A neighborhood dispute over street basketball
Residents of Brookhaven have voiced strong opposition to a proposed ordinance that would tighten restrictions on portable basketball backboards placed on public curbs. A petition started by Tina Matsinger has already gathered more than a hundred signatures, reflecting a grassroots push to preserve the informal games that many families rely on for recreation and bonding.
The draft rule, originally adopted in 2018, required backboards to be positioned at least fifteen feet from the curb. Recent discussions have centered on clarifying the distinction between temporary setups, such as Kevin Bosshardt’s grassy‑curb hoop that has drawn no complaints, and permanent installations that remain grandfathered under the current framework.
What the ordinance proposes
Under the revised ordinance, temporary backboards may be erected on poles provided they do not obstruct sidewalks or block intersections. Owners would be required to display their name and address, remove the equipment during inclement weather, and limit usage to the hours of seven a.m. through dusk. Noise limits and mandatory safety inspections by borough officials would also apply. Permanent hoops already in place would continue to be permitted under the new language.
Council weighs safety and tradition
Borough Council President Dan Burke has emphasized that the committee is carefully reviewing public feedback to strike a balance between protecting children on the streets and honoring a long‑standing community pastime. Council member Matthew Mills acknowledged the original ordinance’s vagueness and is working on clearer language that distinguishes temporary from permanent installations while addressing safety concerns.
The council is slated to vote on the revised ordinance at its upcoming meeting, a decision that will determine whether Brookhaven’s street basketball culture can continue unabated or must adapt to new regulatory standards.