Shorewood is again taking a look at whether or not to restrict plantings in right of ways. Supporters of planting say sustainable plants enhance the beauty of the village. Opponents cite safety and liability issues.
Should the Village restrict all plantings, or should a comprise be reached? Let us know what you think in our forum.
(3) Read All ResponsesThe concerns over safety and village liability strike me as the flimsiest of the arguments against parking-strip plantings. Don't residents occasionally run a garden hose across the sidewalk now to water the turf we are expected to maintain? Are homeowners required to prove their insurance holds the village harmless for any hazard that might arise from dog-walking, bicycliing, skateboarding, hopscotch, lawn mowing, snow shoveling, mail delivery, or a host of other activities that our sidewalks and the curb-side right-of-way happily accommodate every day? I know we live in a litigenous society, but it's hard for me to imagine that an outbreak of stumbles across beds of geraniums or vegetables is going to besiege the village with lawsuits.
YES THEY SHOULD-BECAUSE EVERY TIME OUR MAINTANCE DEPT. PLOWS-THEY RIP THE HECK OUT OF ALL THE PLANTINGS AND THEY NEVER GET REPAIRED OR REPLACED. AND THE SUPERINTENDENT WILL NOT DO A THING SO THE VILLAGE SHOULD REGULATE IT.
I sat in on several of the summer meetings that attempted to address this issue. It is evident that there are legitimate concerns on both sides, not the least of which is enforcement of whatever 'restrictions' are finally agreed upon. In the past enforcement has been haphazard, relying upon complaints to initiate examination of potential 'problem plantings'. This negative approach to control can only create discord between neighbors. The size of many of our Shorewood lots and the shadows cast by street trees and homes limit homeowners' growing space, especially for vegetables requiring full sun. I support the use of raised bed structures on parkways as well as in yards because of the composition of our heavy clay soil and possible contamination from what is splashed up from our streets. These raised beds should be regulated in terms of size and height and located away from utilities under parkways. Plantings in these beds should also be limited in height for visibility, not infringe on walkways and maintained. I'd suggest a group of volunteers from among the gardeners in our community, like the neighborhood watch idea in crime prevention, to collaborate with any residents interested in undertaking such plantings in monitoring their gardens. Residents would be required to apply for provisional permits to plant on parkways. These permits would specify what is/is not allowed and require the applicant to agree to maintain such plantings or forfeit the permit. Parkway plantings by residents need be no more obstructive to pedestrians and utility companies than the raised planters along Oakland Avenue, which were approved by the Village not long ago.