Neighbors tell Lake Oswego school board fence plan would cut off longtime access behind new middle school

Three neighbors who live behind the district’s new middle school told the Lake Oswego School District 7J board that a proposed fence alignment could cut them off from a parcel they have used and maintained for decades.

Laura Evans, speaking during the public-comment portion of the meeting, said neighbors on Thunderleaf Drive were surprised to learn the district planned to place a fence following an older property line rather than the informal line used 30 years ago. “We’ve had the use and care of this property now for 30 some years, and we would like to continue to use and care for it in the manner that we've done so,” Evans said. She described a back gate neighbors used to let children walk to school and said the group has helped maintain grass and plantings behind their houses.

District staff acknowledged the concern and told Evans that staff are aware of the issue and will be in touch. Board members did not vote on any fence proposal during the meeting.

Why it matters: neighbors say daily pedestrian access and routine maintenance of a narrow strip behind private yards depends on where the fence is placed. If the district tightens access along a property line, neighbors said, it could limit the gate and the ongoing informal care they have provided to the landscape.

Clarifying details from the meeting

- The concern was raised by neighbors living on Thunderleaf Drive behind the new middle school; neighbors say a fence is planned along an “old property line.” - Neighbors said they have used a back gate to walk children to school and to maintain grasses between trees and the previous fence alignment. - District staff said they are aware of the issue and would follow up with the residents; no formal action was taken at the meeting.

Ending: Staff indicated will contact the neighbors; the board did not take formal action on the fence alignment at the meeting.