Archive: Opinions

Fences can be appealing and attractive in many settings.  Picket fences are the symbol of America.  These simple wooden fences, found in towns and villages across the country, bring a sense of warmth to any community.  They quietly stand guard for the homeowner keeping noisy neighbors and stray pets out of the yard, but not in an offensive way.  These wooden dividers, with their openness and linear elegance, allow for pleasant conversation and discussion without having to invite someone into your personal space. 

All of them have a small gate secured by a simple latch.  When invited to enter, all one has to do is lift the latch and gentle push the gate.  If no one is around, you know better than to enter the yard, but you can still admire the beauty and enjoy the continuity of your neighborhood.

One can imagine a neighbor leaning on a rake or shovel just inside the fence while another neighbor, who happens to be strolling by on the sidewalk that runs alongside the picket fence, asking about the hydrangea bushes that have blossomed into a sea of blue and pink.  They pause, exchange pleasantries, debate the use of organic compost, and then go about their business.  The picket fence is an invitation to admire the plantings, architecture, and even those who live there offering a buffer between owner and passerby.

For others a low rock wall meandering along a country road symbolizes the ingenuity of the pioneers.  The first settlers in this region cleared forests and removed tons of rocks in order to create fields for growing corps.  The trees were turned into building materials and fuel, but what can one do with tons of rock?   Why build walls that serve to protect and mark one’s property.  Many of these walls still stand as reminders that nature truly provides all that one needs to build a life.

While admiring the usefulness and beauty of fences mentioned above, I must now voice my concern over the change in fence philosophy.  During a recent stroll through Ludlowville, I came across two properties that had recently put up fences.  These were neither the picket nor the stone variety.  Rather they were the six foot high, wooden plank privacy fence.

I am sure you recognize this species of fence.  At first glance, you cannot believe your eyes.   One might think it is a mirage, but upon closer inspection, it is real and it is unsightly.  It communicates a clear message-get out and stay out.  The six foot planks nailed so close together that sunlight can barely sneak through spells out the owners’ feelings toward neighbor and stranger alike:  I do not wish to see you, speak with you, and exchange pleasantries with you or with associate with you-ever!  It is the type of fence that the Grinch would construct if he needed to build one high atop his secluded mountain top.

Homeowners do have the right to alter their property in such a way that they feel comfortable and safe.  The individual who chooses to cut him or herself off from the rest of the community can do so legally, but does bear the guilt and shame for such an offensive snub to the community. 

But he or she is not alone in this.  One must call into question the zoning officials who would allow such a crime against community to be perpetrated in the name of safety or privacy.  While speaking to an 80 year resident of Ludlowville, the person, who shall remain anonymous, could not recall a time when such fences were ever constructed in town.   

Ludlowville, that quaint hamlet, home to the Federal House, the Old Ludlowville School, and the Brick Block, is forever scarred by this construction nightmare.  These stockade structures have driven a wooden stake through the very heart of a community. 

One could justify the construction of such fences to secure grain, armaments, cattle and horses against marauding thieves, outlaws and British sympathizers, but these potential threats have not been a concern for nearly two centuries. In the end, there is no need for such draconian measures.  There is no reason to construct fortresses in the middle of any peaceful and law abiding community.

Other residents of the “Ville” are deeply saddened by the privacy fences.  One individual asked, “Why would you move to a quaint little hamlet, where the houses are built close together, and then construct an isolation barrier around your property?”  This is a question that I am unable to answer.

I can only offer one solution to this most unfortunate and unwanted addition to our community and that comes from former President Ronald Reagan.  When he delivered a speech in West Berlin on June 12, 1987, with the infamous Berlin Wall as a backdrop, he uttered those prophetic words to the then Premier of the Soviet Union: “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall.”  And that is to the point. 

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