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February 10, 2010

Salem Common curfew contemplated

By Chris Cassidy

SALEM — Should Salem Common have a closing time?

A City Council subcommittee last night debated whether to essentially close Salem Common after 10 p.m. to discourage loitering and vandalism. But opponents argued it would unintentionally turn late-night dog walkers into trespassers.

Councilors considered a variety of changes to Salem Common policies last night, including procedures for allowing alcohol during special events and ways to divert more money back to Common maintenance. The proposals were brought in by a three-member panel composed of Ward 2 Councilor Michael Sosnowski, Park & Recreation Commissioner Pat Curtin and former Commissioner Mary Ann Curtin.

Under one of the proposed changes, the city would put up a sign declaring that the park closes after 10 p.m. Residents near the Common hoped it would allow police to take action against vandals and late-night troublemakers.

"There have been groups such as the goths that do damage after 10 p.m. at night," Sosnowski said. "They come from Lynn and Gloucester and Boston, and some come in from further away."

Salem Common Neighborhood Association President Michael Coleman said the historic fence has also been a popular target. Last year, a group of vandals had dismantled sections of the fence at night and even made a game out of it.

"At one point, there were people dueling with the center posts," Coleman said.

But several councilors oppose the idea, saying the closing-time sign would have unintended consequences. Technically, it could make dog walkers or those trekking home from the commuter rail guilty of trespassing after hours.

"I think that anybody that lives on the Common should have the right to walk on the Common at 11 at night," said Ward 7 Councilor Joseph O'Keefe.

The council is awaiting advice from the city solicitor, including the possibility of simply posting a sign prohibiting "loitering" after 10 p.m.

In addition, the council once again explored the prospect of allowing alcohol during certain special events on Salem Common.

Councilors seem to generally agree that the city should allow some events to serve alcohol, but disagree over whether the City Council or the Park & Recreation Commission should have the ultimate say on which events are approved.

Organizers of the Witches Cup, a bike race consisting of professional and amateur riders, served beer on Salem Common for the first time last August — despite the objections of both Sosnowski and the Salem Common Neighborhood Association.

Race officials were ordered to serve beer only in a small, enclosed area of Salem Common, hire three detail police officers for the beer tent and limit the number of wristbands to a maximum of 600 spectators.

Last night, race organizer Dan Shuman said there were no reported problems with the 2009 race. He urged councilors to keep the authority with the Park & Rec board.

"I don't think it makes sense you can get everything approved by the Park & Recreation Commission except this one thing," Shuman said.

Sosnowksi, however, said the council is in a special position because its members are chosen by voters, rather than appointment.

Technically, the city's Licensing Board would actually permit the event.

Salem Common advocates also want to put a 30-minute restriction on the amount of time certain vehicles can spend there to unload equipment and set up for events.

They're concerned, they say, that vehicles on the Common have damaged the grass and sprinkler heads.

"It becomes a parking lot," Mary Ann Curtin said, "and it's not a parking lot."

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