Vandergrift officials amend ordinance allowing recreational play in streets
Kids can finally be kids again in Vandergrift.
At its meeting last month, council unanimously amended a decades-old ordinance that prohibited the “throwing, kicking or knocking of any ball,” including snowballs, on borough streets, alleys and sidewalks.
Borough solicitor Larry Loperfito said Monday the ordinance was changed to prohibit such activities only for “nonrecreational purposes.”
“Council has opened the sidewalks to anyone,” Loperfito said.
Under the amendments, it still is illegal to throw nonrecreational items — “snowballs, stones or any other item” — onto public throughways.
Council members in attendance at the meeting were Kathy Chvala, Jody Sarno, Marilee Kessler, Tom Holmes, Daisha Clayton, John Uskuraitus and Christine Wilson.
Vandergrift police Chief Joe Caporali said his department occasionally has responded to calls regarding children playing with various types of balls on sidewalks and alleys throughout the borough.
“As a result, the ordinance dealing with this type of activity was reviewed and found to be in need of updating,” Caporali said.
Residents violating the ordinance could face fines in excess of $300, including the costs of prosecution.
The fine amount didn’t sit well Friday with Vandergrift resident Dave Callen.
“That’s outrageous,” Callen said.
Sarno said the new ordinance allows for more recreational areas for play.
“I voted for the ordinance change because the changes allow the type of activities that go on safely on a near year-round basis, to continue while limiting such activities that might be likely to cause damage to individuals or their property,” Sarno said.
Caporali said the previous ball ordinance hadn’t been updated since the 1980s.
Vandergrift police will enforce the ordinance. Caporali said there have been no complaints on this type of activity since the ordinance was updated.
Vandergrift Mayor Lenny Collini said the updated ordinance accommodates more residents, particularly children.
“My impression is just simply the streets and alleyways are common places for activities in most communities. Especially parking. Everyone is looking for that one place to park their vehicle,” Collini said.
Violet Prettyman, 10, of Vandergrift enjoys playing in the alley next to her house.
She said some of her friends like to play ball and throw snowballs during the winter.
Both borough parks, Kennedy and Franklin, remain locked and closed for play until late spring, added Chloe Kruse, Violet’s mother and a Vandergrift business owner.
Sarno said he didn’t recall any specific damage to resident properties but didn’t rule it out.
“I’m sure it’s happened. And kids can still have snowball fights. They just have to stay out of the streets, sidewalks and alleyways when doing so,” Sarno said.
Collini urged residents to use common sense.
“Make good choices,” Collini said.
A copy of the ordinance is available on the borough’s website at vandergriftborough.com.
Joyce Hanz is a native of Charleston, S.C. and is a features reporter covering the Pittsburgh region. She majored in media arts and graduated from the University of South Carolina. She can be reached at jhanz@triblive.com
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