An Illegal shortcut on Ramapo-owned land remains in use one year later
Journal News July 16, 2015 “People are still walking along an illegal shortcut built on town-owned property between two homes in Ramapo, even though it has been more than a year since the town became aware of the problem. Neighbors became concerned last summer after seeing strangers walking around their quiet residential streets to get to the 300-foot paved walkway, which connects 1 Neva Court to 9 Quince Lane.
Though no one but the owners of the two properties has legal access to the shortcut, the two homeowners claim in court they didn’t build it. Bushes were cleared and trees were taken down to make room for the path, and the only other way to access it is to cut through dense growth behind other private homes in the area. The Journal News first reported on the path in January. “I’m disappointed because it’s been taking so long in the process,” said Bob Cohen, who, along with his neighbors, alerted town officials about the shortcut.Ramapo sued the two homeowners after the town’s request to restore the woods went nowhere. The case is pending in state Supreme Court in New City. The next court date is set for Sept. 9. Tom Eichenberger, another neighbor, echoed Cohen’s sentiment, saying that allowing this illegal act for more than a year diminishes the town’s authority.” Read the complete Journal News story here.