Fenced in sidewalk causes neighbor dispute in Fishtown

A Philadelphia property owner has built a tall wooden fence extending from his or her yard onto the sidewalk at East Hewson Street in Fishtown.

Neighbors tell the Philadelphia Daily News that the fence obstructs the sidewalk and forces pedestrians to walk in the street. They also question weather it is legal for a property owner to fence in a sidewalk on a city street.

Although the property owners say the fence is legal and that they received the proper permit from the city, the Streets Department issued the homeowners a violation and ordered the fence to be taken down.

It’s Our Money reporter Juliana Reyes dug into the sidewalk dispute and found some holes in both the property owners’ story and the cities response to neighbors’ complaints.  As of this morning the fence still stands.  Read Reyes’ Help Desk report to find out more about the disappearing sidewalk in Fishtown.