Aurora to help residents build more fences

A fencing and landscaping program designed to improve the appearance of Aurora's 2nd Ward has received city council approval.

Aurora aldermen voted 11-1 Tuesday in favor of authorizing $22,782 from Alderman Juany Garza's fund to pay Fence Connection, Inc., of Elgin, to build new fences.

"The program is meant to upgrade the appearance, the quality of life and the neighborhood in those areas," said Aurora Mayor Tom Weisner. "It provides some incentive to residents to change out chain link fences."

The program is only available to residents of New York Street and Galena Blvd. who must meet certain income requirements to qualify, Garza said. While the city pays for fencing improvements upfront, the funding comes as a loan that residents must pay back, she said.

The 27 members of Garza's ward committee have voted to continue the fencing and landscaping program since 2005.

Alderman Rick Lawrence voted against the plan, saying it is not the city government's responsibility to pay for improvements to private property.