The Virginian-Pilot
©
NORFOLK
Two men stole rolled-up fencing worth an estimated $3,000 that was needed to complete a new neighborhood dog park, and now its April opening celebration date is in question, according to a volunteer working on the park.
Two men in a tan-gold sport utility vehicle helped themselves to a roll or two of the fencing and drove away on Jan. 28. The value of the material stolen was estimated on a police report at about $3,000.
The Ballentine Place Civic League has been working since 2007 to raise money to turn the field in the 2700 block of Tait Terrace into a dog park, said Allyzabethe Ramsey, a civic league member who is helping to organize the park.
"It's just really a shame that people would steal from dogs in the neighborhood," Ramsey said. "It's very sad."
Police were notified and scrap yards around the region have been alerted that the thieves could try to sell the fencing, Ramsey said.
Two sides of the field are already fenced. The stolen material was going to be used to close off the rest of the area and create separate sections for small and large dogs.
Because of bad weather last weekend, the park's organizers weren't able to assess the loss and figure out how to make up for it, Ramsey said. Other materials that were stored at the park have been moved for safekeeping.
Some scrap yards offered to donate the fencing back to the neighborhood if it turns up, Ramsey said.
Since residents began raising money for the park and gathering donations, neighbors, local businesses and other civic leagues have helped with the effort to turn the field into a gathering place for dogs and their human companions.
Ramsey said the group expects residents from other cities to use the park, too. Eventually, it is expected to have amenities that could include benches, a community bulletin board and a water source, she said.
Events already have been held there, but without an enclosure, some dogs can't be let off their leashes, Ramsey said. The grand opening had been scheduled for mid-April.
"That, of course, is in jeopardy now," she said.
Some work at the site will continue, Ramsey said. Metal posts and concrete will be installed as the weather allows.
"We're very sad that the fencing is gone, but we're not going to be brought down by this," Ramsey said. "We're going to keep raising money and we'll do what it takes to get this park up and running as soon as possible."
Anyone with information can call Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP (562-5887).
Cindy Clayton, (757) 446-2377, cindy.clayton@pilotonline.com
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bark park fencing stolen
The Ballentine Civic League and numerous surrounding civic leagues have donated funds and materials to utilize a previous dump site in a positive way.
The vast majority of dog park users are concerned about keeping the grounds clean and available for the use and enjoyment of others. This site has the potential of becoming a wonderful place for neighbors to gather and enjoy their pets and their community.
If you would like to assist - send a check to the Ballentine Civic League at their PO Box 99122 - Norfolk, VA. 23509.
Hmmm....
$3,000 for chain link fencing? It appears to be around 4' tall. If it is decent fencing (9 gauge), at about $3 per foot, that's about 1,000 feet. And, at around 2.5 pound per foot, that is about 2500 pounds for 20 50 foot rolls. I cannot imagine what kind of SUV that was to carry all of that weight much less 20 rolls of fencing. I think you could fit maybe 6 rolls tops in an SUV, about 300 feet of fencing, but that would put it at $10 a foot which is way too much. Unless I am wrong, I think maybe they either way overpaid for the fence or the Norfolk police department should rethink it's decision to drop the math requirements...
Well,
In the video it was two to three rolls. That would make them at least $1,000 apiece or $20 a foot. That means I need to start thinking about getting into the chain link fence business!
I do question the wisdom of
I do question the wisdom of leaving 3000 dollars worth of fencing out in a field. I also question setting up a dog park next to the Lafayette River when we are trying to clean up Hampton Roads and the Chesapeake Bay. Not every one cleans up after their dog.
First, there aren't too many
locations in Norfolk that are NOT next to water. The Peta park, Orleans Circle park and the Colonial Place park are all close to rivers.
Second, I clean up after my dogs and clean up after other dogs every time I'm at a dog park. Responsible dog owners pick up poop, whether it came from our dogs or not. It's something you do at the dog park. The dog parks I visit are much more poop-free than some city streets.
Third, the previous use for this land was as an illegal dump. The neighborhood has spent years picking up trash from this location in an attempt to keep this branch of the Lafayette clean. Having a dog park with fencing will keep vehicles from backing in and dumping trash.
Fourth, the fencing was stored there for over a year. It took 3 men to unload the large rolls of fencing when it was delivered. Perhaps it was naive, but no one thought it could be picked and stuck in the back of an SUV with ease. Have we learned a sad lesson in the greed of others? Yes, but it doesn't shake our faith in our community.
Ruff time for the civic league..
I bet it was a couple of cat burglars. Better get McGruff the crime dog on the case...
Well...
Looks to me like someone is "fencing" the stolen goods.
Zoinks!
Zoinks!
BRILLIANT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
How brilliant is the person that left the gates in that neighborhood in the first place. All rolled up nice and pretty for them. I needed a good laugh today, thanks
Stolen fence
I moved out of that area not long ago, and for anyone to leave anything laying out in that neihgborhood was yes,naive. How much money did that spend on the park, and how long before its trashed. I'm actually suprised it sat there this long.