I am writing an open letter to register a vigorous complaint about the opaque green plastic appearing fence under construction on the entire length of Edgemere Road - my home corners on Edgemere and both myself and my neighbors have to view this eyesore every morning ... every hour. This fence is different, substantially different than the open, dark-appearing chain link fence existing prior.

There is a sense of urgency because construction has started. This project needs to be halted immediately and another design pursued to replace this blot on the landscape.

It has been my understanding that Garden City has strict ordinances against fences for good purpose. This has allowed an open environment where the natural landscape (lawns, shrubs, trees, etc.) can be viewed everywhere. This has added to the Garden City experience and premier suburban environment we all enjoy and have paid for in the value of our homes. I support this open environment created by fence restrictions.

This obstructive opaque fence under construction goes against all that our fine city stands for. Furthermore, the green plastic appearance is tacky and reminiscent of the surrounding structures used to conceal many objectionable sights, including garbage dumps. Those of us on Edgemere Road and the Western section are having our view of the open lands adjacent to our properties permanently obstructed.

It is my current understanding that because the fence is different, a building permit is required. The country club has not sought a building permit and thus ignored the building code, which requires adherence to zoning regulations and architectural review and approval, not to mention a platform for public commentary.

All property owners in Garden City should be concerned, because if this fence installation goes forward, it will set a Garden City precedent for acceptable fence construction. It will then most likely be extended to the entire circumference of the Garden City Country Club property. Then what other local institution will be next to block our view of their property with an opaque fence?

Would you want an opaque green plastic fence next to your property? Residents should make their opinions known before it is too late.

I have called and written the president of the Garden City Country Club with no response and am currently in contact with the Garden City Building office and WPOA where many have raised complaints. Since the construction started on Nov. 5, I have been reluctant to seek a public venue and allow our city processes to take place. However, having heard from a reliable source that when the club's representatives learned about their violation of the fence ordinance, their first reaction was to seek legal advice. Not to do the right thing, but to seek legal counsel.

Some sort of fence is needed and I do not want to give the impression that I am against all fences - I have been here since 1971 and have been satisfied with the former structure. A green chain link fence with dark green supporting poles is acceptable, so is the style of fence recently built at the Garden City Middle School field. Moreover, that fence is elegant and quite attractive, with little annual maintenance cost needed. Good job to all those who were responsible. Build these types of fences. The opaque green plastic fence is a gross mistake!

Frankly, I am surprised that a different fence structure of this objectionable nature would be started without any input from the neighboring properties. Our community is better than that.

Richard P. Bankosky