Resident asks council to amend ordinance banning 'games in the street' to exempt cul‑de‑sacs; council refers to utilities committee

Jason Bendick, a local school principal and resident, asked Elyria City Council on July 7 to amend codified ordinance 311.06, which prohibits games in the street, to either exempt cul‑de‑sacs or permit neighborhood petitions for exemptions.

Bendick, who identified himself as principal of Open Door Christian Schools and a long‑time Elyria resident, said his family’s basketball hoop and children’s play in a quiet cul‑de‑sac triggered enforcement of an 80‑year‑old ordinance. He urged that cul‑de‑sacs be treated differently because they are low‑traffic, community gathering spots that support safe, unstructured outdoor play.

Councilman Oswald said he would place a referral to the utilities committee (later indicated as utilities committee jurisdiction) to explore rewriting the ordinance. Law Director Derry said existing laws addressing rowdiness and dangerous behavior might already address most concerns, but agreed committee review is appropriate. Council scheduled the referral and invited Bendick to attend the committee discussion.

No formal amendment was considered at the meeting; the matter will be discussed in committee, where Elyria Police Department input was requested.