LTTE: Clarification on the status of the proposed Stocker dog park

To the editor,

As a concerned resident and member/supporter of the Save Stocker group, I want to provide the community with accurate information regarding the current status of the proposed dog park at Stocker Playground.

The Saugus Conservation Commission approved the project’s Notice of Intent in April 2025. This decision was appealed to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) by concerned residents, citing environmental sensitivities along the Saugus River, including wetlands and riverfront areas.

This appeal is an administrative review process within MassDEP — an adjudicatory proceeding where evidence is presented, and the department may issue a superseding order or deny the permit. It is not a lawsuit in court and therefore not “litigation” in the technical legal sense.

Recent public references to the project being “in litigation” appear to be imprecise. While pending appeals are formal proceedings that understandably limit what town officials can discuss publicly (to avoid prejudicing the process), equating an administrative appeal to court litigation may overstate the situation and contribute to unnecessary restrictions on open dialogue.

Transparency is essential in local government decisions affecting our neighborhoods and environment. I encourage the Town Manager, Board of Selectmen, and town counsel to provide clear updates on the MassDEP appeal’s progress and to allow appropriate public discussion where possible.

We all want what’s best for Saugus — safe, inclusive recreational spaces that protect our natural resources and serve the broader community. Let’s ensure decisions are based on facts, full environmental review, and resident input.

Thank you,
Mark Sacco Jr.
Saugus Resident

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