Boulevard gardens still drawing public comment

The question of whether to allow property owners to put in gardens on the boulevard in front of their homes continues to generate a surprising amount of passion.  decorahnews.com has received e-mails from both those in favor of the proposal and those opposed to it:

Bev Brown e-mails:
"I fully support Mayor Arendt's view on boulevard gardening and feel it would be a huge mistake to allow.  Walk in front of the bike shop right now as the boulevard has not yet been seeded because of sidewalk construction.  Is this how we want our boulevard's to look for 75 percent plus of the year? Will people want to cut down or fail to plant boulevard trees, as we all know gardens grow best in full sun?  How do you feel?  It would be interesting to know what the public opinion is on this issue."

Pat Fitzgerald e-mails:
"Mike and I are against boulevard gardens for many reasons already stated.  The illegal ones around town add nothing to the beauty of Decorah.  Let your mayor know you back him and contact your council or a few people will have their say on this issue."

The "Boulevard Gardening Proposal Committee," a group of private individuals headed by Jim Tripp, e-mails:
"1. Will this create traffic hazards if plantings get too high?
"Upon proper notification from the city any plantings, decorative/supportive structures or fences that are deemed a nuisance or which create a safety hazard shall be removed at the owner's expense" (Ch. 12.08.010 of the newly proposed Boulevard Ordinance)

2. What happens to all the bare soil when a gully washer blows through before all the seeds have a chance to grow? Won't they wash into the storm sewers and river, polluting the river with whatever fertilizers the gardeners are using?
Sand from snow trucks, leaves from trees, and grass clippings from lawnmowers currently find their way to the streets and have never been an issue. Also, nobody wants to lose topsoil, and many people take appropriate precaution on their own to avoid loss of this soil. Actually, many gardeners are adding more topsoil to their plots year after year than what is being added with grass lawns.

3. Not all gardens are kept up, especially in late August into September. Won't the gardens get full of weeds and grass and not look nice?
See #1 above

4. Are there really that many homes in town that don't have enough space in the back, side, or front yard?
Not a lot, but there are some that are shaded by trees and/or wish to plant more than their yards allow;

5. What about the community garden plots down by the river? Isn't this enough?
While the community garden is a great asset to the community, it has a high potential of flooding. a large weed burden and requires travel from home."