Pittsburgh Could Ban Porch Couches - Something That Could Never Happen in Morgantown

According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, One of America's Great Newspapers, Pittsburgh City Council has given its initial approval to legislation banning mattresses, box springs, sofas and upholstered chairs from city porches, primarily to prevent the celebratory burning of such items, as has happened repeatedly in Oakland.

The penalty for keeping upholstered furniture on a non-enclosed porch would be $200 to $500, plus court costs, per day, according to the article.

A couch on a porch "creates a health hazard. It draws pests and rodents and bugs," said Kelly Wawrzeniak, a community organizer with the Oakland Planning and Development Corp.

Mr. Kraus said he doesn't intend to restrict patio furniture that "is generally wrought iron or a vinyl composition" and is meant for outdoor use. Which is good because that furniture is usually lighter and is easier to throw through the windows of local businesses.

A final vote could occur next week. It is unknown how many Pitt students could transfer to West Virginia University as a result.