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Legal Action Planned Over $1.2M Fence In Arapahoe County

CENTENNIAL, Colo. (CBS4) - A proposal to spend more $1.2 million for a stone fence is stirring up a controversy among residents and a homeowners association group in Arapahoe County.

A governing body that oversees three homeowners associations wants to build a concrete wall totaling about two miles on both sides of Riviera Way near Smoky Hill. Some residents support it, others are fighting it.

On Monday the East Smoky Hill Metro District approved the project.

Homeowners would pay $140 per year for 20 years to finance the wall. It would replace a wooden fence. Supporters say it would improve property values. Opponents say they're being charged too much for something they don't need.

"They're not listening to the people who live here, so if feels like taxation without representation," Highland Point subdivision resident John Carvey said. "That would assess each homeowner $2,800 over the next 20 years -- $300,000 of interest."

Several residents helped collect 165 signatures from neighbors asking to delay the vote, but they were overruled. They have also looked into options that are less expensive.

"To rebuild the wood fence is $80,000 … as opposed to $1.2 million," Carvey said.

Eric Brunk with the East Smoky Hill Metro District said several residents are in favor of the fence.

"We realize we aren't going to please everyone, but we're at a stage where we determined it was right to go forward," Brunk said.

Brunk also said proposals for less expensive options just don't ring true.

"Over the 50-year lifespan of a concrete fence; the concrete fence and the wood fence come out about the same cost," Brunk said.

Carvey said he will pursue legal action to stop the building of the concrete fence, but he realizes he faces some long odds.

"It's kind of a David and Goliath situation for the homeowners here," he said.

The East Smoky Hill Metro District said they've already spent $80,000 studying the project and they want to move ahead as soon as possible.

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