Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2010

Holly Springs decides not to restrict recreational equipment

HOLLY SPRINGS – Holly Springs officials on Tuesday decided not to issue new rules limiting the use of basketball goals, hockey nets and other recreational equipment in town streets.

The Holly Springs Town Council voted 3-2 to take no action, despite residents' concerns about safety and complaints from public works officials, who said sports devices create obstacles for garbage trucks and other town vehicles. The town, which doesn't regulate such equipment, has been looking into the issue since last month.

The decision followed vocal opposition from residents. Many wanted the town to crack down on drivers rather than limit where residents could play.

Councilmen Chet VanFossen and Parrish Womble led the push against any action, saying the complaints were few and isolated. Councilman Jimmy Cobb provided the swing vote.

VanFossen said he didn't want to be known as part of a council that gave citations for kids playing in the street. "Kids have been playing in the street since I was a child," he said.

VanFossen's comments illustrate the dilemma town officials faced: They didn't want to be too restrictive. But they wanted to avoid leaving the town liable for injuries or damaged property.

Town attorney John Schifano presented three options at the meeting: One law would have allowed police to fine users and owners of the equipment left in the street. Another would have required residents to store recreational devices closer to their homes.

The third option — do nothing — held up.

"I think they made the only logical choice," said Beth Nathison, who spoke against proposed ordinances at an Aug. 3 town meeting.

Beth Christo saw it differently. At a July 20 town meeting, Christo said children in her cul-de-sac were difficult to drive around. Her complaint led the town to consider the rule change.

"I'm shocked that they wouldn't do anything," Christo said after Tuesday's meeting. "I was hoping, at the very least, they would make them get [the equipment] off the street when they're not in use."

Luncie McNeil, the town's public works director, also wished the council voted for some restriction. He said he often gets complaints from residents who claim that town trucks have damaged their basketball goals. The town, he says, is not responsible in those instances.

"They need to move it back from the street," he said.