Is Dog Park broadly supported?‏

John10:10 PM

To: divester@ashevillenc.gov, chrispelly@avlcouncil.com

Cc: cball@ashevillenc.gov, (mayorbellamy@avlcouncil.com), (emanheimer@vwlawfirm.com), (cecil@braveulysses.com), (jandavis@avlcouncil.com), (marchunt@avlcouncil.com), (gordonsmith@avlcouncil.com)

The Friends suggest that multitudes are in favor of a dog park on Beaverdam Rd, while few are opposed:

• Yet only 23 Friends attended their last meeting on Sept 9 (I was there, along with other opponents, and I counted).
• You might recall at the Hills of Beaverdam meeting June 7 there were that many opponents (plus one supporter) attending the meeting from just our subdivision that has only 39 houses, a meeting held on short notice during business hours.  Several opponents were unable to attend.
• Supporters point to the number of dogs in Asheville, implying dog owners support the dog park. But most of the opponents have dogs!  Some support a dog park in a more appropriate location, and others see no need for a dog park.
• Animal Hospital of North Asheville is a principal supporter, and with 47 employees, easily organized to send many supportive emails to council.
• How many city residents use the existing dog parks?  What fraction of the Asheville population does this represent?

People oppose the Beaverdam dog park for many reasons:

• Some would like a dog park, just in a more appropriate location.
• Some are concerned about environmental effects of locating a sewage source on a pristine creek flowing into Beaver Lake
• Some are opposed to making this expense a priority 
• Some are concerned about adding traffic and an entrance/exit at a dangerous curve on a crowded road.
• Some are concerned for the long-term viability of the historic Killian house, being surrounded by a dog park.

Please visit Responsible Asheville http://rasheville.blogspot.com/ which is a blog containing letters, maps and media links.

John