Foote Avenue dog park questioned

NORTH CANAAN — It seemed like a simple idea: Fence in a small plot of unused land and let dogs romp there in safety.The idea, proposed by the newly appointed Dog Park Committee of Lynne Martin and Nancy Tidd, called for the park to be in or near the center of town, where yards are small or nonexistent for apartment dwellers. It might also solve the problem of dog owners not cleaning up after their pets at recreational fields.But what is available (town property) and not near anything else is unusable, because it is mostly wetlands. Any pieces that might be ideal are not sufficiently isolated. Except for one.And so, many residents of Foote Avenue came to the Board of Selectmen’s meeting July 2 seeking input and information. They took a reasonable stance. They were willing to listen and asked for their concerns to be heard. During an open and lengthy discussion, they were assured by the selectmen that the proposed park adjacent to their dead-end street is far from a done deal; that a letter was expected to be sent to them in about two weeks and that they would make sure an informational meeting is held. First Selectman Douglas Humes said the Streetscape Committee had favorably reviewed the plan.Residents have been reading news reports of a plan to use about an acre over by the town garage. That was denied by the Inland Wetlands Commission. The newly proposed half-acre site, suggested by the selectmen, seems ideal in terms of its proximity to a municipal parking lot and within walking distance to businesses, yet still isolated to a great degree.Resident Gertrud Anderson, whose home would be as close as 25 feet to the park, raised concerns about noise and smells, and was skeptical that dog owners would enforce the rules there themselves.Foote Avenue is an anomaly. The narrow road connects with the now-unused Elizabeth Lane, which includes a narrow bridge over Camp Brook that leads into the municipal parking lot. There are about 14 homes. Eight residents, representing half of the households, said they are concerned about the possible impacts from the dog park. They also took the opportunity to complain about an apartment house they said is not well-managed (parking and loud parties are an issue) and about the liability to the town of skateboarders in the parking lot. They were told there is always a liability risk on any town property. The town carries risk insurance, which would cover the dog park. The cost of fencing and ongoing expenses would not fall to the town, but the town would have to mow.Neighbors were less concerned that the remaining open space between the road and brook is slated for recreational uses, such as a soccer field. The town obtained the parking lot and open space with grant money that requires they use it, without erecting any permanent structures on it, so it can be used for overflow parking. Humes noted some Canaan Chamber of Commerce members think the park would bring business into town.“Dogs are not allowed in establishments, so people are not going to come into town, take their dog to the park and then leave the dog in the car while they shop,” Martin LeMasurier said.Tom Hester asked about other potential sites, such as a parcel on North Elm Street last used as a community garden. Selectman Charlie Perotti said the Canaan Fire Company is already looking at using part of the 6-acre site for a new firehouse.Any property proposed for a dog park will have to be approved by local land use agencies. No town meeting vote is needed, since town funding will not be used, according to Humes. But residents and property owners can demand a referendum, given it is town property.