To the Editor:

I write to second the letter in Town Topics on Dec. 14 complaining about the leaf piles that narrow our streets and make them unsafe for vehicles, bicyclists and pedestrians [“Due to Leaf Piles, Streets in Our City Remain a Dangerous Slalom Course].

Although Princeton has strict regulations as to when loose leaves can be put out (one week prior to the pickup week), many homeowners (or, more likely, their yard maintenance companies) place leaves in the street in disregard of the rule (either well before or after the pickup). Yet apparently neither our elected officials nor the Department of Public Works seems to have ever taken notice of this phenomenon (just drive around any fall day and you can’t miss it) or cares to enforce the regulation.

I’m not necessarily defending the rule — sure I’d like to put leaves out when it is convenient for me and not have to adhere to an arbitrary schedule — but then why bother having this requirement if it isn’t enforced?

Of course there are alternatives such as bagging leaves, mulching, and composting, but these are not always practical approaches for many homeowners.

Steve Frakt

Lake Drive