Airmont community at odds over Clark Bark dog park

A handful of residents say Airmont’s Clark Bark dog park is a nuisance, but several pet owners say those residents are overreacting.

News 12 Staff

May 27, 2021, 7:22 PM

Updated 1,309 days ago

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A handful of residents say Airmont’s Clark Bark dog park is a nuisance, but several pet owners say those residents are overreacting.
Neighbors living next to the park say it’s noisy, ruining their quality of life and prefer it to be moved elsewhere. However, the suggestion has pet owners upset and pushing back.
Howie Matza, who lives nearby, tells News 12, “The noise factor is significant, it's loud. It’s changed our life a lot because it’s annoying…you can’t even have your window open.”
However, Charlie Kellman, also a nearby resident, believes it’s best to cater to the majority. “You have to make sure you're covering the majority and there's no question a majority of residents want this park just the way it is.”
When the town began receiving noise complaints, they hung signs hoping to curb some of the barking.
Kim Cleary owns a pet. She says, “Dogs bark, babies cry during the day, there’s life. Life goes on.”
According to the town of Airmont, there are no plans in place to move the park but they will do a sound study.
"We are trying to find a way that keeps the neighbors quality of life in tact and the same time keeps the park available for the many people who love it,” says Ramapo Town Supervisor Michael Specht.
Officials will also look at other solutions including noise barriers.