Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Use topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Brooklawn council to draft ordinances banning front-yard synthetic turf and requiring permits for waterfront gatherings
Summary
Council Member Adams presented two ordinances: one would ban artificial turf and other fixtures in front-yard verges; the other would require permits (and refundable deposits) for organized gatherings at the borough waterfront to reduce trash, unsafe behavior and parking problems.
Council Member Adams introduced two draft ordinances the borough solicitor will prepare: a prohibition on synthetic/artificial turf in private front yards (and restrictions on planters or objects placed in the curbside verge) and a permitting system for organized parties and gatherings at the waterfront.
Adams told the council multiple residents reported entire front yards covered in artificial turf and others placing large planters on verges to block parking in front of their homes. "They're putting literally in the front yard the whole front yard," Adams said, arguing that turf affects runoff and neighborhood character. The proposed ordinance would grandfather existing compliant features but restrict new installations on the verge or front yard and clarify that verge maintenance is the resident’s responsibility even though the strip remains municipal property.
On waterfront regulation, the council discussed requiring organizers to obtain permits two weeks in advance, charging modest permit fees for nonresidents and refundable security deposits to cover cleanup and damage, and posting signage that permits are required. Officials said the permit would give police and staff the authority to remove unauthorized events and better coordinate enforcement.
The council asked the solicitor to draft the ordinances and bring them back for further discussion and placement on a future agenda.
