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Trustees continue talks on sports‑court rules and right‑of‑way plantings; drafts to return in November
Summary
Board discussed proposed Local Law J (sports courts) and Local Law K (right‑of‑way planting and intersection visibility), agreeing to have staff draft language on setbacks, definitions and visibility standards and continue both items to the Nov. 3 meeting.
The Flower Hill Board of Trustees spent part of its Oct. 6 meeting discussing proposed changes to village code governing sports courts and plantings in the right of way.
Trustees and staff reviewed a draft approach for Local Law J to amend Chapter 2‑12 to include a definition for "sports court" (to cover pickleball, basketball and similar facilities), to retain special‑exception permit review by the trustees and to consider setbacks (currently 20 feet, with discussion of 25 feet for certain courts) and fence heights. Trustee/staff discussion underscored making smaller lots a zoning issue and keeping larger installations subject to special‑exception review.
The board also reviewed proposed Local Law K language to protect sight lines and pedestrian safety. A staff member (speaker 3) read proposed visibility standards: a triangular corner zone measured 30 feet from the intersection where no planting over 3 feet would be allowed, and a 4‑foot minimum clear area from the road edge (where there are no sidewalks) so pedestrians could step off the road if needed. Speaker 3 said existing trees closer than the standard would be grandfathered provided lower branches are at least 6 feet above the ground.
No votes were taken on either local law; trustees asked staff (Jeff) to draft consolidated language and circulate it in advance of the Nov. 3 meeting. "If you and Jeff can converse sooner than later so that we have adequate time to get this on our desks before next board meeting, we can digest it for next month," Speaker 1 said.
