STREET SIDE BASKETBALL HOOPS LIMIT CHANGED, BUT IS IT FAIR?

The issue of street side basketball hoops has been on going for more than a year in Maplewood, with many residents angry that they were being ticketed for placing the hoops on the edge of lawns to be played in the street.

In early 2015, the Township Committee voted to allow such use between April 1 and Nov. 30, arguing that the winter months are problematic because of snow removal and other needs.

But even with that allowance, 17 summonses and tickets were issued to residents in just the last year, according to Township records. Several residents also complained that in March, when the weather was warm and sunny on many days, they were penalized for allowing their families to use the hoops.

Fines can run up to $1,000. Officials did not reveal what fines each of the recent tickets and summonses included. 

The TC voted at its April 19 meeting to shorten the restriction at least partially. After an update from TC Member India Larrier, the governing body reduced the restricted time by nine days, allowing use on March 21, the first day of Spring.

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