Huber Ridge Area

Is it just me, or is it acceptable to routinely climb someone's fence and go through their yard? 

My yard backs up to the church on Dempsey Road.  I know there is a basketball hoop there that many of the neighborhood kids use.  But I don't like my yard being used as a short cut to get to there.  It seems that every other day, we find boys going through a neighbor's yard to get to ours, then they climb our side fence, walk through the yard, and then climb the back fence to reach the church.  They do this while we're sitting on the deck, mowing the grass, playing with the dog, etc.  If we see it happen that often, I can only imagine how often it goes on when we're not around.  My husband and I ask them to stop every time we see them, to no avail.

Now, the new section of chain link fence we put in is being damaged and bent up.  Every kink they put in the fence is another opportunity for our dog to escape.  Not to mention, if they did this while my young daughter was alone in the yard, it would scare her to death! 

When I was growing up, we didn't dare go through someone's property, especially if we had to climb a fence to do it!  It was considered disrespectful.  Is our world so different now that I shouldn't be bothered by it?  Is there anything I can do?

Hi Neighbor,

No, it isn't just you.  Not everyone teaches respect of property, or the children are not learning what they may have been taught.

If you and your husband have asked them and they refuse to listen, that says a lot to me.  I am not an expert like our police officers, so I will ask our chief what he would recommend.

I would be tempted to take a picture of them as they cut through.  Maybe they could be identified and the police will talk to their parents!

Everything costs more these days.  Changing the type of fence is no longer a simple matter, either.  Now we need a permit to change our fence type, so that costs more.

Maybe others have ideas.

Pam Clegg, Makassar (behind you)

Well now I'm really upset!!  While using the trimmer along my fence line Friday night, I found a homemade pipe (not the kind grandpa used) in the church's yard, against my fence.  It was within 10 feet of the playground!  On Sunday mornings, after church is over, dozens of kids head straight to that playground and my back fence (to play with our dog).  Any of them could have picked it up...how does that make us look?  

I called Blendon Police and they came and picked it up, but we all know there's nothing they can do about it.  I'm just so upset that this goes on right in my backyard!!!  I've got 2 kids of my own, ages 12 & 14, that deserve to live in a neighborhood free of drug paraphernalia!! 

I bought my house 7 years ago when I was newly divorced and just recovering from breast cancer treatments.  I was so proud of what I had done for myself and my children.  Now, I am ashamed that my children are exposed to this.  I have since remarried and hope to be moving within the next year.  It's a shame that I've put so much time, money and energy into my home, only to be driven out.

Marnie Staud

6085 Paris Blvd. N.

Dear Marnie,

You should continue to be proud of what you have accomplished.  You are a caring, hardworking, attentive neighbor.  Thank you.

I feel bad that your children are exposed to this, too.  Drugs are a problem everywhere, but you are right in your assessment that blatant drug use is a different concern.   The primary reason I am involved in block watch is for the sake of our children.

You should write a letter to our trustees - as all who feel they are "driven out" of the community should.  You should communicate why you want to move.  It is not obvious to some that people feel this way.  When they hear it from someone like me, it has no effect.  Please communicate and maybe it will result in something positive for the community.

You will be missed.

Pam Clegg, neighbor and Block Watch coordinator