Fenced in by ordinance

I have been a resident of Burbank for more than 20 years and reside

at a property that will be targeted by the new fencing requirements,

if passed by the City Council (“Fence changes on hold,” Aug. 20). It

is no wonder that the proposed legislation is considered by many to

be unpopular, controversial and unfair.

My house was built around 1930 and has the character and charm of

many houses of the past that are still to be found in Burbank.

The proposed law spells out new requirements for trees, bushes and

shrubs that could force homeowners to cut existing greenery to be in

compliance with the new standards. Mature vegetation is an object of

beauty and should be protected as a valued asset of the community.

The residents appreciate laws that preserve and protect, not change,

the unique character of Burbank. The proposed legislation violates

those principles.

The City Council, in its clumsy attempt to remedy a handful of

problems with some residential properties, is unwisely choosing to

destroy the quality and integrity of many gracious homes that should

be cherished for the exquisite landscaping and beautiful fencing that

have brought credit to their neighborhoods for decades.

In its efforts to approve fencing that conforms to the existing

products available at home building retailers, the council is

promoting businesses at the expense of residents.

It appears that the council intends Burbank housing to conform to

the cookie cutter model of track houses found in surrounding

communities, forcing its residents to lose the rich architectural

character that historically has been a part of its landscape.

VIRGINIA R. SARDI

Burbank