By Judy Crystal
While it is possible that our town needs another “dog park”, I cannot imagine a more dangerous location than the one proposed for Ritch Avenue West. It would appear that no one involved in this proposal has driven on the street. To do so would reveal its narrowness and deceptive sight lines, made even more limited by the significant use by the tractor trailers entering and leaving Bimbo Bakeries.
Should someone wait, or even slow down, before turning to enter the proposed eight space parking area, traffic would have to come to a halt, and the deceptive sight lines promise an accident waiting to happen. In addition, the entrance faces the already difficult entrance to the 12 condominium development immediately across the street and is diagonally across from the large apartments complex just beyond.
Is the town proposing a full time employee to manage the entrance to the parking and maintain safe resident use of Byram Park? Will maintenance of the relative cleanliness of the “dog park” add more staff hours. Frankly, I would hope so. Who will monitor that pet owners and “dog walkers” bring no more than the specified number of animals to the area? The $30,000 “gift” will disappear in a heartbeat, adding just more dollars to our town budget.
Untended, the entrance would, at least, require significant lighting to keep things relatively safe in an area that has already seen issues. Another initial AND ongoing budget item.
It may seem easy to dismiss my letter as “selfish” or “grumpy” but I am really concerned about the dangers involved. The squeal of brakes on the road is an all too frequent sound. Byram has a beautiful park. Let’s not nibble away at what makes it special.