Dog Park Neighbors Seek Apology — and Get It

Longtime Swampscott resident Dorothy Foley told selectmen Wednesday that she felt disenfranchised by town officials earlier this month.

She said she and other residents had been assured last year by former Town Administrator Andrew Maylor that they would have a role in any decision on the planned dog park's location.

She said she was shocked to read that selectmen had approved a motion earlier this month for the  group to locate a place for dogs at Phillips Park behind the  — without contacting abutters.

Assistant Town Administrator Dave Castellarin told residents that no decision has been made on where a dog park will go.

The proposed sale of a four-lot parcel of land behind the pumping station — a possible place for a park —  is going to town meeting for a vote, he said.

The action the board took earlier this month was a multi-part motion.

The first part of the approval served as a fall-back or placeholder, telling dog park supporters that the town is committed to finding them a dog park.

The other part of the board's approved motion provides SPOT a place — if it is found to be suitable — within the four-lot parcel behind the town pumping station.

New Town Administrator Thomas Younger said he will be sure to update the residents on any dog park related developments and invite them in for discussions. 

The residents of Smith Lane and Sutton Place and other streets want to be apprised of information including the following: Is the four-lot parcel purchased? Where is the dog park being proposed for? Is there a road being built behind the pumping station? Is the town going to install artificial turf at Phillips Park?

Meanwhile, at Wednesday's meeting, Selectman Barry Greenfield extended an apology to the residents for the board's dog park action at their last meeting..

"I think the board owes you an apology," he said. "We were remiss in that meeting."

The board's new chairman, Rich Malagrifa, primised the residents they will be involved in any decision making.