The Crestwood Planning and Zoning Commission reviewed plans for a new fence at the Jim Butler Outlet, 9900 Watson Road, at its meeting Sept. 7.

The fence has a been in need of replacement since 2020, when a fallen tree destroyed a section of the then 10-foot-tall chain link and vertical aluminum slat fence. Petitioners originally requested to replace the damaged portion, but city staff ruled the entire fence had “exceeded its useful life.” 

Although the petitioner did not agree with the city’s determination according to the proposal, they submitted a new plan for a 10-foottall sight proof vinyl fence. The fence is about 440 feet long and completely borders five houses.

Several citizens affected by the new fence were in attendance at the public hearing. The main concerns with the fence were the implementation timeline and cleaning of the fence.

“As a vinyl fence owner … I would suggest … that the property owner be compelled by the city … to have to power wash both sides of that fence on a three-year turnaround. That’s how long it takes to grow a good coat of green mold that is not good for the health and safety of the adjacent property owners,” Ken Labit said. 

Cathy Goldberg said the absence of the fence has caused security issues on her property so she would like it built soon.

Edward Griesedieck, representing the petitioner, said the petitioner is purchasing a more “mold-retardant” type of vinyl, with metal reinforcements in the fence to make it stronger. Griesedieck said the fence would be ordered after the Board of Aldermen approve the plan, and it would be delivered 12 weeks later.

Most of the commission’s discussion centered around the material of the fence, with some members lamenting the allowance of vinyl in the city code. The commission voted in June to recommend that vinyl, masonry or composite fences be allowed on commercial sites. 

Ward 4 Alderman Tony Kennedy said he wasn’t sure vinyl was the best option for this fence and its neighbors, citing the upkeep of the fence.

Commissioner Heidi Klosterman agreed with Kennedy, citing fences at other Crestwood businesses like McDonalds and upkeep. Klosterman was not a part of the commission when it reviewed fencing materials — she said she would support revisiting the issue in the future.

“What’s the point of saying ‘The fencing shall be masonry, vinyl or composite’? Every single commercial entity is just going to go with vinyl since that’s the cheapest,” Klosterman said. “If we want our community to be full of vinyl fences that’s fine, but I hope not. Other communities don’t settle for vinyl.”

Commissioner Greg Zipfel, who voted against the fencing material ordinance in June, said he appreciated Klosterman’s concerns, but since vinyl is now accepted the city’s hands are tied. Zipfel suggested instead enforcing upkeep through the petition.

The board voted to approve the fence, with the condition that it be power washed on both sides every two years. Griesedieck requested the power washing notice be given through the city, since it would have a better record of residents.

The commission also heard an amendment to the major site plan in regards to the fence. City Planner Danny Jendusa said the site plan needs several ordinances repealed to allow the commission to have final say on the amendment, as is now in city code. The commission recommended approval of the repeal to the Board of Aldermen, which met Sept. 13 — after The Call went to press.