Bush's neighbors worried about possible anti-war activities in the area

Some of President George W. Bush's neighbors asked local authorities Tuesday to prevent possible gatherings near the President's ranch like the ongoing anti-war protest led by Cindy Sheehan who's sun perished in Iraq.

Several residents have complained of blocked roads and traffic jams in the last week since dozens of people joined Sheehan's protest by pitching tents off the winding, two-lane road leading to Bush's ranch in Crawford, Texas.

The petition with more than 60 signatures was submitted to the McLennan County commission, asking the board to expand a no-parking zone that now bans cars within a few hundred feet (dozens of meters) of the ranch. If the ordinance passes, demonstrators probably would have to stay in the city of Crawford, which is 7 miles (11 kilometers) away.

"All those of us that live in that area and in that community and our children also have civil rights, and we do feel that those are being seriously compromised at this time," John Laufenberg, a landowner who signed the petition, told commissioners.

The commission will publicize the petition and advertise a public hearing, to be held in about four weeks. Then, county commissioners will vote on the ordinance.

Sheehan, who came from California, started the vigil Aug. 6 and vows to stay through Bush's monthlong ranch visit unless he meets with her and other grieving families.

She has promised to return to the area whenever Bush goes to his ranch. Bush, who said he sympathizes with Sheehan, has made no indication that he will meet with her, the AP reports.