Denver neighborhood bans children from drawing on sidewalk - New York News | NYC Breaking News

Denver neighborhood bans children from drawing chalk art on sidewalk

Denver mom Sarah Cohen says drawing sidewalk chalk art is one of her three-year-old daughter Emerson's "simple pleasures in life."

"It's definitely better than video games," Cohen told KCNC.

However, the homeowner's association in Cohen's neighborhood feels differently. They say Emerson's drawings -- usually of hearts and flowers -- are distracting and offensive blights on their community.

"My initial reaction was, 'You have to be kidding me," Cohen said.

The association, called Innovations and Courtyard Traditions at Stapleton, temporarily banned children from drawing on sidewalks, saying anything that offends, disturbs or interferes with the peaceful enjoyment is not allowed on shared spaces.

They said neighbors have been complaining about chalk drawings like Emerson's.

The group's attorney told the station that the association is going down a path of "do no harm" and is temporarily banning the chalk art until it is discussed in depth at a later meeting. It will then be up to the residents to decide if the art will be permanently banned.

Cohen said she has not personally received any complaints from neighbors, and her daughter will continue to draw as a sort of mini protest against the temporary ban.