Agenda Item # 13.1 - Dennis Bolger | Received 09/15/2023CAUTION: This email originated from an External Source. Please use proper judgment and caution when opening
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From:Dennis Bolger
To:Public Comments
Subject:EXTERNAL - Public Comment for Item #13.1 (Report on Measures Taken to Improve the Condition of Las Animas
Park, Including Safety and Crime Prevention)
Date:Friday, September 15, 2023 7:19:22 AM
Honorable Major and Council Members,
Thank you for your service to the City of Gilroy and listening to the concerns of it's citizens.
My name is Dennis Boler and I am home owner on Arnold Dr. adjacent to Las Animas Park. I
have lived at my residence on Arnold Dr. for 13 years and I love my neighborhood,
community, and Las Animas Park. I enjoy walking in Las Animas Park every day, where I talk
with my neighbors, observe nature and take comfort in being in the Park.
I want to express my support in keeping both gates on the southside of the park closed (Hanna
and Wayland). I have seen firsthand how having the gates closed has reduced crime, fighting,
drug use, drug distribution, public intoxication, litter, overnight camping, graffiti, cars speeding
down Arnold Dr., illegal after-hours parties and homelessness in Las Animas Park. The positive
change to the neighborhood and this area of the park has been amazing and profound. My
family, neighbors and I have felt safer since the gates have been closed, and overall the
neighborhood and park has looked and felt better.
I understand some may want the gates open to access the tennis courts and other park
amenities, but I believe this would decrease public safety and we would see a return of all the
activities I outlined above. There is ample street parking near both gates on Hanna and
Wayland, plus the numerous entrances on Mantelli. The park is still open and accessible. I
don't think we need to compromise the safety of Gilroy residents and the wellbeing of our
community because a handful of Tennis players are inconvenienced by having to walk a little
further to access the courts. I think opening the gates for a small group of people to be able to
park closer to the Tennis courts/Park amenities is short sided and foolish.
Please consider my comments and keep the gates on the south side of the park closed! Gilroy
and Las Animas Park are better off with the gates closed, so let's keep it this way for the
health, safety and well-being of all.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Dennis Bolger