Alderman calls for new off-leash area

By Tom Nash With dog owners at one end of the city enjoying two off-leash recreation areas, Ward 6 Alderman Rebekah Gewirtz has renewed her call for a place where dogs can roam free in West Somerville. At the Board's Nov. 24 meeting, Gewirtz asked the city to look into the feasibility of placing an off-leash park in the Davis Square area. The city has opened two in the past three years, at Ed Leathers Community Park and Nunziato Field. "Many, many people have dogs," Gewirtz said of her ward. "There's really no place to have them off leash, and we should rectify that. I think it's long overdue." Ward 7 Alderman Bob Trane suggested the city should continue investigating whether state-owned property near Alewife Brook Parkway could be dedicated to an off-leash area. Dog owners can find a guide to the city's parks at the Somerville Dog Owners Group Web site, www.somdog.org