A resident said he saw no problem, but an alderman called boats and RVs eyesores.DARIEN, IL – A Darien couple asked city officials this week to ease rules on parking boats on driveways.Gerald and Catherine Wivinis, who live on Shelley Court, told the City Council that it should allow parking of boats on driveways from spring to fall."It seems like we're being singled out on our block," Catherine said, adding that officials likely knew who called them out.Gerald said, "I don't get what the pr...
A resident said he saw no problem, but an alderman called boats and RVs eyesores.
DARIEN, IL – A Darien couple asked city officials this week to ease rules on parking boats on driveways.
Gerald and Catherine Wivinis, who live on Shelley Court, told the City Council that it should allow parking of boats on driveways from spring to fall.
"It seems like we're being singled out on our block," Catherine said, adding that officials likely knew who called them out.
Gerald said, "I don't get what the problem is."
They apparently have been parking a boat in their driveway during fishing season for years. A Google Maps photo from October 2018 shows their boat in front.
Years ago, the city barred boats and recreational vehicles from being parked out front, except for three days at a time for loading, unloading, cleaning and related activities.
Residents are allowed to park such vehicles on hard surfaces in side and backyards. That was considered a concession to residents with such vehicles, officials said.
At the council meeting, Mayor Joseph Marchese asked the couple whether boats and RVs were in other driveways in their neighborhood. They said there have been.
Dan Gombac, the city's municipal services director, said local code enforcement is vigilant about finding violations.
"I have not seen any others that have been in violation of this," he said. "If there are, please give me a call. We try to be as courteous as we can and provide notification, not to punish but to make sure they are in compliance."
Gombac recommended keeping the rule, but said it was up to the council.
Alderman Eric Gustafson said the city shouldn't allow boats or RVs to be parked anywhere outside homes. He said a lot of residents have called him in favor of such a ban.
"I have to agree with them. It's an eyesore," the alderman said.
Marchese said the city was being generous when it allowed boats and RVs in side yards.