Dear New York City: Suck it. Love, Dan.

Monday, July 28, 2008

Environmental Control Board

Mail Adjudication Unit

68 John Street, 10th Floor

New York, NY 10038

Re: Citation No. XXXXXXXXXX

To whom it may concern:

On the afternoon of July 19th I, along with my 4-year-old dog Beta, met some out-of-town friends on the Oval Lawn in Madison Square Park to enjoy a lunch from Shake Shack. Shortly after arriving, we were approached by Officer Davis and her partner, and informed that our dogs were not allowed on the park lawn. While Officer Davis grudgingly conceded that, along our path into the park, there was no clear signage that indicated a no-dogs rule, she insisted that she was not permitted to exercise discretion in such situations, and proceeded to spend half an hour writing both me and my friend $50 tickets.

As you can see from the attached diagram and accompanying photographs, adequate signage was not posted at the lawn entrance. The small, 8.5" x 11" laminated paper which served as my only warning that dogs were not permitted on the lawn was not visible from my path. Furthermore, the large sign posted at the park entrance (see enclosed photo) specifies that park rules prohibit "unleashed dogs except in designated areas," implying that, since my dog was on a leash, her presence on the lawn was not against park rules.

I ask that you dismiss citation number E161619417. Furthermore, if the Madison Square Park Conservancy wishes to continue their no-dogs policy on the Oval Lawn, adequate signage should be clearly posted on both sides of all entrances. Lastly, I find it troubling that park officials are not allowed to exercise their own judgment in these situations. I believe my defense in this case is strong. Frankly, a whole lot of time, effort, and taxpayer money could have been saved if we were just politely asked to exit the park lawn.

Sincerely,

Daniel G. Budiac

cc: Madison Square Park Conservancy

Union Square Hospitality Group

Attached: diagram and photograph