The town of Ramapo in Rockland County, New York is suing to force the removal of a paved path that links two homes. The asphalt path – allegedly illegally built by haredim – goes through a wooded public park meant to be a natuire reserve.
No Permits, No Honesty: Town Sues To Force Haredi Families To Pay To Remove Asphalt Path They Illegally Built Through Public Parkland
Shmarya Rosenberg • FailedMessiah.com
The town of Ramapo in Rockland County, New York is suing to force the removal of a paved path that links two homes. The asphalt path – allegedly illegally built by haredim – goes through a wooded public park meant to be a natuire reserve.
Ramapo estimates it will cost $50,000 to remove the path and repair the damage it caused to the park.
“There were trees that were removed, there were bushes that were removed, there were grass areas that were removed. Certainly the neighbors and the town don’t think that’s an improvement,” Ramapo Town Attorney Michael Klein told CBS 2 News.
At one end of the path is the home of Charles Zuckerman, which is currently unoccupied and under renovation. At the other end? The bacyard and home of Yosef and Gieta Metal.
“Everybody was happy, actually, that we could cross over and there is a whole other development there, and the kids play with the kids,” a neighbor woman reportedly said of the illegal path.
“Live and let live — doesn’t bother me at all,” another Orthodox neighbor, Steve Lazarus, added.
“It would be nice to find a workable way to find a resolution to this, because it is helpful to our lifestyle,” Yossi Garetz told CBS.
The property owners have until the end of February to file a response to the lawsuit.
[Hat Tip: The Lion.]