Print

Email story

Comment

Email editor

City adds parking to street near dog run

The decision comes with no notice and angers some residents who oppose the run. It also attracts more visitors.

By SHERRI DAY
Published February 18, 2005

In Palma Ceia Park, the fate of the community's dog run has pit neighbors against neighbors and sparked a controversy that shows few signs of ebbing.

Last week, city transportation officials stoked some homeowners' concerns by reinstituting parking on Marti Street, which borders the park.

Since then, more visitors have flocked to the park. And dog owners' ire for homeowners who want to close the park has become more flagrant, complete with shouting matches, angry stares and cursing, some residents said.

"The use of the park has increased, which means the problems have only increased," said Hillary Frank Aubin, a Palma Ceia Park homeowner who visits the park with her children. "We're not happy."

But other neighbors and a host of park visitors say the dog run's opponents should be more accommodating to dog owners.

Robin Kavan, who lives across from the park, applauds the new parking spaces and wants to keep the dog run open. But she is disappointed that the issue has caused a riff among neighbors.

"I don't know what the solution is. It's ridiculous," Kavan said. "I just wish I could talk to my neighbors, but I'm so mad about them being mad."

The fracas started last year when Stuart Rosenburg, a veterinarian who lives across from the park, began complaining about inconsiderate dog owners parking their cars in front of his driveway.

In response to Rosenburg's complaints, the transportation department banned parking on Marti Street. That sent many drivers searching for parking on other neighborhood streets, creating more problems for homeowners concerned about crowding.

Now, nearly 150 Palma Ceia Park residents have signed a petition calling for the dog run's closure. They say problems include excessive noise, dog fights, foul odors and crowded streets that prevent fire and rescue vehicles from getting through during emergencies. Park opponents also contend that the 0.6-acre park does not meet city code requiring dog parks to be at least 1 acre.

Earlier this month, the City Council discussed the issue in an attempt to quell the dispute. Representatives from Tampa's Parks and Recreation Department told council members that they would consider moving the dog run's boundaries farther away from houses. They will also look at opening more dog parks throughout the city. Transportation officials pledged to re-examine parking issues.

City Council member Rose Ferlita agreed to head a dog park committee that would work with Palma Ceia Park residents and city officials to fashion a solution. But four days later, without community input, transportation workers restripped Marti Street for eight parking spaces.

Transportation manager Roy LaMotte said the department was only trying to alleviate parking problems on adjacent streets.

"We'll be glad to meet with both sides," LaMotte said. "We regret if it's caused them any aggravation in the interim time."

Incensed that the community had no forewarning, Ferlita dissolved the dog park committee. Instead, she will work with city officials in an advisory role.

Ferlita and Parks and Recreation officials plan to hold a community meeting with Palma Ceia Park residents early next month, she said.

"We have to go about this slowly, fairly and equitably regardless of the position of any group or any individual constituent," Ferlita said. "I am spending my time to try to see both sides and try to get them where they need to be."

Sherri Day can be reached at 226-3405 or sday@sptimes.com

[Last modified February 17, 2005, 10:49:04]