Palm Bay community comes together to build fence to protect neighborhood

PALM BAY -- Some Palm Bay community members spent their Saturday building a safer neighborhood in an area known for off road vehicle traffic.

The goal is putting up what's been deemed the Ivanhoe Project, a 1,000 foot section of fence along a heavily wooded area in the 800 block of Ivanhoe Street, where houses sit directly across the roadway.

"Anything we can do to make it a nicer, safer place we'll always be willing to do that," said Mike Guidice with Palm Bay Moose Lodge. 

Residents had complained to the city about heavy ATV use on the 16 acres of undeveloped land and were concerned about four wheelers darting into the street with children nearby.

Officials said the road itself is a danger. The residences are on one side and the open woods where the ATVs ride is on the other.

With the help of Lowes' donation of supplies, the local Moose Lodge and Parks and Rec workers chipping in, volunteers put up the 2 foot high fence to block ATVs from going on the street.

"This is going to make a huge difference. It is going to keep the children and ATVs separate from one another by putting up this barrier fence. And hopefully make the area a lot safer," said Antoinette Jackson with the Palm Bay Lowe's.

The donation of materials and time was crucial.

"What's rare is actually being able to do something. Right now, with budgets being what they are it's not something we could just throw money at because we have to prioritize. So with the public-private partnership, it's worked out really well," said Milo Zonke with the Palm Bay City Council.

The land is planned to be rezoned for use as a city park.

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Source: http://www.cfnews13.com/article/news/2010/september/154887/Palm-Bay-community-comes-together-to-build-fence-to-protect-neighborhood