progress at my property line

20 years ago

As some of you may know, last summer they began construction on the property adjacent to mine, changing an 11.6 acre tobacco field into a retirement housing facility with 86 duplex and quadplex units. For some reason, they decided to dig down 25-30 feet at my property line and bulldoze all off this down the slope to create a nearly flat development, instead of a development going with the natural slope of the mountain. After arguing in front of the town council, I won a fence at my property line. I'm so glad I did, otherwise I would have been afraid to go near the edge of my own property. I'm in the process of beautifying the border. The developers plopped the fence in without any grading of the top of the slope. The ditchline of the previous tobacco farm weaves in and out under the fence. Terrible for the ankles and impossible to mow, it had to go. It was also baked in about 30 years or so and next to impossible to grade by hand. I did the best I could with hand tools (the troybuilt tiller could not navigate the steep ditch edges) and filled in with dirt, weeds, etc. Here's the work so far:

Here's the cliff at the border of my property that I've been complaining about

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The property border, before the fence installation, November 2005. They were not very prompt about putting in the safety fence, the hole's been there since June 2005.

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The fence line in December, with houses underway

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Early May, just placed the leyland cypress trees along the section where my husband wants to block the view of the housetops, etc.

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Here's the cypress trees 2 months later, 7/16/06. Look at those critters grow!!! I also decided to add a fast screen by planting sunflowers along the fence.

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Here's the veggie garden this morning, with a view to the fence. Sunflowers are so happy to look at.

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Comments (6)

rosebush
20 years ago
Wow, what a lot of work! It looks great! Congratulations on a beautiful garden and view! rosebush
dianne1957
20 years ago
Granite,
Good job on the fence issue. But I still question, is the developer required to put in a natural vegetation buffer zone on the other side of the fence? Most local governments require it when there is new contruction by a commercial developer.

The lelands look like they will do the job.
I like the Sunflower strategically placed in front of the window and your vegetable garden is so lush!

I lived this same scenario in my previous house and understand your frustration. Good Luck........Dianne
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pfmastin
20 years ago
You have certainly made the very best of the situation and are to be congratulated! It looks great.

I'm just curious about something...is this development a flood waiting to happen? It looks so low compared to the surrounding topography.
granite
Original Author
20 years ago
Oh yeah, I'm thinking flood too. That first house is definitely sitting in a hole. I also think some jerk is going to come flying down the mountain and skid over and land on the roof of the first house. Anyway.

The developers are "supposed" to landscape their side of the fence. They told me the other side was my deal. I don't care as long as they now stay out. The fence is actually about 6" to 12" on their side of the property line.

So far the "landscaping" on their side has been to hydroseed tall fescue, let it grow up and set seed, then weed eat it down. I'm told that the first seeding was just to prevent erosion, and that something better is planned. I'm not holding my breath. At least the project will wrap in 18 months as opposed to 36 months which was the first projection. The project totally sold out, really, really fast.
dianne1957
20 years ago
Granite,
I also thought flood... or land slide from the bank for the houses below. They should be concerned about future errosion. Not "Your" problem!
If you go to the powers "That Be" in your municipality, bringing "Before and After pictures" "For Visual Effect", they should be able to tell you what the landscape plot plan is on the developers side of the fence. You can demand this information! These plans are usually discussed beforehand. Any additional layering of plants on either side of the fence would enhance both properties.
If the project is sold out..that is really good for your property value. From a person that has moved around allot.........always think "Resale Value". If you can be assured of a long term plan that meets both sides needs...then go with it. If it does not meet your needs "As A Previous To This New Development Homeowner" (Before Pictures) Then by all means raise your voice! As always the squeaky wheel gets the grease! It Worked for Me!....Dianne
swarmina
20 years ago
Your work looks great! FWIW, we had a similar situation here, but with the owners of an apartment complex. We kept up with them and they planted well to buffer the parking area from our yard. It would probably be to your advantage to keep up with it. Maybe you, being an avid gardner, can suggest what you would like to see there! :D

Lovely flowers!