Thank you for the response from the DPW of Vernon, Connecticut. The question regarding this property seems to be somewhat answered although, what are the chances of getting a fence on the property now or in the future to resolve the privacy issues?

There used to be a very nice line of shrubs and trees here that ensured our privacy. Now we have the joys of looking out over our back yard to the wonders of continued blight. While we appreciate the fact that the demo of this building is going out to bid we also understand it could take months for such a project to be completed. The Town of Vernon should be held responsible like every other property owner in town and make some efforts to ensure the surrounding neighbors effected by this eye sore are made happy.

Just got this great email from a person a couple towns over with this picture of their backyard. We are not looking for the Ritz Carlton here folks but a few sections of fence sure would be a good thing. Come on now VERNON we all vote and have a voice in this neighborhood!!!

20- Sections of 6"X8" Stockade Fence at Home Depot..............$497.00
60- 4"X4"X8' Posts at Local Lowes.................................................$300.00
60- Bags of Quick Set Post Cement at Local Rocky's.................$136.00
2- Gallons of Exterior Stain at Lafayette Square Paint Store......$43.00
Assorted Hardware and Fixtures at Star Hardware.....................$100.00
Labor by locally available skilled Town Assistance Clients.......$500.00
________________________________________________________
$1576.00

Four HAPPY hardworking families who continue to add to the local tax funds,
support local merchants, have children of our future in local schools and enjoy
their privacy....PRICELESS!!!

What does someone have to do to get some PRIVACY in the Town of Vernon???

Sounds like the fair thing would be for the 5 parties involved (the neighbors and the town) to chip in $315 a piece then..

Mr. Cole,

Are you the property owner or a tenant where you live? Can you or your landlord install the privacy barrier that you'd like on your property and not add costs to the town at this point? It would make it much easier and get the exact result you're requesting. Just a simple suggestion. :)

In response to the 2 ideas and presented, first I am not the property owner but we are the affected parties. Second, I would be more than HAPPY to reach into my own hard earned savings and split the cost of some reasonably agreed upon fence with the Town of Vernon just to put this matter to rest and be able to enjoy our back yard again. I did in fact check with the Town and the problem is that there is NOT in our understanding, any provisions in the charter that would allow us to go partners on any type of construction.

Yesterday I had some great conversation with a kind Department of Public Works employee from the Town who was securing one of the boarded up windows and he assured me that some conversations were in the works to resolve this issue.

I have nothing but GREAT respect for the Town of Vernon and the Public Works Department. They do an excellent job with the resources that they have available to them and I trust that they are doing everything they can in their power to make this property presentable as possible. We are going to be making some efforts on our side of the property this weekend with plantings and hope this can all be resolved in time to enjoy our back yard again by the Labor Day Holiday.

Many thanks to all for your input and ideas. What a great forum for debate.

In response to the 2 ideas and presented, first I am not the property owner but we are the affected parties. Second, I would be more than HAPPY to reach into my own hard earned savings and split the cost of some reasonably agreed upon fence with the Town of Vernon just to put this matter to rest and be able to enjoy our back yard again. I did in fact check with the Town and the problem is that there is NOT in our understanding, any provisions in the charter that would allow us to go partners on any type of construction.

Yesterday I had some great conversation with a kind Department of Public Works employee from the Town who was securing one of the boarded up windows and he assured me that some conversations were in the works to resolve this issue.

I have nothing but GREAT respect for the Town of Vernon and the Public Works Department. They do an excellent job with the resources that they have available to them and I trust that they are doing everything they can in their power to make this property presentable as possible. We are going to be making some efforts on our side of the property this weekend with plantings and hope this can all be resolved in time to enjoy our back yard again by the Labor Day Holiday.

Many thanks to all for your input and ideas. What a great forum for debate.

Closed due to property having been demolished. Please re-open if this is mistaken.