New Hyde Park mother urges board to allow corner fence for son with autism; officials propose compromise

Wenjia Wang told the board she needs a fence around the side and back of her corner lot because her 5‑year‑old son runs toward traffic when distracted. "He was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder when he was 16 old," Wang said on the record while describing the safety and privacy reasons she sought a solid PVC panel fence instead of an open picket style.

Board members and planners reviewed sight‑triangle safety and nearby precedent. Members suggested alternatives — pulling the line of fencing back from the corner, using a 4‑ft front fence with taller plantings, and allowing a 6‑ft enclosure only where it would not obstruct visibility — and asked the applicant to consult with her architect. The board agreed to continue and gave the applicant an opportunity to submit revised drawings. The revised plan will be re‑reviewed before any final vote.