Complete, Modern Off-leash dog park.docx>

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<Why Grove Street site best choice for Watertown’s Off.docx>



Part of the Dog Park Task Force even had an Impromptu Dog Park which proved the point that it can be a spacious, basic dog park without much trouble, or expense, and even in the snow if thought out—this one was created by a fence between the tennis court and the outer fence at Victory Field. It lasted an hour and was great fun for eight to ten dogs and about a dozen people. 

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<DogPark.mov.zip>
One of the most notable parts of the process was the TOTAL LACK OF DIRECT PUBLIC INPUT TO THE PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE COUNCIL IDEAS, though the DPTF had been working for at least a year and a half and there were many, many people interested in the process. 
Today we have been handed a developed plan at Filipello WITH NO PUBLIC INPUT INTO THE PLANNING AND PROCESS OF DEVELOPING THE DESIGN. The one overriding issue here is that the public has put work into thinking about dog parks, but has been ignored when it comes to making it happen. Even our criteria were ignored. 
The efforts of the DPTF and others have been ignored and a “potential” dog park marginalized. Perhaps the Council does not recognize that sizable constituency interested in state of the art dog parks. 
This is unacceptable in a town with many, many advocates for dogs, dog parks, owner responsibility, friends of dogs, and families, and which had the DPTF and many others offer to help in the planning. Once again we have been presented with a finished plan with a shoe horn of an afterthought for a dog park as Josh characterized it. 
I think that we should go to the Town Council meeting TOMORROW NIGHT, before the scheduled October 6 hearing. We should speak at the Public Forum before the meeting starts to take turns making all the relevant points about the history and need for the dog park in a particular place; the criteria and why the Grove Street entrance to Filipello is ideal for the “state of the art” dog park the Council says it wants; how the dog park can be an attractive entrance to Filipello and still provide green space for not only organized recreation at Filipello, but informal use of public space throughout the park; and why PUBLIC INPUT is important on so many levels (remember the hundreds who demanded input into the Victory Field redesign with artificial turf?). 
If you are interested in participating, please let’s hear from you here and talk about what we want to get across to the Council tomorrow night before the official hearing in October at which time a vote might be forthcoming. Let’s coordinate in advance of a hearing to get the ear of the Council while there is still time to be understood, especially since there is an election coming. 
 What do you think?
Barbara Ruskin
PS: Sustainable Watertown needs someone to help organize the emails of interested dog park members so we can mail to new people. in...@sustainablewatertown.org. Urgent.
 

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Deborah Whitman

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Sep 22, 2015, 8:27:39 AM9/22/15
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Hi Everyone,
 
I fully agree with Josh that the proposed site for a "potential dog park" is completely inadequate!  With all the "green" areas within Filippello, one more is not needed.  The space designated as "The Green" should be fully given to the dog park.  As Barbara has stated, the criteria which we submitted to the Town a few years ago form the basis of the Town Council's promise  to "do it right".  The present proposal falls woefully short. With land so precious in our town, we will never again have the chance to have a full-sized, state of the art dog park. We must insist on a significant revision to this proposal.
 
I deeply regret that due to the change in date, I will not be able to attend, but I know that all of you who have been so very supportive and active in the past will come forward again at this crucial time.
 
My deepest thanks to Tony for his strong leadership and tireless support and to all of you for your calls, emails and presence as we strive to meet our goal.
 
Deb Whitman
 
 
-----Original Message-----
From: Kathy Alpert <k...@postmarkpress.com>
To: watertownmadogs <waterto...@googlegroups.com>
Sent: Mon, Sep 21, 2015 10:40 am
Subject: Re: [watertownmadogs] CHANGE OF DATE!

barbara R

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Sep 22, 2015, 9:06:45 AM9/22/15
to waterto...@googlegroups.com, Deb Whitman
Deb, Please send in your letter to the Town Council to be read tonight at the Public Forum. Better yet, you could go this evening and speak (you can leave right after, since dogs are not on the regular agenda). The timeline is: 7:15 PM gavel to open Town Council meeting, public forum, agenda, final public forum, gavel to close meeting. It is perfectly correct to speak for two minutes on any subject at the public forum and then leave. You must sign the list in front of the Council President at the beginning. 
Barbara

Councilor Tony Palomba

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Sep 22, 2015, 9:33:37 AM9/22/15
to Dog Park Task Force
Folks,

Thank you for this email exchange.  I would like to a few suggestions if you plan to speak at tonight's meeting:

1) Mention that you are speaking tonight, since there will not be another TC meeting until after theOcotber 6 meeting.

2) You appreciate President Sideris asking about the status of the meeting regarding the entrance to the Park at the last TC meeting

3) You recognize that the conceptual drawing you saw, is just that a concept, but you have serious concerns about the concept.

Finally, remember you have only two minutes.

Thanks, 
Tony

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Part of the Dog Park Task Force even had an Impromptu Dog Park which proved the point that it can be a spacious, basic dog park without much trouble, or expense, and even in the snow if thought out—this one was created by a fence between the tennis court and the outer fence at Victory Field. It lasted an hour and was great fun for eight to ten dogs and about a dozen people. 
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One of the most notable parts of the process was the TOTAL LACK OF DIRECT PUBLIC INPUT TO THE PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE COUNCIL IDEAS, though the DPTF had been working for at least a year and a half and there were many, many people interested in the process. 
Today we have been handed a developed plan at Filipello WITH NO PUBLIC INPUT INTO THE PLANNING AND PROCESS OF DEVELOPING THE DESIGN. The one overriding issue here is that the public has put work into thinking about dog parks, but has been ignored when it comes to making it happen. Even our criteria were ignored. 
The efforts of the DPTF and others have been ignored and a “potential” dog park marginalized. Perhaps the Council does not recognize that sizable constituency interested in state of the art dog parks. 
This is unacceptable in a town with many, many advocates for dogs, dog parks, owner responsibility, friends of dogs, and families, and which had the DPTF and many others offer to help in the planning. Once again we have been presented with a finished plan with a shoe horn of an afterthought for a dog park as Josh characterized it. 
I think that we should go to the Town Council meeting TOMORROW NIGHT, before the scheduled October 6 hearing. We should speak at the Public Forum before the meeting starts to take turns making all the relevant points about the history and need for the dog park in a particular place; the criteria and why the Grove Street entrance to Filipello is ideal for the “state of the art” dog park the Council says it wants; how the dog park can be an attractive entrance to Filipello and still provide green space for not only organized recreation at Filipello, but informal use of public space throughout the park; and why PUBLIC INPUT is important on so many levels (remember the hundreds who demanded input into the Victory Field redesign with artificial turf?). 
If you are interested in participating, please let’s hear from you here and talk about what we want to get across to the Council tomorrow night before the official hearing in October at which time a vote might be forthcoming. Let’s coordinate in advance of a hearing to get the ear of the Council while there is still time to be understood, especially since there is an election coming. 
 What do you think?
Barbara Ruskin
PS: Sustainable Watertown needs someone to help organize the emails of interested dog park members so we can mail to new people. in...@sustainablewatertown.org. Urgent.
 
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Patricia Ahern

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Sep 22, 2015, 9:39:35 AM9/22/15
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I too was very disappointed with the plan. There appears to be plenty of space for both a real dog park and a Green. Thank you Tony for recognizing the needs of suburban dogs and their people.  And thank you Deb, for keeping us focused.  
All best, 
Pat Ahern 

Kathy Alpert

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Sep 22, 2015, 10:11:07 AM9/22/15
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Hello everyone,

I, too, will be unable to attend this evening’s meeting, but I would appreciate having the following message read on my behalf:

“Like countless other Watertown property owners - along with residents and people who work or own businesses in our wonderful town - I was thrilled to learn of the new dog park.  Then I saw the sketch.  Not only is the area currently allocated for the dog park disproportionately small, the configuration is problematic.  Some dogs feel threatened when forced to share tight spaces such as the planned entrance to the proposed dog park.  Large dogs need more space to run. 

We need to provide a welcoming and comfortable environment for our dogs. There is plenty of green space currently available to the people of Watertown near existing schools and in parks.  This land offers a rare opportunity to secure a spacious green area that allows our loyal canine friends the optimum opportunity to exercise and socialize.

Our tax dollars finance the town’s educational and recreational facilities. Yet many of us don’t have kids taking advantage of our school system. We’re happy to share the burden, but it’s only fair that the town offer facilities that meet our needs as well.  Now is the time for Watertown to show it is a progressive, inclusive community, serving the wide range of stakeholders in the town, including people whose dogs deserve better.  

Thank you, Tony, for standing up for us."

Sincerely,

Kathy Alpert
Spruce Street


Barbara

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Sep 22, 2015, 12:02:18 PM9/22/15
to Google Group Dog Park Planning
Kathy, 
Please send your letter to jh...@watertown-ma.gov and ask her to send it to all the councilors before tonight’s meeting. Copy Peter Centola, Dir of Recreation, pcentola@watertown etc and Chris Hayward, tree warden and staff for conservation committee chayward@watertown etc. Ask Hayward to send to Conservation Committee.
It looks as if they are going to cut down trees for this. What is the point? Here is a photo of a dog park in Cabot Park, Newton. By the way, they have three gates for safety sake and to allow people in from different directions. We had hoped we’d also get some short term parking right off Grove. This plan definitely needs community input during the design process. Barbara

Kathy Alpert

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Sep 22, 2015, 1:12:13 PM9/22/15
to waterto...@googlegroups.com
Done!

Sent from my iPad

Kathy Alpert

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Sep 22, 2015, 2:16:24 PM9/22/15
to Hand, JoAnna, waterto...@googlegroups.com
Hi Joanna,

Thanks for your help!

I look forward to meeting you on the 6th of October.

Best,

Kathy

Sent from my iPad

On Sep 22, 2015, at 2:14 PM, Hand, JoAnna <jh...@watertown-ma.gov> wrote:

Done!

 

Regards,

 

JoAnna Hand

Town Manager’s Office

149 Main Street

Watertown, MA 02472

 

Tel. 1-617-972-6465 | www.watertown-ma.gov

 

From: Kathy Alpert [mailto:k...@postmarkpress.com]
Sent: Tuesday, September 22, 2015 1:08 PM
To: Hand, JoAnna
Subject: Fwd: [watertownmadogs] CHANGE OF DATE!

 

Hello,

 

I won't be able to join you for tonight's meeting. I'd appreciate your sharing this email with the councilors prior to the meeting.

 

Thank you,

 

Kathy Alpert

16 Spruce Street

Sent from my iPad


Begin forwarded message:

Pat Ahern 

 

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