Why Fencing Causes Controversy
Not all fences are idyllic white picket fences that wrap around suburban homes; there are headlines on why fencing causes controversy. 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.
What the Zehrs didn’t realize is that McMurphy had been out on bond for writing bad checks when they signed their contract with him. Two months after the contract was signed, McMurphy still had not built the fence under the pretenses of coping with the deaths of two friends. Meanwhile, McMurphy was busy scamming the Familia family, who needed a fence for their special needs daughter and her service dogs. As with the Zehrs, the Familias paid up front, a total of $2,100, and never saw McMurphy again. The scam artist is now being sued by the state of Florida for violating the Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act.
Controversial Metal Fence on Social Media
New Orleans residents recently enjoyed the 11th annual Bayou Boogaloo music festival, but not before some controversy over an unexpected fence raised concerns. The fence was erected just days before the festival began around the site of the event, and many local residents responded with frustration and anger to its presence. A cook at a bakery close to the festival grounds explained, “The people can’t get there and enjoy themselves like they want to, fenced in. How would you like to go somewhere fenced in a try to have a good time?”
The opponents of the fence took to social media to raise their opinions, and City Council member Susan Guidry eventually ordered it to be taken down for good. It turns out that festival organizers thought the fence would help prevent littering and loitering outside of the festival and protect surrounding communities, but they did not ask for permission or check public opinion before erecting the fence.