To build "Dog Run" on Emmons Avenue, Now

Brooklyn Borough Commissioner Litchfield Villa Prospect Park Brooklyn, NY 11215

Mr. Martin Maher

I am writing on behalf of myself and the individuals and families who's signatures I've gathered below. Together we make up just a tiny portion of the overwhelming number of dog owners in Sheepshead Bay. In every single conversation I've had with another dog owner, one topic remains consistent; the lack of an official dog park in our neighborhood. After a great deal of consideration, we believe we have a proposal that would benefit not just the dog-owning community of Sheepshead Bay but the entire neighborhood as well.

We propose that the currently abandoned and overgrown lot by the entrance to the Belt Parkway on Emmons Avenue, next to the Lighthouse Inn, be converted into an official dog park. We will attempt to outline the reasons why we believe this would be a good solution to our problem, and an excellent addition to the neighborhood. Regardless of your decision, your consideration in this matter is greatly appreciated, and I am happy to discuss this issue further, if you would like to reach me.

Transformation of a Derelict Lot The beachhead by the Lighthouse Inn is actually a spectacular spot. The view of Kingsborough Community College as a backdrop to ships entering the bay is quite breathtaking and one of my prime recommendations to anyone visiting Sheapshead Bay. However, to get there you have to walk through a rather unsightly, overgrown and empty lot full of tall weeds and rubbish. At night this becomes a popular spot for teenagers and other often inebriated individuals to drink and smoke pot openly. They cause disturbances, damage property and vehicles parked at the Inn, and require the police to come patrol the area regularly.

Availability of Help and Volunteers One of the reasons we believe this to be a reasonable request that would be highly feasible to implement, is the willingness of many dog owners to take a personal stake in this project. I know that I personally, as well as most of the people who's signed this petition, and I'm sure a great many others, would volunteer at a moment's notice to help make this proposal a reality. Whether that's maintenance of the dog park, promotional efforts, or even help in the initial transformation, many of us have such a strong desire for this to become a reality that we would not hesitate to help.



Use of Alternate Spaces for Dog Socialization Dogs need to be socialized with other dogs. Otherwise, they become aggressive, unpredictable, and may pose a threat to both people and other animals. Currently, I find that many dog owners use whatever semi-enclosed area they can find as a place for their dogs to play off-leash. I've seen this done in schools, baseball and football fields, parks meant for people, or even behind the fences of apartment building lawns.

Neighborhood Cleanliness You need only to walk a block down Emmons Avenue or any other major street in Sheepshead Bay to realize; there is dog waste left uncleaned almost every few paces. This has been a long-standing problem in our neighborhood and we believe the main reason is there is no place that we can take our dogs and let them run, socialize with other dogs and let their energy out in the fences dog park.


Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Aziza Usmanova 2642 Coyle Street Brooklyn, NY 11235 917-417-4492
dgangicontracting@hotmail.com