We Need A Few New Signs In The Park

On Saturday morning at 9:00, on another unseasonably warm day, I noticed at least 4 park regulars seated at the table in the southeast corner of the 7th Street Park.  

By 10:30, they had all left the park (or at least that corner of the park), leaving behind a mess, possibly the worst I have ever seen at a table in the park.  I counted 5 large empty cans of beer on the ground, 1 can of alcoholic beverage on the table, and two empty cigarette packs among the other detritus.

About a half hour prior, over the course of a few minutes while I was at the farmers market, I watched as three HPD vehicles made their way north on N. 6th Street, passing Columbia Street, State Street and beyond. They didn't seem to be in a rush to get anywhere. No sirens, no lights flashing, even stopping at intersections for signs and lights.

How do the regulars at the park get away with what they do so regularly?  Because no one at City Hall cares or even knows what to do about the ugly situation in the park.  I guarantee that our dear mayor has no clue how to handle something so abhorrent or who to call about it.  And so, nothing is done and things only worsen in our public park in the heart of downtown.  Believe me, things are worsening.

The table so popular with the regulars was not always in that corner spot.  It was moved from the middle of the park a few years ago so that it would be adjacent to the electric outlet anyone can use 24/7 to charge their cellphones.  This is how to encourage a homeless encampment.  Maybe that's what the city wants in the park. 

If that's the case, the city should remove any and all signs in the park displaying the unenforced "rules," and replace them with something worthwhile. Perhaps something like this: 

Welcome to the historic and beautiful 7th Street Park, the pride of downtown Hudson.  Please stay for as long as you like and charge your phones for as long as you need to with the free electricity we provide for your convenience.  Do whatever you like while enjoying the park -- write whatever you want on the tables, drink and smoke whatever you like (there is cheap beer across Columbia Street, including in glass bottles, and a liquor store nearby on Green Street), and feel free to play amplified music as loud as you like.  Move the tables to your favorite area of the park if you desire.  You may sleep on any of the park furniture or the lawn for as long as you like. 

There are no rules for park patrons that you need to abide by.  By all means, leave as much of a mess as you like before you leave, even leaving the park messier than how you found it.  The garbage cans are only optional.  Whatever you do in the park, nobody will bother you and you won't be bothering anyone.  It's your park!  Be aware that the Hudson Police do not patrol this park.

Sincerely, 

Your friends at Hudson City Hall and at The Friends of The Public Square

Sunday at 1:00