During the meeting, the first fence application under consideration involved a resident’s request to paint their house pink and install a fence. Public comments included a range of opinions, with one speaker supporting the fence for its aesthetic appeal and value addition to the neighborhood, and another expressing no issue with the fence despite not being aware of its height until recently. Concerns were also raised about security in the area, including car and package thefts, prompting a debate on the effectiveness of a 4-foot fence as a deterrent. The applicant’s representative clarified that the fence was not erected with any intent to bypass approval and stressed the need to address each property on an individual basis. Following a discussion that included various perspectives on the height and coverage of the hedge around the fence, the board approved the application with a 6 to 2 vote.

The second application presented to the board was for a fence to enclose a backyard, with the applicant citing the need to contain children’s activities and enhance safety. After considering the fence’s height and design, the board reached a unanimous decision to approve the application. This case also led to a broader conversation about the impact of front yard modifications on neighborhood character.

The proposed ordinance on fencing became a focal point of discussion as board members and the borough planner examined its alignment with the master plan policies. The ordinance aimed at shoring up neighborhoods by regulating the aesthetic and security implications of fences. Members debated the height, setback requirements, and living fence regulations, highlighting the challenges of addressing conditions like obstructive trees at intersections. One member remarked on the suitability of the comprehensive approach to fencing within the area.

The implications of the proposed ordinance on the fence permit application process were also a topic of concern, with the potential for an increase in applications being a particular worry. The board analyzed the ordinance’s details, and after debate, voted to send the proposed ordinance back to the governing body with recommended edits that address the complexities raised during the discussion.