Curbside strips of grass in front of new or rebuilt homes would require irrigation systems under an ordinance proposed by City Council in Ocean City, NJ.
City Council voted unanimously Thursday to table an ordinance that requires property owners to provide a grass or sod strip between curbs and sidewalks and to have an irrigation system to maintain it.
Councilman Antwan McClellan said he had spoken with several members of the community who had expressed concerns about the measure, and he asked for more time to investigate.
The ordinance would apply only to newly constructed and substantially rebuilt (construction costs more than 50 percent of assessed value) homes. The ordinance allows exceptions for places where the city determines that concrete would be safer for pedestrians.
The city already has an ordinance that requires irrigation systems on the other side of the sidewalk for new and substantially rebuilt homes.
Several members of the public opposed the ordinance in public comment, citing the cost, waste of water and lack of necessity for the proposed ordinance.
Bill Stuempfig, a resident of the 300 block of Simpson Avenue and former Environmental Commission member, said the "S & I" (sod and irrigation) requirement is not suitable for his flood-prone location.
He said native plants are more capable of surviving saltwater floods, require no watering or fertilizer, and attract birds and butterflies. He offered to help the city learn more about a successful ocean-friendly gardens program.
More from Thursday's City Council meeting:
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