Carriage Place fence ballot issue approved

A controversial ballot issue regarding a neighborhood fence will make its way to the voters in November, after the city council voted to end months of debate and discussion and move the issue forward.

The city council voted 9 to 1 to send a ballot question that would implement a General Improvement District at Aurora's Carriage Place neighborhood in order to fund a new masonry fence.

The decision came after months of debate between Carriage Place residents, with supporters pointing to the positive effect of such a structure on local property values and detractors decrying the rise in property taxes.

The council's decision came following an advisory opinion issued by a hearing officer hired by the city, one that supported the petition process behind the measure.