How would you feel if your neighbor spent $170,000 building a stone wall around his property?  If it were me, I'd be happy.  Not only would it beautify his home, but it would also add character to the immediate area.  I wish my neighbors would put beautiful stone walls around their property.  Well, it seems like some neighbors in Westport, Connecticut aren't too happy with the wall Albert Hancock built around his home.

     The wall was built in the same spot as a previous wall, but neighbors are complaining because it encroaches on public land by 6 inches.  They also complain that it is too close to neighboring wet lands.  Mr Hancock approached the town before he had the wall built and was told he wouldn't need a permit, and didn't feel he would need to have the land surveyed, since it was built in the same spot as a previous wall.  So far, he has spents $170,000 on the wall, $150,000 in legal bills, and $50,000 in inspections.  He may wind up spending another $150,000 on legal fees, and if he loses, $120,000 taking the wall down, plus any additional fines.  When all is said and done, his wall might end up costing him more than $640,000.

     This is a ridiculous situation.  I live in a modest middle class neighborhood, so I doubt any of my neighbors could afford a 6 figure legal fight.  With that said, I really doubt anyone would complain about something so insignificant.  If you look at the pictures in the article, the wall is very nice.  I know I wouldn't be complaining about a neighbor beautifying their property and enhancing the neighborhood.

     If you are planning any similar improvements to your property, be sure to have the land surveyed, get permits, and get communications with public officials in writing.  The extra work and money in the beginning could end up saving you in the long-run.