Park at Merryfield

Why do we allow people to leave their portable basket ball hoops on the side walks of our neighborhood? I believe that it may be against city code for these to remain on the walk ways of our neighborhood. When was the last time any one actually saw these hoops in use? Most of the time, they simply stand idle.

We pay our property taxes just like everyone else, and have a right to use those city walkways through the neighborhood. Unfortunately, due to rude individuals, we are not able to stay on the side walks. This not only puts us in danger, but also irritates passing motorists.

Can the home owners association put into effect a rule that requires these annoying structures to be on private property, and or be only allowed on one side of the street? We need to find a compromise, as it seems as though the owners of these hoops have no regard for their fellow neighbors.

By Disgruntled Neighbor

City Code Controls

As a member of the board we have discussed this topic many times along with other neighborhood concerns like speeding. The topic of blocking the public sidewalk is a city code issue that, according to the city, they do not have anyone who has time to enforce. We have requested, through the newsletter, residents consider their neighbors when placing movable objects on the public sidewalk which includes basketball hoops. In addition, we have received luke warm response from other concerned residents about this issue. The board would appreciate other residents voicing an opinion on this topic along with suggestions as to how we all can provide solutions. I appreciate your concern and ask that you continue to voice your opinions. I also look forward to suggestions to solve this type of neighborhood concern.

By Board of Directors

Basketball Hoops

Thanks for the reply from the Board. We appreciate and understand that there is not adequate resources from the City to enforce the Code. Hopefully, this can be resolved within our neighborhood.

We do not think that all portable hoops should be removed from the sidewalks, but rather everyone agree that they be placed on one side of the street only.

This would increase the safety factor with traffic, as they could expect that all hoops are on one side of the street only. It would then allow pedestrians to use the sidewalks on the other side. This is again a safety factor, increasing the odds that less people would not be out in the streets in the path of oncoming traffic.

Maybe a resolution stating that all hoops will reside on the side of the street with even or odd numbered addresses? Just one idea. Another may be to purchase a certain number, and have them permanently mounted in key locations throughout the neighborhood. This could be put into place with a resolution that no hoops are to be on the sidewalk, or receive a fine. This is just another idea.