If you live in the Village of Great Neck, Big Brother is most definitely watching.
As we reported this week, the village board has passed a law banning the drying of laundry in residents’ front yards.
It would seem that the meddling board just doesn’t have enough important issues to worry about.
Defending this indefensible law, Village of Great Neck Mayor Ralph Kreitzman said, “Village government is the government closest to the people and is the most responsive and efficient form of government. As such, we often take steps to ensure that the quality of life of our residents is protected.
“Our residents care about our village and their homes and their appearance. We have a beautiful village, and I and my board of trustees do not believe that hanging clothes in a front yard is appropriate behavior. The actions of a few have made it necessary to pass this law.”
We’re not kidding.
As we reported this week, the law prohibits the outdoor drying of clothes in the front yard, on the sides of a building, or within 10 feet of any property line. To the best of our knowledge, it is the only restrictive clothes line law in New York State. However, Colorado, Hawaii, Maine and Vermont have passed so-called “right-to-dry” laws prohibiting homeowners associations and condominium boards from instituting blanket bans on outdoor drying.
Was the village law in any way necessary? Don’t most people in 2012 use gas or electric dryers? How many people are really bothered by the sight of someone drying clothes in their front yard, even if they hang out their unmentionables?
Please, Mr. Kreitzman, tell us this is a joke.
