Patricia Cunningham of Hilton Avenue is one of 42 Garden City residents who recently received a village-issued letter mandating that the rocks in front of her home be removed within 10 days of such letter. The rocks, according to Robert Mangan, director of Public Works, violate the village code, which prohibits obstructions to be placed in the village right-of-way.

"I was amazed by the number of properties affected by this condition," Cunningham, who wrote the Public Works Department requesting an extension to enable an appeal, said. "A number of folks I met were shocked and rather dismayed by the village's concern for these rocks."

Cunningham, however, said she never received a response and stood before village trustees Oct. 6 to formally request that they rescind the mandated removal of such rocks, which in her case have been in front of her home for more than 30 years.

She cited several reasons for her request: the rocks serve as protection for cars and people in the event of a collision. "There have been several accidents on my corner, which is the corner of 3rd Street and Hilton Avenue, and in fact cars have come up on my property where there is neither a curb nor rocks," she said. "These accidents have resulted in severe personal injury."

She added that said rocks are not defensive in design or appearance and to her knowledge have never caused any damage to village vehicles, whether a snow plow or pick-up. "How different in nature are these rocks from curbs, which are 10 feet from the roadway and serve a similar purpose?" she asked.

According to the letter, which the Public Works Department sent out, the right-of-way extends 10 feet on either side of the roadway in most cases. However, in some cases, it extends further. Village officials believe any obstructions from the right-of-way pose a liability issue for the village.

Fellow resident Jim Burns, who recently moved into a newer home on 4th Street, received the same letter. He cited numerous instances where something, such as cobblestone curbs, are situated in the village right-of-way. Burns said its part of the charm living in the central section and suggested affected homeowners could sign a release if the rocks are considered a liability for the village. "To mandate random homes be checked is shortsighted," Burns said.

Village Counsel Tom Wassel noted that in many cases these rocks are in the village right-of-way, which is considered village property. "Any damage to passing vehicles is considered a liability for the village and possibly the homeowner," he said, adding that homeowners could place the rocks on their own property. Those residents unsure of where their property line ends and Garden City's begins can contact the village.