Letter: Private Construction on Public Property

There is a recently built wooden privacy fence and raised wooden flowerbeds blocking the end of River Oaks Dr as it terminates (or dead ends) into a residential lot. This street blockage needs to be treated like any other obstruction and be removed at once!

River Oaks Dr needs to be reopened to the public as a vehicle turn-a-round space and an entrance to the adjoining property. 

By allowing the extension of a neighboring fence and various wooden raised beds for gardening etc,, the City is opening the door for any private use of city property without consequences.

I can see a micro-house in the green space next to the visitors restrooms, raised wooden flowerbeds in front of the visitors center, a storage shed at the police department… the possibilities are endless …look around – what alleyway or city space could yo use? Just remember to call it a beautification project not the private use of city property that it really is!

By allowing this extension of a private yard into public space the city accepts liability for a semi-permanent (metal poles set in concrete with wooden privacy fence and large substantial wooden planting beds). Structures that were not built, inspected or maintained or had prior approval by the city. Accidents, injuries and long-term maintenance liability falls squarely on the city of Jefferson! Is that a responsibility the City is willing to take on?

Like it or not as long as the structures remain the city is already 100% liable. 

These structures should be treated no differently than abandoned cars, trash or other obstructions.

The obstructions need to be removed immediately! River Oaks Drive needs to be re-opened to the public for public use!

Any beautification efforts would be better directed toward benefiting the public at large, not just a few isolated individuals.

—Barbara Anderson