By VERNON ROBISON
It was the American poet, Robert Frost, who so skillfully set a treasured piece of homespun New England wisdom in a poem. That short and characteristically to-the-point American axiom reads, “Good fences make good neighbors”.
Most people can see the truth in that. Yes, a fence is not always esthetically pleasing. And, yes a fence restricts free access and beautiful views of the landscapes beyond. But the fact is that a clear fence line is vital in establishing clear property rights and in avoiding confusions and conflicts between neighbors.
So why, then, has there been so much indignation among some folks in town about the new fence that has recently popped up in downtown Overton separating the parking lot of Lin’s Marketplace from that of the new Family Dollar store? There have apparently been complaints voiced from some people about the way that Lin’s Marketplace corporate owner, Associated Foods, has treated their new neighbor to the south.
First of all, let’s make one thing clear. When the new store was being planned, Family Dollar officials knew full well that they were going to have a problem with an awkward access to their store. Of course, everyone recognized that the most sensible way to address this problem would be to secure a cross-access agreement to the Family Dollar through the Lin’s parking lot. But Family Dollar is, in many ways, a direct competitor to Lin’s. So when Associated Foods asked for a few concessions from Family Dollar in return for the valuable access, negotiations quickly broke down.
The Family Dollar corporate officials reportedly said, “No thanks. It’s really not that big of a deal to us.”
Well, that is all fine and good. It was certainly within the company’s rights to make that decision.
But without a clearly established partnership agreement with Family Dollar in the matter, Associated Foods felt the need to build the fence. Some folks might say that this action was childish, petty and done wholly out of spite. But it was, in fact, more likely done in the spirit of that old Robert Frost poem: to preserve and ensure a good neighborly relationship with a competitor.
What evidence do we, as a community, have for reaching that conclusion? Only that Associated Foods and the Overton Lin’s Marketplace have demonstrated a 20 year history in this community of being an exceptionally good neighbor. It is true that Lin’s, and it’s corporate office, have enjoyed a successful and profitable business in this community for a very long time. But the store has also been extremely generous about pumping a healthy portion of those profits right back into the community.
Lin’s has traditionally been the first fundraising stop to which any community-oriented initiative goes for help.
When athletic, dramatic, artistic, musical or cultural programs from any of the local schools or communtiy organizations have sought funding for whatever it is they are doing, Lin’s has usually been willing to write a check to help out.
When parent organizations at Moapa Valley schools look to local business owners for financial support, Lin’s has often led the way.
In times of tragedy or times of need; when community members have banded together to raise money for an afflicted neighbor; the management at Lin’s has always opened the downtown property to the community and provided a gathering place for these efforts. And they usually have added a generous donation to the cause as well.
Lin’s is always a generous buyer at the Clark County Jr. Livestock Auction. The store has always sponsored scholarships to Moapa Valley High School graduating seniors. Lin’s has always supported the activities of local FFA and 4-H chapters; as well as the efforts of local veteran’s organizations and volunteer firefighters.
Through the years, Lin’s management has served faithfully in leadership positions with the local Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Club. These folks have been tireless in their involvement in many longstanding community traditions such as the 4th of July celebration and the Veterans Day Picnic.
Lin’s also works hard to bring business and encourage tourism visitation to the community. They work in partnership with major event coordinators like the Hump N Bump 4×4 extravaganza (which will be taking place in the next few weeks); or the Valley of Fire marathon; or the Clark County Fair; or the Overton Car Show. All of these events, and many more, provide a benefit and offer a buoy to local small businesses. None of these events would be as successful without the willing support from the staff at Lin’s Marketplace.
Over the past 20 years, Lin’s and Associated Foods has proved to this community again and again that they are a good neighbor to the Moapa Valley. So why should we, at this point, be so quick to think the worst of them over a property line fence?
Yes, it is unfortunate that the fence had to be built. Yes it is just one more additional eyesore in an already run-down business district. Yes, we would much rather enjoy the convenience of open access between the two stores.
But that old Yankee axiom still stands true. Good fences do make good neighbors. And for two decades now, Lin’s Marketplace has been a good neighbor to us in Moapa Valley. Perhaps, in this case, the new fence should be perceived, not as a sign of an immature squabble between rivals, but rather as a symbol to the community of the down-home wisdom and rock-solid maturity of an old friend.
