HOWLAND Fence goes up around estate

HOWLAND -- A 6-foot-tall vinyl fence is under construction at Brian Ross' estate on state Route 46.
It will block the view of the 73-acre retail and residential development Ross' company is building across the street.
The solid fence also will block the view of the large home from the road.
Last week, the Howland Board of Zoning Appeals approved a variance to allow Ross to build the fence, which is supported by 71/2-foot brick pillars, a foot and a half higher than zoning rules normally require.
The gate to the fence will be incorporated into an 1,800 square-foot, single-story building that will house Ross' office, said Gordon McLean, Howland zoning inspector.
Ross did not return telephone calls seeking comment.
On the other side of Route 46, north of North River Road, work has begun on the roads in a planned development that will include about 15 acres of retail stores and parking in front of a gated community of condominiums and large homes.
According to preliminary plans on file at the Trumbull County Planning Commission, the gated community will include 28 duplexes, 13 four-plexes and 26 single-family homes.
Plans call for each of the homes to be built on about two acres. A community center and tennis courts are also planned, said planning commission director Gary Newbrough.