Not everyone in Carroll Gardens has a garden, but even on the streets where cement front stoops stand in for landscaped front yards, many residents brighten their sidewalks with flower-filled planters. Apparently, though, somebody at the Transportation Department isn’t a fan of the pansies and marigolds. Inspectors have been threatening green-thumbed residents to remove their sidewalk planters — or face $1,000 fines. “I’m really upset over it,” said Elizabeth Hillery. “Here we had pride in our little gardens, and now they want us to take ‘em down.” If crowded sidewalks are the issue, what’s next? The removal of elderly Italians parked in lawn chairs? In this neighborhood, the transportation department better watch their step.

Planters Now No-No on Clinton St. [NY Daily News]