Clarkstown residents are pleased with a recent compromise about a fence put up by Suez Water around Lake DeForest.

Members of the community, along with the help of Rep. Ken Zebrowski and Clarkstown Supervisor George Hoehmann, reached an agreement with Suez Water to stop putting up a fence around Lake DeForest.

Company officials say the Department of Homeland Security wanted a barrier around the body of water, but people living in the area say the barbed-wired fence threatened wildlife.

"Deer and red fox come through my yard and they would not have access to the water,” said one resident.

Officials said it would also drive down property values.

"This is the most important environmental corridor in the town. And to put up a fence like this with barbed wire just completely changes the aesthetics of the town of Clarkstown,” said Zebrowski.

Officials say they are now working on other ways to keep the area safe. That includes a continued partnership with Suez Water. It will also include increasing fines for dumping and littering, stepping up police patrols, and a hotline for
neighbors to report any problems.