Leaving Stones Unturned in Bradley Beach
Coaster Photo
A Bradley Beach ordinance which would have prohibited property owners from landscaping their front yards with stones was tabled this week.
By JOANNE L. PAPAIANNI
An ordinance governing what Bradley Beach residents may or may not put on their front yards was tabled at Tuesday night’s meeting after several Fifth Avenue homeowners voiced opposition to its limitations.
The ordinance would not allow stones, bricks or pavers in the front of resident’s homes.
It also would limit accessory structures to flagpoles, light or sign posts and mailboxes, along with walkways, driveways, walls and fences.
Ruth Napolitano, Fifth Avenue, said that the measure would limit her “freedom of expression.” She also complained that residents were not notified about the proposal.
“We were not notified in any way that we are not allowed to decorate our front lawns. The town does not have any right to tell me how to decorate my own personal property,” said Napolitano to much applause from the audience.
Mayor Stephen Schueler said the ordinance was developed after complaints were received about hazards related to the stones on front lawns.
“This was the product of experience and problems that arose,” Schueler said, citing people tripping on the stones, juveniles throwing them and people with walkers getting stuck on them.
“And quite frankly,” he added, “they’re ugly. This is a balance of what people want and the public good.”
Another Fifth Avenue resident, however, said that stones can keep front yards looking better if people are not year round-residents and can’t keep their grass cut.
“Grass grows and it doesn’t look good, stones are nice,” he said.
The mayor responded, “This is not meant to prohibit people from decorating, a lot of this has to do with water run off.”
The prohibition against pavers is an attempt to stop people from parking cars on them in the summer.
Borough Attorney Michael Dupont recommended sending the ordinance back to the borough engineers for clarification on what constitutes a “an accessory structure.”
Angelo Napolitano asked if he could put an anchor on his lawn.
“I have a jetty rock with a light on my lawn, suppose I want to put an anchor and crab nets?” he asked.
“I don’t want to have an argument with the town if I want to beautify my home,” said Napolitano.
Dupont said that he believed they are not accessory structures and would be allowed.
Schueler agreed that the ordinance needed further review.
“It should be clear,” he said. Thats why we have these public hearings.”
Responding to complaints about limiting freedom, the mayor said there are already zoning ordinances and restrictions that limit residents’ freedom.
The mayor said that the amended document will be re-introduced and another public hearing will be held.
He also said, in response to residents questions about notification, that the ordinance would be put on the borough’s website.
Councilman Gary Engelstad, who voted against the ordinance when it was introduced, voiced additional concern.
“I worry about us turning into a condo association, telling people what color to paint their house. I think we are overreacting. It’s a matter of aesthetics and it should be up to individual homeowners,” he said.
Councilman Ben Waters also expressed opposition to the move.
“We are increasing people’s taxes and then taking away your right to put whatever you want on your lawn,” he said. “I plan to vote against it when it comes up.”
The mayor made it clear that residents who already have stones on their front lawns would be allowed to keep them.
In other business council members agreed to send a letter signed by all of them to borough department heads mandating they attend council meetings to provide information or answer questions raised by council or residents.
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February 9th, 2006 at 4:05 pm
I believe the town should focus on the many run-down homes. There in poor condition with junk on the front lawn and porches. Most are rental homes with the owners just wanting to collect the check. Inforce fines on them and maybe they’ll sell to families who care about there property.
April 7th, 2006 at 10:06 am
Maybe the township should look at how lawns look here in the winter and spring and also summer with absentee landlords. Grass is overgrown and full of dead leaves, while the ones with stone are neat. Regarding the kids throwing those stones, maybe the mayor should focus on those parents who are not teaching their children respect for private property.
We pay enough taxes in this town. No one should be able to dictate how you landscape your property unless they want to be the mortgage and any other monies associated with home ownership. This is not Spring Lake where everyone has green landscaped lawns taken care of by landscapers. We are all hard working people who care about our town and its appearance.