BMS1979 wrote:
Actually they haven't started using those lights, I expect that they will start using them in the summer with the community league. Without those lights on, the street lights and the new lights they have that stay on all night in the park provide enough for these kids to stay out there. I don't think turning off all the lights in the park at night is such a good idea if only for safety concerns.

I know, can't have it all ways, but if the park hours were enforced this wouldn't be an issue.

downright wrote:
Quote:

The basketball court has been packed with guys enjoyng it every time I've been down there, so that shows that there is a need for it.

If there was a whore house in the middle of HP, it would be packed every night. That doesn't mean there is a need for it. If Lady Gaga decided to have a concert in HP, it would be packed, but that doesn't mean there is a need for it.

Parks always have basketball courts, yes I agree. But the basketball court in HP is too close to peoples' homes. Simple as that. I even think the kids' playground is too close to peoples' homes. The screaming and yelling by all the kids gives me the chills. BUT, those kids are usually not still outside screaming and yelling once the sun goes down.

Not that the 10pm park closure is enforced, but even that is too late.

And also, the park shouldn't need to be closed at 10. All we need is some kind of noise ordinance. AND the damn cops to enforce it.

heights wrote:
Quote:

icechute wrote:
Jeez, we've officially hit rock-bottom!!!!!
I DON'T WANT YOUR DOGS HAIR AND DANDER FLOATING AROUND MY MEAL!
LEAVE THE DOG HOME!!!!!!

I agree, it is a unsanitary habit to allow animals into a food and beverage establishment. I am surprised the health department is not involved because the restaurants can be reported and shut down. I have been in some places where the dog has got in my way and also made contact with me, hairs and all. I see signs posted in the windows of some Jersey establishments as well as those in the city stating no animals allowed by orders of the Dept. of Health. You have to think like an insurance guy and worry about the what ifs.

icechute wrote:
Not sure if any of you would lower yourselves, but Flamingo does pretty good basic FT.

12345 wrote:
Amy;
Sorry if I was not clear. Use of the park should be free. I am referring to use of the tennis court, dog run, basketball should be for a fee; one fee for all. It could be $15.00 per year. The point is that the fee will pay the salary for someone to be there full time to enforce the rules. I have seen this done in public parks elsewhere in NJ and it works great. The fee also permits you to bring free guests. And stops out of towners from getting membership.

I will gladly pay $50.00/per year to have an attendant enforcing the rules. But this city is so messed up that you would prefer to have a police officer who makes $80,000.00/year standing there all summer enforcing the rules.

$20 X 500 memberships = $10,000.00 a nice summer job.

A police officer standing around all summer = a waste of taxpayer money.

That's an understatement. There were bottles scattered all over the grassy areas around the court. The court is a blight. Also, there is NO connection between "Martino" and the people who litter. It's like asking me to talk to speeders on our city streets. Ain't gonna happen. Just organize a clean-up crew. Anything else is like p*ssing in the wind. On a good note, the garbage cans in the other areas of the park were heavily used and the dog-run is spotless.

HamSandwich wrote:
Call me cynical, but I suspect that the scheduling of the park opening ceremony in the middle of a weekday has everything to do with Healy's preference for a low turnout.

He knows that the hardworking downtown folk of HP (as in those of who will be working during that time of day) see right through him and his corrupt cronies.

I hope that those of you who do go will call him out on his shenanigans, and loudly boo this shameless leader of a council of crooks (minus Steve, of course).

First of all, why didn't you speak up 3 years ago when I was being accused of making up that story? Secondly, I never insisted it was a lie. I was the one being called a liar!! People said that I made the whole thing up so your memory is a bit off on that one. Also, you could have spoken to the newspaper anonymously and at least cleared up the cloud that hung over the facts. Also, I know that you treat your dogs very well but the person I speak of, who doesn't post on this site anymore, treats their dog like a nuisance. They are hardly in a position to be critical of other dog owners. I respect your opinion but I believe you are over stating the real facts about dogs in Hamilton Park. It really is not a big problem and certain people are just trying to whip up hysterical reactions. In any case I am glad that I am finally exonerated.

Vigilante wrote:
Quote:

1stStGuy wrote:
Quote:

itsaurora wrote:

Vigilante - what is with your insistence that dogs should be allowed to do whatever they please? This is a serious question. I'd really like to hear your reasoning behind this stance.

Agreed. At first it was nice to hear a voice advocating for the dogs, but now you are starting to sound a bit off-kilter. What gives?

It's interesting that the person who first told me 3 years ago about a pitbull killing a daschund puppy in Hamilton Park is one of the big voices now on this subject. That person then refused to talk to the cops and the press when we needed them most. That pitbull and the owner eventually fled the area without paying compensation or being fined. Instead of tackling the real problem, one aggressive dog with a bad owner, they tried to spin the story and make it about all the dogs in HP. They and some others tried to use the story of ONE bad dog owner to cast suspicion on all the other dogs and owners in HP. There are others too who are influencing our councilman. If you dog lovers out there saw how one of these persons in particular treated their dog you would be appalled. These people have been working to try and exert their control over all things Hamilton Park. (Did I oppose the BB courts? Yes, I think they add more chaos to the park than any other aspect. I have no political influence though. It was just my opinion). These people have the ear of our counilman though and they will do anything they can to control and compartmentalize HP. If the dogs there in the past were so menacing and over-running the park then how was it that there were 5 to 6 cricket games going on all over the park? How was it that the kids always had soccer and baseball practice without problems or incidents? There is no army of sunbathers waiting by the gates of HP shaking in fear. Anyone who wanted to could sunbath there and there were never any problems. These people have created a climate of hysteria about dogs. I have never seen a dog go after a child in HP. In fact, I have only seen the opposite. Children insisting on petting dogs and pulling their tails while parents stood nearby and did nothing. No problem though. There has always been a harmony in the park and things have been fine. Are there bad dog owners? Yes, just as there are bad parents. The subject of dog owners not cleaning up is a COMPLETELY separate issue. It goes hand in hand with LITTERERS. IMO all litterers should be shot.

I_heart_JC wrote:
Quote:

1stStGuy wrote:
Quote:

itsaurora wrote:

Vigilante - what is with your insistence that dogs should be allowed to do whatever they please? This is a serious question. I'd really like to hear your reasoning behind this stance.

Agreed. At first it was nice to hear a voice advocating for the dogs, but now you are starting to sound a bit off-kilter. What gives?

The safest place for a dog to be is leashed by its owner's side. If Vigilante insists on letting his pet roam free, he is no advocate for dogs.

sjcarolan wrote:
Quote:

neanoora wrote:
Also, I find it extremely curious that now when the weather is nice, the park if full of dogs. What about in the middle of winter - don't those dogs need to run out then too? We certainly take our kid to outings regardless of the weather - he needs fresh air just like anyone else.

Really??? You find it curious why a park is busier when the weather is nice? I wouldn't know, as I dont frequent parks in the middle of winter. Based on your post one would assume that in the middle of winter the park is chock full of kids. I am a dog owner and I do let my dog run at Morris, it is a great place to do so. That said I only do so when the park is relatively empty early am or late afternoon.

1stStGuy wrote:
Quote:

jcnight wrote:
Quote:

1stStGuy wrote:
We are having some trouble with our current dog walking serivce, and want to know who some of you recommend, and who you would avoid and why.

We live on 1st, obviously.

Depends on what your looking for. Puppy, adult dog?
Day walks, night walks, weekends? Bully breed, small breed? Some are better with certain types than others
Pm me I would be more than happy to share.

So many good dog walkers here in DTJC

German Shepherd, 7 years. Good with people, not other dogs. There's an issue we are having with our current walking service regarding inconsistent billing, and random items missing from our apt. There have also been times where we were charged for a longer walk, but I know for a fact it wasn't anywhere near that time.

nikyrob wrote:
I don't have (or like) dogs or kids - is it too late for them to add some sort of cat run? My cat is bored and not getting enough socialization sitting around in the apartment all day.

lunawolf3 wrote:
Quote Snip jcnight:
"Bully breed, small breed? Some are better with certain types than others"

That's kinda sad...anyone calling themselves a dog walker/pet care provider should be versed and skilled in all the above and more.
Mary Ann

phDog wrote:
i definitely think its unfortunate that a segment of the dog owning population makes the law abiding, responsible owners look bad. I'm a dog owner and dogs are a very large part of my life but if i had had a child and any loose dog approached, I would do whatever I had to do to prevent any contact. there have been occasions that, while walking my ex's dog aggressive dog, we have been rushed at this park and I had to kick the offending dog. I felt terrible for the dog and usually had something less than cordial to say to the owner. it sucks but I'm not going to let my dog be bothered or potentially put in a situation where it feels it needs to bite.

last weekend i saw a cop sitting in his car watching the dogs run off leash for about 20 min without doing anything.

stagnantartist wrote:
I think that it is statements like the one below that drives us sane people rather crazy. Really jcnight? I guess there is always one in the group that has to take the ball and go home and ruin it for everyone.....

on a lighter note, I am hopeful that the park does open so we can enjoy it THIS summer..... any news on THAT?



Quote:

jcnight wrote:
Don't let Vigilante drive you crazy people. He is way out numbered in this park issue. Plus the park is a done deal. It's all just politics and petitions and etc are just sitting on someone's desk right now soaking up coffee.

I am looking forward to enjoying our new park with and with out my dogs. Hope I can put out a chair, play with the kids, etc and have no dog crap all over us. That is a change that I am looking forward to!!

If you people want to let your dogs run around then YOUR waseting the cops valuable time beacuse there are plenty of people that are going to be calling them. Hopefully they will get sick and tired of it and arrest your asses and take your dogs away!

1stStGuy wrote:
We are having some trouble with our current dog walking serivce, and want to know who some of you recommend, and who you would avoid and why.

We live on 1st, obviously.

jcresidentandmom wrote:
Yes. I see them out there sometimes. I learned it's a $500 ticket. The dog owners leash them when they see the cars pull up, then take them off the leashes again when the police leave.

I_heart_JC wrote:
Quote:

itsaurora wrote:
I just don't get why dogs would need access to the entire park and why having certain areas off limits to them is so controversial. As long as there is a balance and I can sit with my dog in some areas of the park, sounds perfectly fine to me.

agreed. my dog seems perfectly happy even though he's not allowed on the couch. bet he'll be content enough with the areas of the park he CAN visit, to be too concerned with those he can't. know why? because he's a dog.

see y'all at the (dog-friendly corner of the) park!

marybarr wrote:
Jesus--noone gives a damn that this guy hung himself? Even if he was guilty, he had no previous record and maybe he was in declining mental health and this was the first time. I am NOT saying he shouldn't have been taken off the streets but perhaps if he had been on medications under psychiatric care things would be different. If we stopped building jails we could afford to get people into treatment. And his mom sure deserves a prayer.