Council Expected to Move on Dog Park
Teaneck's only off-leash dog run is nearing completion
Construction on the Phelps Park dog run is largely finished and the township will soon take up an ordinance allowing dogs in the newly built area, Township Manager William Broughton said.
"The dog park is just about done," Broughton told the town council Tuesday night.
Public works crews have working to convert the former above-ground swimming pool site to the town's only off-leash dog run. The finishing touches include installing water fountains and benches, Broughton said.
With work almost done, the town council will soon take on an ordinance allowing dogs in the park, the town manager said. Officials will also develop regulations for visitors.
The dog park was first proposed years ago and the town ran a pilot program allowing owners to have their dogs off leashes in Phelps Park. Officials have said the test didn't lead to any resident complaints.
The town council first considered upgrading the Phelps Park pool to meet the Americans with Disabilities Act, but nixed the idea when bids came in at around $700,000.
One proposal to build the dog park across from Temple Emeth on Windsor Road was dropped when officials learned the area could be considered wetlands.
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Keith Kaplan
10:29 am on Wednesday, March 6, 2013
I still cannot fathom how fixing a pool can cost the price of a house - $700,000???
But I'm happy to finally have a dog park.
Art Vatsky
11:06 am on Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Sounds like more work for our DPW to maintain Phelps Park with this new amenity. Does the DPW have enough resources in staff and equipment to take on all that is asked of it? Overaged trees that need trimming or drop branches, snow plowing and removal, replanting/replacing trees, flooding and sewer cleaning and so on. I know there are also outside vendors. As Teaneck infrastructure ages the portion of budget alloted to maintaining our municipal assets may have to grow. That would include actually having a DPW truck garage to make vehicle repairs faster, safer and cheaper.
Tom Abbott
4:38 pm on Wednesday, March 6, 2013
The "pilot" program did not allow dogs "off leashes in Phelps Park". It allowed dogs on leash in an area of Windsor park and later possibly to Phelps park. It was also not described as a pilot for a dog run but rather for allowing dogs on leash at more of Teaneck's parks.
I am curious what the cost of this dog park is. The Phelps park location presumably was selected because the fencing already existed. However, at the August 28th meeting, the manager said the fencing would have to be replaced and gave an estimate of $19,300 for the project. Later it was discovered that there was insufficient drainage and would require remediation. I suspect the actual cost was well above the original estimate.
I think it will be worth the cost. However, I would like to see leashed dogs allowed in parks in other areas of the town.
Keith Kaplan
4:46 pm on Wednesday, March 6, 2013
I agree. The laws against dogs seem to come from a very different time in our Town's history.
JamesTS
4:46 pm on Wednesday, March 6, 2013
are you sure abut that? i do remember very clearly taking my dog (now deceased RIP) off to Phelps and there were others there too with dogs. I am pretty sure Phelps is where they tested this. i was actually told by a police officer that dogs were not allowed in Teaneck parks but i was ok in Phelps that time.
I do agree: this is a nice area. But i dont want dogs running around all theparks because they might bother kids and people probalby wont pick up after them. Lets do it small and go from there.
Tom Abbott
7:47 pm on Wednesday, March 6, 2013
The Teaneck code Section 27-3 (e) - http://www.ecode360.com/13650449#13650465 - includes the ordinance for dogs in Teaneck Parks.
It specifically refers to the area of Windsor Park and also limits it to leashed dogs. This was change on 10-23-2007 by ordinance 4043. This ordinance also allows the council to designate additional parks or portions of parks for leashed dogs by resolution. As resolutions are not listed in the code, I can only assume one was passed for Phelps Park.
As for doing it small and going from there, that was proposed in when the ordinance was passed. Enough time has passed that it should either be expanded or discontinued.
Tom Abbott
7:07 pm on Saturday, March 9, 2013
I checked Phelps Park and the sign saying "No Dogs Allowed" is still posted. According to the township code, as long as the sign is there, it is illegal to bring a dog into the park. Nonetheless, the dog run was in use. Some laws are meant to be ignored.
Keith Kaplan
9:13 pm on Saturday, March 9, 2013
Tom -
I was at the meeting when the Phelps Park dog run was voted on. As I recall, the vote was to stop enforcement of the no-dog policy in Phelps Park, as opposed to merely removing the arcane rule.
I was there today with my dog. Neighbors seemed to enjoy talki g and playing together.
I saw at least 3 other dogs at the same time.
Tom Abbott
9:34 am on Sunday, March 10, 2013
A vote to end enforcement without a resolution or ordinance is not legal but with this council that would be be no problem. Then again it's not in the minutes and despite having attended or watched every meeting, I may have missed it.
In any case, it would seem odd to have sought preferential treatment for one park just because it's convenient for the council member who championed the dog run.
Keith Kaplan
2:46 pm on Sunday, March 10, 2013
I think it may have been around August, if memory serves - I am blanking on the year though. I'm fairly certain there was a resolution involved, but it's been a while. I'd have to look it up.
I'm not sure what councilman you're referring though.
The one that introduced the vote on the dog park was Elie Katz and as far as I know, he doesn't live anywhere near Phelps Park. As for the one that was "pushing" for the dog run -- that would probably be Adam Gussen, who also doesn't live near Phelps Park.
Is it possible that you just hell-bent on calling out some kind of injustice here? Maybe you should check your facts again.
Or better yet, come hang out at Phelps park and enjoy some of the neighborhood amenities.......
See ya there.
Keith Kaplan
2:46 pm on Sunday, March 10, 2013
From a Patch article at the time:
http://teaneck.patch.com/articles/concerns-raised-over-dog-run
"Councilman Elie Y. Katz proposed converting a long-closed area of Phelps Park housing an abandoned swimming pool into a dog run."
Tom Abbott
10:39 pm on Sunday, March 10, 2013
Mr. Katz made the proposal at the July 24, 2012 meeting. However, it was clear it had been discussed in advance. Mr. Gussen spoke on the subject at some length. There was no vote then or at subsequent meetings.
As for the distance Mr. Gussen lives from the park, I will assume you simply believe a 7 minute, .4 mile walk (Google) is not nearby ... or perhaps he's moved and didn't feel the need to let me know.
Even if a resolution had passed to allow dogs in Phelps Park, it would not have been sufficient. The code specifically states that in addition to the resolution it has to be posted.
I will probably continue to take my dog to parks better suited to long walks. The Teaneck Creek Conservatory, without a dog run, is a really nice and legal place to walk a dog. Overpeck's dog run is fairly popular even though one has to walk about .4 miles from the parking lot. The New Overpeck Park is good for long walks with a dog (or without,)
The county parks all allow leashed dogs. My favorite is Saddle River County Park in Rdigewood. It is a bit of a trek but in addition to a really good dog run, my dog enjoys swimming and wading in the Saddle River.
I have been totally in favor of a dog run in Teaneck despite the high cost. It's just Phelps Park offers me little though no doubt I will stop by..
Joan Stephens
10:48 am on Thursday, March 7, 2013
It is about time that Teaneck caught up with other towns in giving a contained place for dogs to run. Living right near the park, I can tell you that I see so many more people now with dogs that 20 years ago when I moved in. As for upkeep, hopefully dog owners will be responsible an clean up after their dogs. If not, as someone who plans on using the dog park daily, I will remind them it is their responsibilty. I don't see upkeep costs being excessive if we all do our part to keep it clean.
Keith Kaplan
11:06 am on Thursday, March 7, 2013
I agree with you Joan. My house abuts the park and we see (and hear, when my dog goes crazy) dogs in that park every day. They have been there for years.
It's about time they made them legit.
zizi
10:48 am on Thursday, March 7, 2013
Dogs (of any kind to avoid trouble) should not be allowed without leash any where in the town except a disgnated enclosed area just for dogs. I have seen people walking their dogs without leash in my neighborhood. I like dogs but I am afraid of them. We do hear that dogs do attack and injure people occasionally and the last thing we need in this town is another law suit that would result in our town paying out a ton of cash.
Keith Kaplan
11:06 am on Thursday, March 7, 2013
What else are you afraid of? I want to know what we should ban next.
It's ridiculous to think that the town has any liability in such a situation.