MONTICELLO – The Village of Monticello maintains a strict policy that restricts basketball hoops from being placed on public streets out of concern for pedestrian safety and hazards to vehicles. While the Village remains steadfast in its rules, the policy’s flexibility came into question during last Wednesday night’s public comment session. 

Resident Nicole Gonzalez sought clarification regarding the parameters of the local ordinance at the village board’s regular meeting on Wednesday night, asking whether hoops kept on private property that face the street are labeled as violations. Furthermore, she questioned if homeowners could still be cited if a hoop’s structure is anchored on their property but extends over the sidewalk or roadway. 

Village Mayor Rochelle Massey reiterated that basketball hoops are prohibited from being placed in the street, with Deputy Mayor John Barbarite adding that they create a distinct hazard for vehicles traveling in the roadway. However, Gonzalez raised concerns about how rigid enforcement could impact neighborhood children looking for a safe place to play. 

She cited several homes near George L. Cooke Elementary School, Robert J. Kaiser Middle School, and Monticello High School that feature street-facing hoops, wondering if those properties would also face code violations. She stressed that recreational activities like basketball give kids a positive outlet and keep them from getting into trouble within the village. 

“I feel like activities like that keep the children from running the streets,” stated Gonzalez, adding that she worries about accessibility for local youth who may have limited accessibility to public basketball courts. 

Trustee Gordon Jenkins suggested that parents and community members should approach the local school boards to push for broader access to school playgrounds and recreational facilities. 

“Every school ... everywhere has gates around [the playgrounds]. How do you have gates around playgrounds?” inquired Jenkins. “These people should go and demand that the schools have these spaces accessible for the [public] kids.” 

Village resident Yakov Mandelovics spoke up regarding his own recent discussions with a school board member pertaining to playground access, noting that information is expected to be released regarding when those facilities will be open to the public. He encouraged fellow concerned residents to hold the school district accountable if public access is not provided during those designated times. 

Valle Appointed to  Monticello Housing Authority Board

Earlier in the meeting, village resident Anthony Valle was officially sworn in to serve on the board of the Monticello Housing Authority. Valle is slated to serve a five-year term after being administered the oath of office by Village Clerk Janine Gandy-McKinney. 

Taking the oath before the village board and meeting attendees, Valle pledged to support the Constitution of the United States and New York State, and promised to fulfill the duties of a Housing Authority board member to the best of his ability. 

Following the swearing-in, Valle was warmly congratulated and applauded by the village board and audience members. Trustee Theodore Hutchins also extended formal congratulations following the official adjournment of the meeting.