hotfoot
09-07-2006, 05:39 PM
Proposed parking ban is big issue
Crystal Lake targets large RVs and trucks
By Jeff Long, Tribune staff reporter. Freelance reporters Tim Kane and Mark Shuman contributed to this report
Published September 7, 2006
For Melissa Higby, the 32-foot Winnebago camper parked outside her Crystal Lake home is "a real economical way for our family to go off together."
But a new ordinance city officials are considering might force them to give up their comfy recreational vehicle, she said.
"We like to hop in it and go on a trip," said Higby, whose four children range in age from 4 to 19. "It's fully loaded. It sleeps eight."
The ordinance, scheduled for a possible City Council vote this month, would prohibit vehicles and boats longer than 20 feet and taller than 8 feet from being parked outside in residential areas.
Under the proposed law, residents would be allowed to park campers in their driveways for up to 72 hours as they prepare for a trip--but no long-term residential parking would be permitted. It would also let visitors park the large vehicles in driveways for 14 days per month, with a permit.
The law would bar people from taking commercial vehicles, such as box trucks, home for the night. But service vehicles would be allowed in driveways if work is being done at a home.
About two dozen residents who oppose the measure turned out to complain to the City Council on Tuesday but were told to come back Sept. 19.
Crystal Lake targets large RVs and trucks
By Jeff Long, Tribune staff reporter. Freelance reporters Tim Kane and Mark Shuman contributed to this report
Published September 7, 2006
For Melissa Higby, the 32-foot Winnebago camper parked outside her Crystal Lake home is "a real economical way for our family to go off together."
But a new ordinance city officials are considering might force them to give up their comfy recreational vehicle, she said.
"We like to hop in it and go on a trip," said Higby, whose four children range in age from 4 to 19. "It's fully loaded. It sleeps eight."
The ordinance, scheduled for a possible City Council vote this month, would prohibit vehicles and boats longer than 20 feet and taller than 8 feet from being parked outside in residential areas.
Under the proposed law, residents would be allowed to park campers in their driveways for up to 72 hours as they prepare for a trip--but no long-term residential parking would be permitted. It would also let visitors park the large vehicles in driveways for 14 days per month, with a permit.
The law would bar people from taking commercial vehicles, such as box trucks, home for the night. But service vehicles would be allowed in driveways if work is being done at a home.
About two dozen residents who oppose the measure turned out to complain to the City Council on Tuesday but were told to come back Sept. 19.