N.A. Council Asks Skating Rink Be Named for Foote
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The council unanimously authorized its President Alan Marden to relay its request to the Legislature to add the name of Peter W. Foote, who was killed in action in Vietnam in 1968, to the state-owned rink.
Recognition of Foote's sacrifice in saving his comrades was "long overdue," said Mayor John Barrett III, who had announced his intention to request the change on Veterans Day.
The rink would be called the Peter W. Foote Vietnam Veterans Memorial Skating Rink.
"Over the years, this request has been made ... by people who live in the city who thought there should be a place in the city where he could be recognized for giving his life in Vietnam," the mayor told councilors on Tuesday night.
The city had first considered a spot by the Veterans Memorial but when it took over operation of the skating rink several years ago, that option seemed to make more sense. "What better way to honor his service and all other Vietnam veterans?" said the mayor.
"I think it's a tremendous tribute ... but how can we ensure that name will remain?" asked Councilor Richard Alcombright.
Barrett said it would be unlikely that the state would sell the building and, even if operated by a private group, it would still require an act of the Legislature to change it.
Councilor Clark Billings had been concerned with earlier reports that seemed to indicate the "Vietnam Veterans" part of the name would be dropped. It was important that Foote be remembered in connection with Vietnam, he said, "I think we should remember all Vietnam veterans."
Billings also asked that a plaque explaining who Foote was be installed at the skating rink.
"He was a very quiet, unassuming guy," said Barrett, who had been friends with Foote. "It's a story that should be told and memorialized in the history of the city," said Barrett, who had been friends with Foote back in high school.
The letter will be sent to Rep. Daniel E. Bosley, D-North Adams, who has agreed to file legislation for the name change. Councilors Gailanne Cariddi and Michael Bloom were not in attendance.
Property Problems
The council also set a public hearing for Tuesday, Dec. 23, at 7:30 p.m. to decide whether property at 129 North St. should be declared a public nuisance. The property, which was damaged in a basement fire in February, has been the target of complaints by neighbors going back several years.
It was briefly suggested by Alcombright that the date be put off until Jan. 13 because of the holidays. While other councilors seemed amenable to the postponement, the mayor noted he had requested the hearing because it had been the council's desire to move quickly.
"You seemed to be quite adamant that you wanted this in to the council," said Barrett, who added that he didn't recommend it happen sooner, either, because the council had a busy agenda its next meeting on Dec. 9, including the public hearing for this fiscal year's tax classification.
After some discussion, it was decided to move ahead with the Dec. 23 date. Councilor Ronald Boucher, chairman of the Public Safety Committee that advised the hearing, said he would try to get in touch with the owner, Edward Burdick, to warn him that time was running out.
Neighbors have complained of trash and construction debris at the site, and that it has been open to the elements and to wandering felines and other creatures. The city's building and health officers have been pushing Burdick to clean up and seal up the building but little progress as been made.
"Nobody wants it torn down," said Councilor Marie Harpin. "They do want to see the yard and surroundings cleaned up."
