After weeks of lively debate over potential health and safety risks associated with the dogs who play in Lafayette Park, councilors plan to put the controversial issue to rest. The meeting begins at 7 p.m. at City Hall. Mayor Evelyn Sirrell and City Manager John Bohenko have proposed three possible sites where a dog park could be built. However, if councilors approve the park, they will likely vote to ban dogs from all other city parks a move that may not sit well with many of the city's dog owners who feel dogs should be allowed to use parks to exercise and socialize with others dogs. Concerns about dogs in the park were raised after some owners failed to clean up after their pets despite the city's pooper-scooper law.
Opponents say dogs have no business using parks where children play.
Some city officials say the dog park will solve the problem. The idea seems to be catching on in other communities. The city of Boston opened its first dog park this month. The effort will include repairing many of the damaged headstones. Concerns about the cemetery's deteriorating condition were raised in June.