Final vote on amendment, public hearing set for July 1
CAPE MAY — City Council is now moving forward to prohibit dogs on the new nature trails at Lafayette Street Park.
Dogs initially were going to be allowed on the trails until concerns were raised about waste and safety.
During the June 3 meeting, council introduced an amended ordinance regarding prohibited conduct in parks and recreation areas. A second reading, public hearing and final vote are scheduled for July 1. If passed, the ordinance would go into effect July 29.
Councilman Shaine Meier expressed concerns during two meetings in May regarding the need for the language in the ordinance to remind dog owners to pick up waste, dogs on the trail during school hours and the potential for upsetting natural wildlife.
Council members and residents expressed concerns about the 6-foot width of the trails not being wide enough for people to pass others with dogs, dogs not being friendly, as well as concerns with children being scared by dogs approaching them on the trails.
With the nature trails passing behind Cape May City Elementary School, members of the Board of Education expressed support for the reconsideration.
Cape May City Board of Education Vice President Sharon Lee Kustra thanked council for creating the nature trails.
“The school board waited with bated breath that this nature walk would materialize for both our students and the public’s education and enjoyment in general,” she said. “We’d sincerely like to thank the current Cape May City administration and Cape May County for making our dream possible.”
Lee Kustra added that the school board endorses amending the ordinance to prohibit dogs, considering the safety of people and pets.
Conversely, city resident Beth Acker said she felt banning dogs was a punishment for full-time residents. She also added that not every dog can go to the dog park, and she would like a more dog-friendly place.
Mayor Zack Mullock said it was a difficult discussion regarding dogs on the trails, and that there had been some issues at the dog park recently.
“Why not allow the dogs on the pathway for a certain period of time or maybe eliminate them on weekends or anytime you think it’s going to be busier,” Acker said. “[You can’t] walk dogs on the promenade, can’t do it on the mall, can’t do it on the beach during the season.”
Deputy Mayor Maureen McDade entertained the idea of a limited ban.
“It might be something we should discuss internally and see whether or not certain times of the day or year [it could be allowed],” she said.
Another resident, Joan Dempsey, said she would like to see residents get the maximum benefit from the nature trails, and it would be much preferable than walking dogs on busy city sidewalks.
“We walk our dogs on the sidewalk and, frankly, it’s more dangerous and always a challenge because the sidewalks are crowded,” Dempsey said, adding there should be a way to monitor and hold people accountable.
A resident from Trenton Avenue said the culture of leaving dogs at home during vacation has shifted, with people now taking them everywhere.
“There are other options for walking your dog,” she said. “I think wildlife is a larger consideration and the paths are narrow.”
By RACHEL SHUBIN/Special to the Star and Wave
