Brackenridge proposal to ban street sports equipment appears dead

A proposed Brackenridge ordinance that would ban street sports equipment such as basketball hoops and hockey goals appears to be dead.

Council was expected Thursday to discuss the idea, which was spurred by residents’ complaints over traffic obstructions and property damage.

“They did not pass the ordinance last night,” borough Solicitor Craig Alexander said. “They will not be commenting on it further.”

As proposed, the ordinance would have prohibited sports equipment on or above sidewalks, streets and highways because they “endanger the health, safety and welfare of both pedestrians and motorists.” The ordinance was written with fines of up to $1,000 for violators. It did not apply to private property.

Some council members said an all-out ban was not the intent. They primarily wanted a way to enforce safety in areas where it became a problem.

Council President Tim Connelly declined to comment Friday.

He previously said the office staff routinely receives complaints about the issue from people throughout the borough.

Connelly also said the borough was not trying to take away street sports. Kids still would be allowed to play in the streets and alleys, he said, but council was looking to crack down on nuisances.

It did not appear that council will be tweaking the ordinance.

When asked if it was still under review, Alexander said, “Not at this time.”