Saugus police, selectmen discuss town parks

SAUGUS – Saugus Police Sgt. Paul Vansteensburg laid out a plan to tackle the ongoing problems at the town?s parks at Tuesday night?s selectmen meeting.Vansteensburg presented a report he compiled after spending the last month visiting the town?s parks and playgrounds.?The report came from a growing number of complaints from residents about vandalism and damage to town property,” said Vansteensburg. “We started going to each park in mid-September during the day and at night.”Vansteensburg noted that the report came in a timely manner, and held up Monday?s Daily Item front page story about the condition of Saugus? parks.View photos of Saugus parksAccording to Vansteensburg, the report focuses on collaboration between different town departments combined with some bylaw changes, including changing the time restriction at parks from 10 p.m. to an hour after sunset.Vansteensburg said the school department can help by notifying parents about the town?s bylaws regarding the parks and vandalism, and praised Department of Public Works Director James Waugh for his department?s work despite being shorthanded.Vansteensburg also said the selectmen can help by acting as a public forum for the issue while having the authority to change the town?s bylaws.Even though the department has stepped up patrols around the town?s parks, Vansteensburg said he is still “frustrated” by the ongoing problem.?The Police Department is certainly trying to do our part,” said Vansteensburg. “We definitely feel frustrated because we?ve increased patrols in the area but are still having issues. We?re not making a whole lot of headway.”Despite this, Vansteensburg said the department will continue to enforce town bylaws with increased patrols.In other business, the board voted unanimously to grant Eugene Capobianco of 500 Main St. a permit for two additional horses to be stabled at his property.Two neighbors complained about smells from the two horses he currently has at his home. However, Capobianco said his barn is “pristine” and “well-kept,” noting horse manure is trucked off of his property weekly.?We keep a very clean, clean operation,” said Capobianco.Selectmen Vice Chairman Steve Castinetti said the Board of Health should be notified if anyone has an issue with odors.Selectmen also voted to continue a hearing for a permit that would allow a 15,000 square-foot, second story addition for a storage company at 222 Central St. The board will hold a site visit on Saturday at 8:30 a.m. after a neighbor said she was concerned about an increase in truck traffic.Lastly, selectmen voted to allow three pool tables and two electronic basketball games at Sully C?s Bar and Grill, and granted an entertainment license for six televisions at Barber Masters at 643 Broadway.Matt Tempesta can be reached at [email protected].