Brian Bond on Veterans Park Lighting
By Shawn on Apr 23, 2009 in Dracut Elections
On May 4th, residents of Dracut will be asked to make important decisions about the leadership of the community, including educational and housing authority. In preparation for these decisions, residents look to a variety of sources for information about current and future community issues. Local radio stations, internet blogs, and local newspapers, including the Lowell Sun are key sources of this information. In recent weeks there have been a number of stories about Dracut projects that have misrepresented the facts or prior community decisions. This letter is intended to clarify some of these misrepresentations so that Dracut voters can make more informed decisions. One issue in particular needs clarification.
The development of Veteran’s Park was a tremendous accomplishment and is now a valuable community resource. It has been reported that development of the Park only received neighborhood approval because there was a promise that no lighting would be installed on the rear football field or walking paths. It has also been suggested that neighborhood meetings occurred with abutters where “no lighting” promises were made. Is it possible that a meeting occurred between a few people and not an official committee meeting? Maybe. Also, according to town officials, in review of meeting minutes there was no vote indicating that the Park would not install lights. At the time, there was no need or requests to install lights except for the football practice area and the baseball fields. However, the Park has become a valuable, but underutilized space.
Not only is this an issue near and dear to me because of the recreational value it represents, but I grew up in this neighborhood, so it is a bit more personal. Recent conversations with immediate abutters on Blackberry Field Road, Arlington Road, Ansonia Avenue and Montaup Avenue reveal no public conversations took place – or included them, in reference to no lighting at Veteran’s Park. In truth, as many as 17 current abutters have absolutely no problem with installing lighting in Veteran’s Park. Many believe, as do I, that the Park would be even more resourceful if lights were installed. Lighting would enhance the safety of the Park and extend the use of the Park until early evening. The Park could be used by even more recreational groups, young people and families, including working adults who are not able to use the Park during the daylight hours.
Brian J Bond
Candidate for Dracut Selectmen
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Colleen Curley | Apr 25, 2009 | Reply
I am more confused. Mr. Bond is not representing my neighborhood completely. He does not mention speaking with anyone who believes the agreement with the town should be upheld. I have spoke with several families who believe just that. Mr. Bond has not spoken with any of my immediate neighbors-who are also current abutters to the park. This neighborhood did have promises/agreements made with past and present town officials and we put out faith and trust in these officials to honor their word.
I don’t doubt Mr. Bond spoke with some families that don’t agree with what was said in the past. But I don’t understand how people can say they don’t have problems with the lighting. Did I miss a selectman’s meeting where lights were discussed? I checked with the Rec Department and as of today Pop Warner had not requested lights. What lights are these people agreeing with? Walkway lights? Temporary lights? Permanent lights? Lights on until 8:00? 9 or 10? 2 nights a week? 3 0r 4? Mr. Bond gave a time frame at the debate but I believe he was only speaking about Pop Warner. What about Lacrosse, Soccer, other groups using the fields on alternate nights? Could the park be light several nights? Every night? People should get all the facts before agreeing to anything.
Several neighbors and I met with town officials/DPW/Rec Department/Pop Warner just two years ago over walkway/lights and we were told this park was designed so no matter who moved in or out of the neighborhood- the park would remain constant- as designed. The walkway would go in and was for the neighborhood access, Pop Warner would get their own fields in the future, no lights on the back field.
This neighborhood loves the park and is very proud of all the work and thought that went into the design for it to fit into the neighborhood then, now and the future. Any change to the design could be a major change to the environment and should not be taken lightly.