<div>Friends and neighbors,</div>
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<div>I have recently received a complaint from Ed Day, director of Riversdale Mansion, about people allowing their dogs to run free on the house grounds. Every entrance is clearly posted that dogs need to be leashed and to not leave their droppings behind. Ed informs me that more than one person who he recognizes as town residents routinely ignore this posting.</div>
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<div>Such actions are not only a violation of the grounds rules at Riversdale, but are also a patent violation of our town code and therefore a concern for our police and code enforcement officials. I hope a word to the wise will suffice, if not the law will be enforced.</div>
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<div>Unfortunately this issue comes on the heels of problems last summer with vandalism on the grounds and to the structures. We seem to have this problem under control now, but please report any suspicious activity you might see to the police immediately.</div>
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<div>Ed has shown me a number of correspondences from those higher up in Park and Planning and involved in historic preservation that the grounds should not only be "protected" against dogs visiting under any circumstances--except as assistants for the blind--but that as a national historic site the grounds should be locked during all hours that the mansion is not staffed. </div>
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<div>Now, both Ed and I are in agreement that we do not want to see things go there, but we the residents of Riverdale Park have a significant role to play in protecting this site. If you see someone on the grounds with their dogs off a leash, politely direct their attention to the signs requiring a leash. If you see anyone damaging or threatening the facility please call the police immediately! </div>
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<div>I believe that by acting together as a community we can all continue to have easy and ready access to this facility, which I believe you will agree with me is a true treasure for our community, our state and our nation. </div>
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<div>Before concluding, I would like to state in writing what I've previously only said orally for our town's many dog owners. I will gladly support and use the prestige of my office to facilitate the creation of a dog park in Riverdale Park. If a group of dog owners will organize themselves and contact me on this matter I will assist you in such a venture. There is substantial Park and Planning area in the town, and I am convinced that agency will work with us if an organized effort from dog owners is mounted.</div>
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<div>Best wishes,</div>
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<div>Vern</div>
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<div>-- <br>Vernon Archer, Mayor<br>Town of Riverdale Park, Maryland </div>