BECKLEY, W.Va. — After much public input, Beckley Common Council unanimously decided to remove the proposed basketball ban from its agenda, Mayor Bill O’Brien confirmed Monday.
The ordinance called for a ban on basketball hoops and basketball playing on city streets; violators would have faced a $25 fine. O’Brien said he does not expect the ordinance to be brought up again.
Many residents spoke out in opposition of the ordinance, citing potential spikes in crime and obesity rates among area youth. Others, however, said they supported the ban after experiencing vandalism, littering and disturbances of the peace.
The ordinance was initially proposed after council received complaints that basketball players in the streets refused to yield to traffic.
“I hope the attention brought to the ordinance will solve the problem, and encourage everyone to show respect to properties,” O’Brien said.
“It’s about the safety of the youngsters, the protection of private property and the quiet enjoyment of neighbors.”
O’Brien said the matter took on a life of its own…
