Hearing is next step in dog park controversy

Stonington selectmen to accept public comments Wednesday

Stonington — The Board of Selectmen will hold a public hearing on Wednesday at 6 p.m at Stonington High School to get input from residents about the current and future uses of the unofficial dog park at the Town Dock.

Controversy has surrounded the use of the property, named the Sewer Treatment Expansion Parcel by town officials, for several years.

The hearing is part of the process being used by the Sewer Treatment Expansion Parcel committee, which met for the first time last month, to come up with a plan for the property.

The committee plans to meet twice in March and submit recommendations to the Board of Selectmen by April 1.

The mission given to the committee includes determining the suitability of the site for a dog park, and if it is suitable the committee should come up with proposed rules, improvements and enforcement.

If it is not suitable, the committee should consider another location in town.

Laura Ann Gabrysch and Frank Mastrapasqua, who own a Front Street home that borders the park, have sued the town, alleging it has been operating an “illegal dog park,” that it has not received any permits or zoning approvals for the park, that it poses a danger to the public and is a nuisance.

They had agreed to put on hold their lawsuit if the town formed a committee but were then displeased with the charge given to members and how they were chosen. Their suit is moving forward. Two neighbors on the panel have also recently resigned.

Anyone who can not attend the hearing but wishes to comment on the dog park can send comments to the Board of Selectmen, 152 Elm St., Stonington, 06378 by Tuesday.