Some neighbors claim a Monastery is unneighborly with the fence they built.
 
The residents went to Howland Township's trustee meeting to see if anything could be done.
 
Some residents in Howland Township say this fence put up by contractors for Saint Mary and Saint John the Beloved Coptic Orthodox Monastery is imposing, dark and ugly, and believe it will interfere with their property values. 
 
"The Hills and Dales neighbors are not happy with the installation of a six-foot, more than six-foot, nontransparent black fence, wall. We worry our view of the woods will be obstructed," Susan DeLeo said.
 
The zoning director measured the fence in the front and told the public it is six feet.
 
A rehabilitation hospital is in the front with one home directly across the street from the front of the Monastery on Squires Lane.
 
But even some neighbors further down the street also wanted a see-through fence. 
 
Howland Township Trustees say it is not uncommon for people to be upset at changes to a piece of property or an idyllic view that is suddenly changed. 
 
"I'm sure we don't have the authority to make them take it down, or anything because it's their property," Trustee Chair Rick Clark said.
 
 
But the six-foot fence on the side and back of the property complies with Howland's zoning regulations.
 
And a zoning board of appeals approved the front fence height of six feet.
 
"I know there is nothing the township can do at this point. The permit has been issued, and it's been approved. It met the requirements of our zoning regulations, so I couldn't deny it," 
Howland Township Zoning Director Daniel Morgan said.
 
Residents who have talked with church leaders could try again and ask if they will be willing to replace the fence with one that blends in more with the trees and homes in the area.
 
But the church is under no obligation to do that. And the fence installed is likely costly. 
 
We reached out to the Monastery for a comment but have yet to receive a response.
 
"They can come to talk with our zoning commission. We meet the third Wednesday every month at 5:00 p.m. and they can give suggestions about what needs to be changed," Morgan added.
 
Any new zoning changes would affect new permits for zoning after a change is drafted and approved by township trustees.
 
The laws can not be ex post factor or after the fact so this would not affect permits already issued.