Why an ‘offensive’ lawn display is drawing attention in Amherstburg

A stone statue on the front lawn of an Amherstburg home is creating controversy.

An Amherstburg resident is calling for the town to take action in response to an “offensive” display on a neighbour’s lawn.

Judy Carney has complained to the town about the phallic-shaped sculpture only to be told there is nothing Town Hall can do.

Placed upright, the approximately 4-foot-long statue is clearly visible from the street of the quiet neighbourhood.

“I’m sure lots of people are going to laugh when they see this because it’s a bit shocking. I don’t think after two months it’s funny,” Carney said.

Carney says she and several other area residents have filed complaints to the town over the sculpture.

The design, which they describe as lewd, could be seen by the many students who pass through the area, Carney worries.

“I mean, this is a school-busy road. It’s got school busses, elementary and secondary [school busses] going up and down. The only Transit Windsor bus that comes to them goes past this house four times a day,” Carney told CTV News on Wednesday morning.

CTV News knocked on the door, but the person inside the home declined to comment.

In an interview, Michael Prue, the Mayor of Amherstburg, told CTV News the municipality lacks the powers to demand the statue be removed.

“There is nothing illegal about it at this point,” Prue said.

The town would require a bylaw to restrict certain art displays from being mounted on properties. Amherstburg plans to consult other municipalities to find a solution.

“It’s in poor taste and if his neighbours want him to take it down, the neighbourly thing to do is to take it down,” the mayor added.

While some residents are taking issue with the statue, one neighbour felt the backlash is unwarranted.

“It’s their property. They can do whatever they want. That’s really my opinion,” said a resident who identified himself as Jason.

Fearing the often-lengthy process to introduce a new municipal by-law, Carney has an alternative compromise.

“Lay it flat. It’s like a patio stone,” she pitched. “They could lay it on the ground and still have it in their yard, and it wouldn’t be upsetting people in the community.”

While it could be a long road ahead to see a resolution, Carney hopes the homeowner will change their mind.

“It is offensive to most people and at courtesy to be a good neighbour. Just take it down,” she said.