http://www.freetalklive.com/taxonomy/term/2481/0 en http://www.freetalklive.com/content/neighbors_rally_gardeners_side_following_anonymous_complaint <p>Michael Martin is used to getting compliments on the botanical bonanza he has cultivated, mulched and pampered along his leafy, residential lot on the Near West Side.</p> <p>But one anonymous complaint set Madison's inspection apparatus in motion and kept Martin in thrall for two weeks, an experience that mustered supportive neighbors.</p> <p>"I know the city has to respond, and all this is complaint-driven, but they don't have to act on it," she said. "Too many people can use that as a way to get back at their neighbor. One anonymous complaint can be very manipulative."</p> <p><a href="http://www.freetalklive.com/content/neighbors_rally_gardeners_side_following_anonymous_complaint" target="_blank">read more</a></p> http://www.freetalklive.com/content/neighbors_rally_gardeners_side_following_anonymous_complaint#comments anonymous complaint city property garden News Article ordinance zoning Good News Thu, 18 Aug 2011 14:15:35 +0000 phonon 13739 at http://www.freetalklive.com http://www.freetalklive.com/content/rules_are_rules_yard_sale_pay_medical_bills_gets_shut_down <p>A woman fighting a terminal form of bone cancer is trying to raise money to help pay bills with a few weekend garage sales, but the city of Salem says she’s breaking the law and is shutting her down.</p> <p>Jan Cline had no idea, but the city of Salem has a clear law that states a person can only have three yard sales a year.</p> http://www.freetalklive.com/content/rules_are_rules_yard_sale_pay_medical_bills_gets_shut_down#comments News Article ordinance Regulation yard sale Wed, 17 Aug