Do you ever take your dog to the Albany Bulb? If yes, you want to read this--A local resident sends along news that our neighbors in Albany are contemplating new leash laws that would basically ban dogs from the beach at the Albany Bulb and would require leashes on dogs everywhere but deep into the area. 

Here's the note:

"The Albany Waterfront Committee meeting that was scheduled for February 14 is now WEDNESDAY,  February 2 (7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the City Council chambers, 1000 San Pablo Avenue, Albany — at the corner of Marin Avenue).

Please turn up to let the WFC know how you feel about the leash laws being proposed. Also, this could be the joint meeting with the East Bay Regional Parks District. It will be very important to let EBRPD know that the Waterfront Committee’s recommendations are not popular.

To recap: The new leash laws would ban dogs from the Beach, the two lagoons, and the mudflats. Six-foot leashes would be required in the parking lot, the path to the benches and bike rack, on the Plateau, along the Neck, and on the lower road along the water. The Bulb proper, where most of the encampments are, would be the only off-leash area. “Off-leash” would mean “within six feet of the owner/handler.”

Note that the WFC doesn’t actually have the authority to make these changes. The Albany City Council has to ultimately approve changes on Albany property — but the Plateau, for example, is EBRPD land.

Our friend writes "That’s why it’s so important to make sure we let the EBRPD people know that the WFC policies are not acceptable to their EBRPD constituents."

If you care, come out!"

TAKE ACTION

The Albany Waterfront Committee meeting
WEDNESDAY,  February 2,  7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
City Council chambers, 1000 San Pablo Avenue, Albany — at the corner of Marin Avenue

About Susan Mernit

Susan Mernit is the founder of Oakland Local. She is also a circuit rider for The Community Information Challenge, a program of The John S and James L Knight Foundation, and a consultant to non-profit and community organizations. Susan lives in North Oakland, near the Santa Fe school, with her partner Andy, her housemate, a big old dog named Winston, and a yard full of ants. She is an aspiring gardener, a long-time blogger & entrepreneur, and a recovering journalist.