To the Editor:
The Sept. 1 edition of the St. Paul Journal reported that the Town of St. Paul Council had approved to expend $20,000 dollars of OUR money to satisfy what amounts to a problem that is based on private land stewardship, to fence areas of the RCMP Park.
I invite all taxpayers of this community to take the time to go and see for yourself what is being proposed. The installation of a fence, whether it be on one or four sides of the park in question, will do absolutely nothing to improve the security in the individual yards.
The first responsibility for improving the security on private property lies with the property owner. It is amazing what an adequate and effective lighting system will do and at much less cost than $20,000 of public funds. If the council is willing to move ahead with this absurd plan, then all the car dealerships and implement sales in this community would be eligible for having their properties enclosed with payment coming from the public purse.
There are those who will say that I don’t realize the problem they are faced with on an ongoing basis. The fact is that the vagrants who roam about the community do not reserve their prowling to just one area of town. If we were to follow the reasoning of the town council on this matter, then the proprietors of the buildings which house the Waterhole and Subway businesses should also qualify for having the space between their buildings paid for by taxpayers. The vagrants use that space during the warmer months as a dining room, a toilet, a pub and a brothel. And we (the homeowners and taxpayers) don’t like it one bit.
The other reason I am vehemently opposed to the fencing of any park is that it immediately takes away from the pleasant welcoming atmosphere that now is part of our parks.
While I agree that wherever children gather to play, there is a certain amount of risk, especially when the parents do not act with due diligence, a fence does not protect them from the highest risks they are exposed to, and that is the two-legged predator.
I urge everyone who reads this and agrees with my commentary to please let the town council know that you too want them to rescind this ridiculous motion.
It is my opinion that our money could be spent in a much wiser manner if appropriate signage was erected at the two most dangerous uncontrolled crosswalks in the Town, those being at the intersection of 50th avenue and 57th street and at the intersection of 50th avenue and 42nd street (aka the Co-Op crossing).
Paul E. Boisvert
St. Paul
