You can fight city hall...but it'll cost you!

You can fight City Hall...and WIN but it'll cost you!

To get the complete story, please go to:

https://www.mankatofreepress.com/news/local_news/after-legal-win-north-mankato-nature-enthusiasts-brief-relief-becomes-worry/article_f196766a-27b3-11ec-8483-676d3d9429df.html

 

For over two years the City of North Mankato, Minnesota has been fighting one of it's longtime residents over the look of his lawn (which is a certified Monarch Waystation). Ed Borchardt, a former Botany professor at Minnesota State University in Mankato, has planted his property in such a way as to help feed and shelter both pollinating insects and birds.

 

Last December, the City declared the property a public nuisance because it doesn't conform to their idea of what a yard should look like. The City required Ed to remove his wildlife friendly habitat in order to match the turf lawns that are the norm.

 

Ed appealed the City's decision, arguing that there was no evidence pointing to a public nuisance in his yard and that the City ordinance is unconstitutionally vague. In early October, the Minnesota State Court of Appeals agreed with Ed that there was no evidence of a public nuisance.

 

Great news for Ed (and the birds and bees)! But lawsuits are costly and Ed is an 80-something retired professor, in poor health. He would appreciate help covering legal costs.