 |
| Work the Spheres of Influence |
|
In New York City, many people get a say in whether or not your dog run gets built. Among them:
The owner of the property.
If your proposed dog run is in a park, you will have to grapple with the Department of Parks and Recreation's bureaucracy and the impossibly confusing hierarchy of New York City government departments. Be prepared: the Parks Department is likely to want to give you not only less space than you want, but also space in a less desirable location than you ask for.
Write a letter to the administrator of your park, with a copy sent to your Borough Commissioner and the Commissioner of the Parks Department (currently Henry Stern). Follow up with a phone call. The letter should briefly outline who you are, who you represent, what you're planning, as well as a request for a meeting with the park's administrator to discuss the proposed dog run. If your desired site is on other city property, you will face similar bureaucratic challenges. In the case of a privately owned site, contact the owner directly to discuss the matter.
Other local groups.
Be aware early on of those who may oppose your run. Think about groups such as Business Improvements Districts, block associations, soccer leagues, schools, bird watchers, horseback riders, neighboring residential and commercial buildings: these groups will likely be against your dog run, especially if it is sprung on them or it "threatens" a space they use. Your best bet is to identify these groups before they complain; learn their concerns; and attempt to address their issues in good faith. For help, it's worth seeking the aid of any "Friends of…" volunteer organizations for your park. This group can be an important ally.
The community board.
Every section of the city is represented by a Community Board. Composed of volunteer members, Community Boards are advisory only; but the road to building a new dog run is smoother if your Community Board approves the plan. Start going to monthly Community Board meetings: learn how the board functions and identify members who seem likely to be sympathetic (or hostile). Enlist as many allies as possible to make your case to the Board, including local vets, community leaders, and interested celebrities.
Local elected officials.
These include your City Council member, State Assembly member, and State Senator (to find these people, go to the New York Public Interest Group's Who Represents Me webpage). These elected officials (and their staff) will generally hear you out and respond to your letters. As well, they'll often intercede in negotiations for you and help fund your dog run. They're particularly receptive to appeals from a large neighborhood group. So, contact them as soon as your petition numbers start adding up (shoot for 1000; but several hundred is a good start). Let them know about your proposed dog run and ask for their help.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
 |
|
|
Stay on top of
dog news and events.
It's free!
|
|
|
|
|
| |
 |
|
| |
we promise privacy |
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
