Politics & Government
Selectmen Approve Dog Park by 3-2 Vote
The dog park at Phillips Park moved forward Monday with selectmen's approval, contingent on a Conservation Commission review.
Selectmen on Monday approved a dog park — contingent upon review by the Conservation Commission — for the far corner of Phillips Park beside the practice football field.
It was a narrow approval — a 3-2 vote — before a room filled with dog park supporters and abutters to the dog play area.
Voting yes were Selectmen John Callahan, Glenn Kessler and Matt Strauss; voting no were Barry Greenfield and Jill Sullivan.
Selectman Strauss said locating the 10,000-square-foot area in the corner by the practice field was the least intrusive spot.
Another proposed Phillips Park dog play location discussed Monday was land behind the Bertram House.
Strauss said the park grade slopes to that area, causing water to flow in its direction. To build the dog park behind the Bertram House and subsequently excavate could alter the flow and cause drainage problems elsewhere, he said.
Some abutters from Smith Lane and Sutton Place favored the back of the Bertram House for the dog park location.
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The selected location, by the practice football field, is much closer to their homes.
Residents are concerned about the noise from a nearby dog park as well as health issues including those related to dog waste.
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Some residents also objected to the parking lot being used for something other than a parking lot, saying its use as a dog park was counter to the intention of those who secured the land back in the 1970s.
Department of Public Works Director Gino Cresta said there would be no net loss of parking places if the dog park is built.
The town administrator has set a Sept. 1 goal for the park to open.
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