Commission narrows wall-height rule after residents cite safety, grade changes from DOT work

The commission approved a recommendation to the Board of Trustees to change how maximum perimeter fence height is measured for affected University Avenue properties: the measurement will be taken from the finished ground level immediately outside the property (the street side) rather than from each property owner's interior grade. Mr. Salazar told commissioners the change responds to concerns that the DOT widening project elevated the roadway 3— to 4 feet in places, leaving some homeowners exposed and with inconsistent fence tops.

Residents testified that the altered roadway grade reduced privacy and, in at least one case, contributed to safety incidents. Chris Alexander described the DOT work and urged the town to hold the state accountable: "They elevated that road 3 to 4 feet taller and now they're coming over here asking you to make exception to the rule," he said. Several residents asked that measurement be taken from a consistent reference such as the walking path and warned that a 6-foot maximum may not be sufficient where external grade is higher. Commissioners debated how far the amended measurement should extend along the corridor and whether to restrict materials; town counsel and staff advised against strict material rules to avoid creating additional owner hardship and engineering requirements.

After discussion and a failed amendment to expand the geographic scope, the commission approved the motion (three to one) to forward the wall-height measurement change for University Avenue (Bowman to McDow) to the Board. The recommendation preserves a 6-foot maximum perimeter fence measured from the outside grade, allows greater height only in architecturally connected circumstances and signals the town will pursue grants and other funding to pursue longer-term barrier solutions.