Plains from 'critical eye of a stranger'

An Open Letter to the Town Council:

As I was driving into Plains the other day, I decided to look at the town through the critical eye of a stranger. I was pleasantly made aware that that expect for a both ends and a very small spot in the center it was very inviting, neat and clean. So I took a “weave here and there” into the residential area and again was happy to see that all the energy expended by so so many volunteer on “Clean Up Day” paid off. I really appreciate the efforts made.

However, there are several second-hand stores in yards that weren’t so great.

I can understand the owners of these second-hand stores’ property — correctly assuming it’s their property and they are allowed to do whatever they please with it. But they are not considering the frustration of neighbors when they are forced not only to look at it, they have to accept the knowledge that the value of their property has been diminished appreciably ... what a dilemma.

I pondered and pondered about this unfortunate situation — trying to think of a solution that would avert a world war. Finally it dawned on me, why can’t the neighbors of the second-hand man come inside their own property and build a six-foot fence?

I don’t know if it’s legally possible but maybe the neighbors could sue the second-hand man for the cost of the fence in small claims court. This would give the second-hand man the upper hand. He could either get rid of his valuable unsightly junk, or he could pay for a fence. And just to think ­— if he chooses the latter and when the existing fence is deemed not high enough to hold.

— Betty Boehler, Plains