The lay of the the land

America's former poet laureate Robert Frost once wrote that good fences make good neighbors. Knowing what belongs to you and what belongs to your neighbor is a source of comfort.

On Thursday, Douglas County commissioners will discuss a request for the abandonment of a section of Carson Street's right of way in front of Ron and Ann Funks' home, located at Genoa's western edge.

The arguments against abandonment are compelling, but not compelling enough to prevent the Genoa Town Board members from recommending approval to county commissioners.

Carson Street and its brethren, Mill Street, Nixon Street and First Street are very narrow roads in very wide rights of way.

We think the only thing that would spark more controversy than the Funks' request for abandonment would be if someone wanted to improve the roads to their full width.

We believe that the government shouldn't keep property for a specific purpose without any intention of actually fulfilling that purpose.

When the county has 85-foot rights of way for roads that take up less than a third of that amount, and has no intention of ever building the road to that width, the property should revert back to the homeowners and return to the tax roll.

The problem on Carson Street is that an equitable division of the rights of way among the neighbors on either side of the road may not be possible without moving the road.

We agree with former town board chairman Dave Beres, who said property line issues in Genoa are one of the sources for the town's reputation for contentiousness.

We recognize that the town recently has tried to improve its image, but these debates can undo much in the way of reconciliation. The Funk request split the town down the middle, with residents arguing either side.

Short of conducting a townwide survey that establishes property boundaries and determines both historical and required rights of way and easements, the struggle will continue to be fought house to house, neighbor against neighbor.