Sunbury neighbors push for guaranteed screening after developer seeks to remove fence at Meadows at Sunbury

The City of Sunbury Planning and Zoning Commission heard public testimony Sept. 22 after the Meadows at Sunbury Apartments applicant applied to amend a previously approved development plan to remove an 8‑foot fence on a 4‑foot mound along the project’s southwest border and instead use landscaping as a screen. Mayor Saint John opened the public hearing and asked the applicant and staff to present details.

Why it matters: Residents who back onto the apartment site said the approved fence was a key privacy and light/noise buffer. Without a robust substitute, several said, they would face intrusive headlights, increased nighttime light in bedrooms and ongoing noise from driveway and recreation areas.

Alex, a city planner, told the commission the amendment, as submitted, would replace the approved 8‑foot fence on a 4‑foot mound with 6‑foot evergreen trees on a 4‑foot mound…