Munsey Park allows taller fences along Route 25A

The Village of Munsey Park will let homeowners who abut Northern Boulevard install taller fences, to blot out streetlights and vehicular traffic.

A code change approved unanimously, 4-0, by the village board Wednesday lets owners of homes with backyards facing the busy boulevard, also known as Route 25A, erect 10-foot-high fences, as they were allowed to do before the permitted height was lowered to eight feet.

Officials in the village of about 2,700 residents cited complaints about traffic and high hanging bright lights on Northern Boulevard and at the Americana Manhasset shopping center.

Now, "People who live along Northern Boulevard can be sheltered," said Mayor Frank DeMento.

Deputy Mayor Sean Haggerty said residents have lobbied for light restrictions, but "unfortunately, the fence is the easiest way for a short-term solution."

The amendment notes the residents can install permanent fences that are 10 feet tall when measured from the grade level of Northern Boulevard, but the fence can't be more than 12 feet in height when measured from the ground level beneath the fence.

Fences at residences are largely banned, save for exceptions such as at Northern Boulevard and in commercial areas, officials said.

The fence law may be revisited with a referendum, DeMento said.

He said many residents have desired to install estate fences, though some wire fences are permitted, usually if surrounded by shrubbery and vegetation.

"We have many residents who want to put a fence in, and we've been sticking to the letter of the code," DeMento said. "It's something we're thinking about."