Four City Councilors call for installation of prohibited activities signs at New Bedford pocket parks

The following motion is scheduled for the New Bedford City council session on Thursday, Jul 18.

WRITTEN MOTION: Councillors Giesta, Abreu, Lopes, and Rebeiro, requesting in the interest of public safety that the Department of Public Infrastructure, install signs at all Pocket Parks throughout the City with the following information:

Welcome. This beautiful public space is yours to enjoy for relaxation and recreation. Please respect others and keep the park clean.

This Park is open from Dawn to Dusk

Prohibited Activities:

– Use of or possession of alcohol or illegal drugs
– Use of vulgar or threatening language
– Parking on public space
– Bicycles on the public space
– Dumping or littering
– Vandalism of a tree, plant, or park structure
– Unleashed animals
– Fires, fireworks, or firearms of any kind
– Feeding birds
– Use of metal detectors without a permit
– Smoking
– Performances, solicitations, or commercial activity without a license from the Department of Public Infrastructure

No Use of the park after it is closed for: Skateboarding or Sleeping

These motions are scheduled as well:

WRITTEN MOTION: Councillor Gomes, requesting as Chairman of the Committee on Public Safety Neighborhoods, that the Department of Public Infrastructure immediately install NO TRESPASSING signs from dusk to dawn in all pocket parks across the City; and further that the signage also include NO littering, drug dealing, alcohol and soliciting; and furthermore, once again that the City Council request that the Director of Parks, Recreation and Beaches, Mary Rapoza install the same signage in all parks across the City and these regulations be strictly enforced in the best interest of public safety and the quality of life in the neighborhoods.

WRITTEN MOTION, Councillor Coelho, requesting, in the interest of public safety, that the Committee on Public Safety and Neighborhoods address what can be done with the matter of pocket parks that are being vandalized by overnight loiterers, the homeless and those engaging in illicit activity, also the trash and debris that is left behind; and further, that representatives from the Police Department and DPI be invited when this matter is heard before the Committee on Public Safety and Neighborhoods.