Franklin asking residents to remove basketball hoops from public spaces

FRANKLIN, Mass. (MyFoxBoston.com) -- The town of Franklin is cracking down on basketball hoops that impinge on sidewalks and streets.

Playing basketball in the street and the total mess that was last winter was has officials in Franklin asking residents to move hoops off public spaces. They are citing town and state laws along with complaints from some residents, like those who live on Eagle Road where there are four on-street hoops.

Franklin police put out a notice Wednesday that advises residents to get the hoops off public spaces or else run the risk of being fined. For a first offense, residents are looking at a $50 fine, but that jumps to $300 for the third.

Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting says the drive to get the hoops off public byways has a lot to do with avoiding a repeat of what happened last winter.

"They really inhibit the plowing. And so we kind of want to give folks a heads up that says, 'Hey, you know, can you take 'em off the street when the season's over,'" Nutting said.

Residents we spoke with see the wisdom in that.

Joel Kelleher said, "The plow guys need to do their job out here."

Cox Media Group