Illegal shortcut on Ramapo-owned land remains in use

RAMAPO 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.

"I'm terribly disappointed," Eichenberger said. "I don't believe the town is taking aggressive enough action that they should be taking. That's why it's taking this long to get this done."

Ramapo Deputy Town Attorney Michael Specht said he understood neighbors' frustration, but asked for their patience.

"We're trying to move it as quickly as we can," Specht said. "Unfortunately, this is a lawsuit. Like any other lawsuit, they do take some time. We're trying to make it as accelerated as we can."

State Supreme Court Justice Victor Alfieri indicated that he would sign an order to allow the town to remove the walkway. But because who pays for it depends on the outcome of the lawsuit, Specht said, it's prudent for the town not to remove the walkway until the court decides on who's responsible.

"They claim that they didn't actually build the walkway, so we want to question them about that," said Specht, referring to the homeowners. "If they didn't do it, who did? Who gave permission?"

Richard Sarajian, attorney representing Yosef and Gieta Metal of 1 Neva Court, Charles Zuckerman of 9 Quince Lane, and 9 Quince LLC, which owns the Quince Lane home, declined to comment, citing ongoing litigation.

In his court paper, Sarajian asked the judge to dismiss the case.

Eichenberger said the town should go ahead to remove the walkway on its own regardless the court's outcome.

"A broader issue is, how can this happen? And how can the town not do something to correct the situation?" Eichenberger said. "In my opinion, the town should take action whether they get reimbursed or not. ... It's the town's responsibility to correct this problem and to figure out how to get reimbursed for it later."

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