Kiss The Brass Ring

Thanks to Greeley Report readers and your insights.  You are the eyes and ears of this region and you do great work!

A Greeley Report reader recently sent information to Sam Hill about an 80-year-old resident of Greeley that ran afoul of the law.  More than 40 years ago this woman put the bulk of her yard in rock, to save on water fees and maintenance issues.  However now the city of Greeley has contacted her.  They threatened to fine her up to $1,000 because her property didn't meet city codes.  Greeley now demands you use water.  Codes stipulate you must have 50 percent live plantings in your yard or you violate their laws, even though the natural climate of this area is arid and high prairie.

When the family met with the city, they decided to give this family a "hardship exemption."  The elderly woman can keep her landscaping as long as she lives in the house, or until it sells someday.  How nice.  Are we to kiss the brass ring of the tyrants?  There are several problems here, and I will mention two.

First, we talk about water and it's expense all the time.  There is a move afoot to try and generate more water rights for Northern Colorado, and the costs of these projects are huge.  This woman is being penalized because she uses too little water!  Something is wrong.

Secondly, this woman is being penalized by the city over landscaping.  She doesn't run a junkyard.  She has merely landscaped her private property to accomodate her lifestyle as an older woman that needs a low-maintenance yard.  The city has now taken over her freedom and replaced it with tyranny.  They tell her what to do on her property.  Furthermore, because of city codes, this property must now be renovated if and when this woman or her family sells or rents it.  It must come into compliance with existing city codes.  These taxes and fees are imposed at the local level, and it shows just how controlling code enforcement is over city business, homes and property.  Greeley needs to losen up or it will continue to lose residents and business.

Government is always a delicate balance of law and order, and liberty and self-determination.  These codes have gone to far.  What will Mayor Norton and the City Council do about this?  Nothing.  Why?  Because you haven't shown up in their offices or at city council meetings.  The old adage is true.  When politicians feel the heat, they see the light!  Until then, kiss the brass ring of tyranny.  It lives on.

Comments

[You know mi]

Ah, what a city! Water rates are so high I guess that she could go without her medications and water the grass...I am sure many seniors are doing just that..........

[Dennis]

That would be like seeing brains on the street, right?

[Rick Jones]

Imagine that, the city fathers obviously have no problem carrying rocks in their heads, but object if rocks see the light of day.