Planning commission approves chain‑link front‑yard fence for 221 Elm Street

The New London Planning Commission approved a request to allow a front‑yard fence at 221 Elm Street, commissioners said during a short discussion at the commission meeting.

City staff recommended approval, citing the homeowners’ need to contain young children who are cared for at the house. "I am recommending approval of this fence," the staff member said, and a motion to approve carried after a second and a voice vote.

Commissioners and staff discussed fence type and public‑safety access. The commission was told the fence is chain‑link and will be set back or gated so police and fire crews can access the front door without entering through the yard gate. Staff said the fence will be a typical 4‑foot chain‑link and that mortgage requirements will keep the material largely transparent: "it'll be 90% open," staff said. Commissioners asked that transparency be maintained so corner sight lines are not obstructed.

No formal appeals or written objections were presented during the hearing. The motion to approve was made and seconded and the chair called for the vote; commissioners responded "aye," and the motion carried.

The approval applies to the specified fence proposal at 221 Elm Street and was made on the record at the meeting; no additional conditions beyond those discussed (the gate/access provision and transparency expectation) were read into the motion at the time it passed.