It won’t cost the taxpayers anything!
Those were the words of Derby Mayor Anthony Staffieri at last Thursday’s Board of Aldermen meeting, where Economic and Community Development Director Sheila O’Malley gave elected officials a brief overview of a possible dog park in Derby.
The park, which could cost $10,000, would be paid for using grant money, Staffieri said.
However, city officials are still researching whether the grant money can be used specifically for a dog park.
The mayor said city officials are looking at several spots for the park, including the area near O’Sullivan’s Island, Witek Park and a former residential property on Sodom Lane deeded to the city.
The O’Sullivan’s Island area makes the most sense, because it is next to the Derby Greenway, where dog walkers already go in large numbers.
The Valley Independent Sentinel first reported on the possible dog park last week.
A (completely unscientific) poll on the Valley Indy showed a lack of support for the dog park. About 57 percent voted against it, out of about 100 readers who took the poll.
The Aldermen kicked the issue to a subcommittee, who will report back at a later date.
UI To Replace Street Lights
Also at last week’s Aldermen meeting, an official from the United Illuminating Co. told elected officials it’s time to change the lights on the city’s streets.
Going to a lower wattage bulb could save the city some $40,000 annually, UI said.
The Aldermen liked the idea — as long as the city’s police commission has a chance to weigh in on the project.
The new lights will have a lifetime of about eight years.
