Lodi City Leaders Determined To Take Back Dog Park They Say Homeless Have Overrun
LODI (CBS 13) – Lodi city leaders are determined to take back a dog park, they say is over run by homelessness and crime.
City officials say Lawrence Park, near downtown, is a hotbed for trouble and trash.
"A lot of trash, some illegal behavior and the lack of use of that park," said Lodi Park and Recreation spokesman Jeff Hood.
Lodi city officials are not mincing words, they want the homeless camps out and families back in.
"Absolutely! It discourages a lot of people," said Hood.
Already designed as an official dog park, it looks like anything but. From make shift tents and sleeping bags, to a shopping cart filled with bedding, it appears the homeless are here to stay. Some neighbors are concerned.
"Some changes need to be made," said Christine Mistretta, Lodi resident.
"It's really a beautiful park with the shade and nice trees and we're looking for ways to make it attractive to the whole community," said Hood.
Hood's department proposes putting up a high fence to clearly mark boundaries for the dog park, and he wants more canine play structures. Hood is also reaching out to law enforcement.
"We've talked to the police department about expanding their canine training program there," said Hood.
Hood says at this point, if the fence goes up, there's no plan to relocate the homeless from the park.
"Well they are people that need help," said Rosemarie Lagoria who supports the homeless.
Those opposing the park modification are concerned it's just going to push problems into another nearby neighborhood.
"They have to be someplace," said Lodi resident, Elaine Sager.
Longtime resident Sager and her dog Athena walk by this park almost daily. She believes the city is overreacting.
"I'm not that opposed to the homeless. I've made friends with them and have sympathy for them," said Sager.
City officials say currently there's no budget or funding for the project. Hood says when a budget is finalized the city will ask for community donations to fund it.
