The possibility of installing cameras in Waveny Park is on the Park and Recreation Commission agenda for Wednesday.
Tyler Sizemore / Hearst Connecticut Media
The meeting will be held in the Town Meeting Room at Town Hall at 7:30 p.m.
A petition on change.org, launched by Hilary Ormond, calls for the installation of cameras in the wake of the search for clues in the case of Jennifer Dulos, the mother of five missing since May 24, as well as an Oct. 31, 2017, incident in which a young jogger was verbally accosted. Ormond also cites car break-in along the secluded Lapham Road entrances to the park.
Ormond started her petition on June 4, the day after an FBI Evidence Response team searched along a trail parallel to the Merritt Parkway for clues in the Dulos case. It has since collected more than 1,300 signatures.
“Cameras are essential at key points along the walking/running trails, specifically in the following areas: i) on the trails that run parallel to the Merritt Highway; ii) on the trails that run parallel to South Avenue; and iii) at the Lapham Road entrance,” the petition reads.
Recreation Director Steve Benko said he and Director of Public Works Tiger Mann recently met with a firm called Code Blue for information on installing security cameras.
“It is not a bad idea, it is a matter of infrastructure,” Benko said about having cameras in the park. “I think it is probably a good idea,” but “it could be expensive.”
“We acknowledge that a taxpayer cost will arise from installing such security infrastructure, and we accept that cost as we know our Town officials will administer this project within reason,” the petition reads.
Benko expressed concern that the infrastructure including electricity, WiFi and cameras could be prohibitive. Benko noted there is no electricity or WiFi in most parts of the Waveny Park. Solar power would not work because of the shade on the trails, he added.
Security cameras have taken a key role in the disappearance of Dulos. New Canaan Police have asked residents and business owners for their surveillance footage as they look for evidence.
Fotis Dulos and his girlfriend, Michelle Troconis have been charged with tampering with evidence and hindering prosecution in connection with Jennifer Dulos’ disappearance.
While Troconis has been free on bail, Fotis Dulos was also released Tuesday after posting $35,150 bond.