The Editor,
Re: "High fences make alien neighbours," Letters, July 18.
Our daughter and son-in-law purchased a townhouse in Richmond.
When we stopped by on moving day, they said several neighbours had already stopped by to welcome them.
They have been there for about seven months now and absolutely love it.
Kids are outside, playing road hockey, biking or riding their scooters. They have made lots of new friends. It is like a throwback to Beaver Cleaver days.
We, on the other hand, have lived in a lovely neighbourhood in Richmond for the past six years and do not know the names of any of our neighbours.
I'm not sure I would even recognize them if I was out and about.
Backyard fences are necessary. But eight feet or 15 feet? It's as if the owners are building a fortress, not only in back yards but fronts as well!
We have become so isolated by cell phones, iPods and all the paraphernalia that goes with it. I'm afraid we will lose our ability to just chat.
Lets hope our current designers can come up with people-friendly and fun front yards. Let's let the fortress design be left for buildings that need to keep people in or out.
Paulette Swanston, Richmond
