Won’t you be my (good) neighbor? Akron City Council Member Phil Lombardo, in his February Ward 2 newsletter, shared his “Top 10 Good Neighbor Rules” with 1,609 of his constituents.
In addition to helping residents understand some of the practical steps they can take to be good neighbors, the rules also highlight how to avoid fines from the city.
Lombardo’s 10 good neighbor tips
Nine of Lombardo’s tips are codified in city ordinances and could lead to fines if a homeowner is found in violation of the law. The last tip is “a nice neighborly thing to do,” according to Lombardo.
Here are his tips with some added information:
Community Journalism Director Kevin Dilley found this while keeping track of civic information for the Akron Documenters program.
Garbage can etiquette
Do not put garbage cans on the curb until 4:30 p.m. the day before trash is collected. And remove trash cans from the curb on the day of your collection by 6 p.m.
Failure to follow city ordinances regarding garbage and refuse could result in fines up to $55. (Akron Municipal Code Title 5, Chapter 52)
Taking care of pets
Among other things, city code requires pet owners to keep control of barking dogs, follow leash laws and clean up after pets.
City code 92.14 specifically states that dogs cannot bark, howl or yelp for more than 10 minutes at a time overnight (between 8 p.m. and 7 a.m.) During the day (7 a.m. to 8 p.m.), this barking period can last no longer than 20 minutes before being considered a nuisance.
Violations could lead to a $50 fine. (Akron Municipal Code Title 9, Chapter 92)
Rules for pit bulls or vicious dogs
The Akron city ordinance 92.25 spells out specific rules for “any person owning, keeping, possessing, harboring, maintaining, or having the care, custody, or control of a Pit Bull, Canary Dog or American Bulldog or vicious dog.”
Some of the rules include posting city-issued signs on the premise, outfitting the dog with a fluorescent green collar and securing the animal at all times.
Fines can range up to $1,000.
Suggested Reading
Taking care of your yard
Lombardo shared four tips related to being a good neighbor by properly taking care of your yard.
His first tip in this area is to rake all leaves before the snow arrives. This is in accordance with the city’s leaf removal program. Lombard said that fines can range up to $200.
Throughout the growing season (generally after April 1 until the first frost), keeping your yard neat and clean (even the backyard) is governed by municipal code 94.29. The ordinance states that property owners cannot have noxious weeds or “unmaintained plants and/or grasses exceeding eight inches in height.” Fines can reach up to $1,000.
Section 94 also says residents can’t store junk vehicles or burn garbage, among other things.
And don’t blow yard clippings into the street. This is seen as a form of littering (95.02) and could cost up to $200 in fines.
Finally, Lombardo said that being a good neighbor includes paying attention to your neighbor’s property line. He suggested (and city code 101.01 does as well) cutting brush, shrubs and trees along a property line, keeping the area well-maintained.
Keep the noise down, please
Lombardo reminded residents to “be mindful of loud music and late night parties.” Municipal code chapter 132, “Offenses Against Public Peace,” goes into detail about what’s allowed and what’s not in a number of situations. It includes, “No person shall disturb the good order and quiet of the municipality by clamors or noises, by intoxication, drunkenness, fighting, quarreling, wrangling, committing assault, assault and battery, using obscene or profane language.”
Generating “unreasonable” sound by using amplifying devices like a loudspeaker, radio, drum or television between 9 p.m. and 8 a.m. the next day is prohibited (132.16) Fines can range up to $200 for this misdemeanor.
Slow down. Children and others at play
Slow down on your street, Lombardo said. Speeding, anywhere in the city, can result in fines up to $5,500. (73.20)
Think of your neighbors
Finally, Lombardo said that being a good neighbor means thinking of those around you. He suggested calling an elderly neighbor if you are going to the store. Lombardo’s last tip isn’t codified in the city charter, but he said it’s “a nice neighborly thing to do!”
Be My Neighbor Day event at House Three Thirty
In addition to considering Lombardo’s good neighbor tips, 484 people turned out last Saturday for PBS Western Reserve’s annual Be My Neighbor Day, which is “dedicated to building community, celebrating kindness and learning what it means to be a caring neighbor.”
The free event at House Three Thirty in West Hill featured the character Daniel Tiger from “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood.” The PBS KIDS series is inspired by the iconic “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.”
In addition to Daniel, attendees enjoyed hands-on learning activities, community resources, face-painting and a strolling juggler. Organizers were joined by 16 community partners and volunteers. They gave away 100 hygiene kits courtesy of Project Rise. In addition, 253 Daniel Tiger books and backpacks and 257 scoops of ice cream were handed out.
The event was a success, said Holly Cartwright, chief educational services officer with PBS Western Reserve. “The energy throughout the venue was wonderful all day long. Each of our community partners shared fantastic resources and engaging hands-on experiences that families truly appreciated.” The event was supported by PNC Grow Up Great and Fred Rogers Productions.