An unlikely conflict has arisen in Connecticut between a bakery and a 92-year-old town resident. Ann McCarthy has lived in her home on Grant Avenue since 1953 and has always enjoyed the full space of her driveway. After more than 50 years of embracing the land as her own, the bakery next store, Mozzicato DePasquale Bakery and Pastry Shop, is preparing to construct a fence that would be installed directly down the middle of McCarthy’s driveway.

When owner Rino Mozzicato asked permission to install the new fence, he cited liability issues as his reason. McCarthy requested a public hearing to try and stop the motion, but the commission rejected her request and reminded her that the bakery’s fence location would be legal and in compliance with all land use rules. Continue reading →

Ross Callahan learned the hard way, the very hard way, that building a fence requires the approval of a number of community entities. Callahan’s journey started in 2013 when he wanted to install a simple, attractive fence in his backyards to provide his dogs with the freedom to run and play. His neighbors had built similar fences over the years without asking permission, but Callahan and his wife didn’t feel right building an entire fence without the correct approvals.

So began a three year journey laced with frustration, disbelief, and many surprising developments. Back in the summer of 2013, Callahan asked the St. Paul’s department of safety and inspections for permission to build a dog fence, and was told he needed to obtain a property survey, mark his corners, and show the documents to the city. Unfortunately, that survey brought to surface a number of unpleasant realizations.

Not only did Callahan’s eaves hang over his neighbor’s property line, but an easement covered half his plot of land and extended so far into his back yard that it encompassed his entire living room. An easement is a slice of land dedicated to the public to accommodate things like utility lines. Behind the easement sat a park path that was allegedly being maintained by a homeowner’s Continue reading →

Pokemon Go has been taking the world by storm over the past few months. The free, location-based game that augments reality to encourage players to catch Pokemon has revived older fan bases that loved Pokemon as children, in addition to younger new fans that are eager to join the Pokemon revolution. Pokemon Go essentially utilizes a mobile phone’s GPS capabilities to allow players to locate, capture, battle, and train virtual Pokemon creatures that appear on the screen as if they really existed. The game requires movement is very competitive, inspiring millions of users to lace up their sneakers and go exploring in their communities. Continue reading →

You have probably heard the horror stories of criminals who pose as fence contractors, collect a hefty deposit from unsuspecting homeowners in need of a fence, and then disappear into the night to rip off another innocent customer. The fact that this happens at all is scary, and makes it all the more important for you to pick a truly reliable and honest contractor when you begin your next fencing project. To ensure that you are in good hands and your money will be used to complete the fence that you have envisioned, double check that your chosen fence contractor meets all of these qualifications.

Bonded: Many people hear this term but aren’t entirely sure why it is so significant. If your fence contractor is bonded, it means that he offers a guarantee of performance and can protect against any losses that occur due to the actions of his employees. It can be seen as a warranty in essence, and many contractors will even offer to make changes for free if you are not satisfied with the end result. Continue reading →

If you stop for a second to consider the role of fences in your community, you’ll notice that fences surround countless homes, businesses, and commercial enterprises. These fences may serve aesthetic, practical, or security purposes, or a combination thereof, which is why fences are available in such a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials. However, it’s also common for fences to protect humans and wildlife alike from unpredictable dangers.

Fences to Protect Drivers

Depending on where you live, you might on a daily basis drive down roads that have been paved through rocky mountainsides. For motorists along Redbud Trail in Texas, in particular, the roads are often the destination of dangerous falling debris. The high winds in the area, combined with heavy rains that loosen rocks along the cliffs, made the simple act of driving between Lake Austin Boulevard and Redbud Isle a risky choice. Continue reading →

Not all fences are idyllic white picket fences that wrap around suburban homes; there are many fences that actually make headlines because of the controversy they cause. These stories just emphasize how important it is to carefully consider the type and placement of any fence, as well as the fencing company, before work begins.

Deception and Theft

When the Zehr family chose McMurphy’s Fencing to install a $2,000 vinyl and chain link fence to keep a retention pond gator away from their dogs, they trusted the company’s claims of quality craftsmanship and work ethic. Mr. and Mrs. Zehr even agreed to pay $1,100 up front upon signing the contract with the company’s owner and employee, Jacob McMurphy. Continue reading →

Invisible fences have become very popular in the past years for homeowners looking to contain their dogs without installing an entire physical fence system. But as many dog owners can tell you, the invisible fences are hardly reliable and they actually have many downfalls. If you are debating the best way to keep your dog safe but happy, while still helping your yard look attractive, a professionally installed fence is the best way to go.

The Downfalls of Invisible Fences

Invisible fences are also called wireless or electric fences, and they work with a wire installed around the perimeter of your yard. The wire is set to emit radio signals that are sent to your dog’s collar, and when Fido steps too close to the invisible boundary, his collar beeps a warning. If your dog ignores the warning beep and gets even closer, he receives a small shock to discourage him from crossing. Continue reading →