Dear Editor:
It is with great disappointment that the Hoboken Dog Association (HDA) reports the following history of interaction with the city, which we believe will be of interest to dog owners and non-dog owners alike:
Summer 1999: Dog owners are disgusted by filthy, foul-smelling dog runs and concerned for the health and safety of their dogs. Frustrated by a lack of recreational alternatives (ordinances prohibit dogs from all areas in all city parks) some dog owners let their dogs play on grassy areas and receive summonses and fines.
In response, a group of dog owners meets with Tim Calligy, Director of Environmental Services. Meeting appears quite successful: Calligy promises that filthy runs will be addressed by a regular maintenance plan, non-existent or inoperable drainage systems will be evaluated and fixed, and that the city will consider opening a dog run at the Shipyard and on the Southwest end of town.
Facts to date: 1. Maintenance program never took place. 2. Sprinkler system in Steven’s run still doesn’t work; Church Square still has drainage problems. 3. The Shipyard park does not allow dogs whatsoever, let alone have a dog run. 4. The new park on the Southwest part of town does not permit dogs, either.
Summer 2000: Dog runs are more disgusting than ever. Dog owners have no alternatives. Sign in all parks now state, “No Dogs on Grass” or “No Dogs in Park.” Ordinances are enforced. Summonses of up to $250 are issued. In response the HDA is born.
Early Fall 2000: The HDA sponsors “Barks for Parks,” a park clean-up event. Flyers are hung throughout the city to advertise this community-spirited event.
Fact: HDA flyers are promptly torn down, but all other flyers at the same locations are left hanging. The HDA receives a notice from Michael Korman (the Mayor’s spokesperson/information officer) to “inform and warn” us that our flyers are “posted illegally on poles throughout Hoboken” and if we do not remove them we will be fined. Nevertheless, “Barks for Parks” is a success: Church Square, Steven’s and Elysian Park are cleaned (dog runs, playgrounds, bushes and grassy areas), resulting in numerous bags full of glass, litter and drug paraphernalia.
Late Fall 2000: 1. The HDA meets with members of local government. Attendees include Calligy, Korman, Stephen Hudock (Councilman-at-Large) and Michael Cricco (Councilman, 5th Ward). Mayor Russo and Frank Sasso (Board of Health) visit briefly. All present agree to specific action plan for ongoing dog run maintenance. The run will be treated every 10 days with “Odormute.” 2. At December 2000 council meeting, a change to the ordinance banning dogs from waterfront walkways is introduced, permitting leashed dogs on the walkways of Pier A Park and Sinatra Park.
Facts: 1. As of March 29, 2001, only one “Odormute” treatment has occurred. 2. While amendment to the walkway ban was approved on December 7, 2000, as of March 29, 2001 signs banning dogs at Pier A and Sinatra Park remain. Police enforce the signs and dog owners continue to be forced off walkways and out of parks.
Early Winter 2000: City cancels meeting scheduled with HDA but assures us that meeting will take place before the holidays.
Fact: City is busy with holiday festivities and meeting never occurs.
Winter 2001: The HDA makes four attempts to contact Calligy (our designated contact) to reschedule meeting. HDA also discusses situation with Terry Castellano who promises to talk to Calligy.
Fact: No calls were returned and the HDA received no response.
Late Winter: 2001: Local dog walker sends letter to Mayor Russo concerning dog runs.
Fact: Signed response from the Mayor’s office states “…the City has had a very cooperative working relationship with the Hoboken Dog Association. I look forward to continuing to address its needs….”
The HDA is frustrated and angered by this pattern of disrespect and empty promises, and concerned with the Mayor’s egregious lie about the city’s relationship with the HDA. Dog owner or non-dog owner, it is quite disconcerting to see a small local government treat its citizens with such blatant disregard and dishonesty.
The Hoboken Dog Association