Bishops Way Homeowner Agrees to Improve Aesthetics of Controversial Wall

Ming Lu, the owner of the new home being built at 6 Bishops Way, told selectmen on Monday that he will take steps to improve the aesthetics of the 7-foot retaining wall that has caused problems in the neighborhood.

Selectmen Chairman Sean Delaney ran through a list of items that Lu must accomplish and Lu agreed to each of them:

• Erosion controls must be put into place to stop the run-off from his property to his neighbor’s land by the end of this week.
• A landscape architect must submit a computerized rendering with a view from the street of Lu’s landscaping plan by the end of next week.
• He must get two or three quotes to refinish the wall and then submit those to the town administrator for review.
• He must get the names and contacts of neighbors and meet with them by the end of this week to continue to work on a compromise.

Neighbors and selectmen have spoken out about the 7-foot retaining wall that is part of the new home’s septic system. On Monday, selectmen continued to take aim calling it “ugly” and “despicable.”

“I would think you would want to take into consideration the nature of the neighborhood,” said Delaney who said sound barriers on Route 93 are “more aseptically pleasing.” “I think you took the cheap route out.”

Lu said he plans to add landscaping to hide the wall, including:

• Plant English ivy.
• Plant tall skinny grass.
• Plant junipers at the top of the wall.
• Plant arborvitaes along the property line to block the wall from the abutting neighbors.

Neighbors were not convinced that the landscaping would solve the problem. Harsh New England winters may kill the landscaping, they worried.

Lu said he could also plant trees in front of the property between the street and sidewalk to help block the wall too.

Lu: Re-facing Isn't An Option

Board members pushed Lu to re-face the wall, but the homeowner is concerned that re-facing will cost too much money. Lu spent $30,000 on the wall and $60,000 for the septic system. His landscaping plan would cost him about $10,000, he said.

Lu said spending another $20,000 to re-face the wall isn’t feasible.

Delaney suggested that legal costs if the neighbors take action against him may cost even more. Re-facing the wall might satisfy the neighbors and stop any legal action by the neighbors, said Delaney.

Selectman Michael Prisco asked Lu if he can put a graffiti sealant. Lu said he would look into that option.