Palm-Aire residents file fence suit

Three residents of the Conservatory Estates community in Palm-Aire filed a formal complaint with the Circuit Court of the 12th Judicial District Thursday to halt the installation of a chain-link fence behind properties adjoining their residential neighborhood to a new conservatory park.

"We're jumping from the pen into the fire," organizer John Bartley said. "I'm looking at this two-fold. No. 1, if we don't do this, i'll feel bad that we didn't. If we lose, i'll feel OK because we fought."

Residents assert the fencing type violates Manatee County land development codes and are hoping to have either some other sort of fence installed along their property lines or have the chain-link fence pushed farther  into the woods so iwould be more obstructed.

The complaint, filed by Bartley, Laura Brunson and John Klosner, asks the court to prohibit the county from installing the 6-foot chain-link fence or removing the fence, which is currently in the process of being installed.

County officials have said the fence in question does comply with county requirements and will not be an eyesore for residents once vegetation re-grows.

The county bulldozed a roughly 5-foot strip along property lines backing the preserve late last week.