Shohola Property Rights Legal Battle by FRITZ MAYER
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Your Award-Winning News Source for the Upper Delaware River Valley Region Since 1975 Vol. 43 No. 24 AUGUST 24-30, 2017 www.riverreporter.com $1.50 Shohola property rights legal battle By FRITZ MAYER HOHOLA, PA — Amelia and William Pearn own a home in a neighborhood known as Maple Park, which is located next Sdoor to a community called Walker Lake, which is governed by a homeowners’ association called Walker Lakeshores Land- owners Association (WLLA). Since 2010, WLLA has been trying to get the Pearns to pay them thousands of dollars in “dues” or “assessments,” even though their property is not a part of Walker Lake and is not subject to WLLA assessments. That is essentially what two different judges have found. Amelia has recorded this battle in a very detailed manner at the website www.shoholapa.com. One entry that points to the confus- ing relationship between WLLA and Maple Park is this: “Most of Maple Park [about 30 homes] gets some form of ‘billing’ from this HOA [homeowners association]. Some pay, some don’t. Some get sued, some don’t.” The Pearns took title to the property in 2007, and the first billing from WLLA came in 2010; it was for “nonpayment of association dues, $5,440.90 plus attorney’s fees.” The matter went to Magis- terial District Court, where Magistrate Alan Cooper determined that the couple owed $15 per year to WLLA for “water mainte- TRR photo by Amanda Reed nance.” Given the three-year period under consideration, late fees This picture was taken during the solar eclipse on August 21 on the Pennsylvania side of the Upper Delaware River, across the and court costs, the judge ruled that the Pearns owe WLLA $235. river from Narrowsburg, NY. Continued on page 3 Eyes to the skies By FRITZ MAYER esdale out looking at the historic event, the eclipse would be enough of a distraction to get away with EGION — Like many other communities stealing some merchandise. Police say the perpetra- around the country, many eyes in the Catskills tor was arrested. Rand Poconos were turned skyward on August In the nation’s capital, an image of President Don- 21 to catch the first total solar eclipse since 1979 that ald Trump was pushed out through numerous media was visible in a path crossing the entire country. outlets around the globe, showing the president tak- In this region, and in others, social media filled up ing quick look at the phenomenon through unpro- with amateur and professional photographers, many tected eyes. of whom had taken special steps to capture the event If you missed this year’s celestial event, there will in digital form, while others photographed it on their be another chance to see a total solar eclipse on April everyday cell phones. 8, 2024. The path of totality will begin in Texas and In this region, the eclipse peaked with the moon sweep to the Northeast. The path of totality will Contributed photo covering about 70% of the sun at about 2:40 p.m. include Erie, PA; Buffalo, NY; Rochester, NY; the Walker Lake plays a role in an ongoing seven-year legal battle between a couple According to Pennsylvania State Police, one man Northern Adirondacks; and Montpelier, VT. that owns a home in Maple Park and a neighboring homeowners association. thought that, with employees at Walmart in Hon- SPANNING 2 STATES, 4 COUNTIES, AND A RIVER THAT UNITES US It’s tomato time Sit, sip and savor a There are dozens of ways to good book savor this garden favorite At Honesdale’s Loose Leaf Pages 10 13 2 • AUGUST 24-30, 2017 THE RIVER REPORTER IN BRIEF Sullivan legislature recognizes derby champ Seating Schumer and Gilibrand announce $500,000 for Monticello MONTICELLO, NY — The Sullivan County Legisla- realignment a ture on August 17 recognized 15-year-old Brianna Roth WASHINGTON DC — U.S. Senate Minority Leader from Liberty, who drove the Soap Box Derby car that Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand now sits in the Soap Box Derby Hall of Fame in Ohio, sign of change on August 21 announced $500,000 in federal funding after Roth won the organization’s world championship for the Village of Monticello. The funding, allocated on July 22. Also honored was Morgan Van Keuren, 17, through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban who built the car. The county’s Distinguished Citizen Development’s (HUD) Main Street program, will as- Award was bestowed on the two. Roth’s stepfather in Eldred School sist in the rehabilitation of the Strong Building at 430 Mike Diehl was also on hand. Broadway, Monticello, NY, which has been vacant for “I speak for the entire district when I say we couldn’t the past 10 years and currently has extensive interior be prouder of Brianna,” said Legislator Terri Ward, Board meetings? water damage. Once the building has been rehabilitat- in whose district Brianna lives. “She overcame a 2014 ed, it will be reconfigured into 16 affordable housing loss with fierce determination and proved success- By SUSAN WADE units. ful with an amazing World Championship. Brianna, “Access to affordable housing is essential for the her family, and her team should be extremely proud LDRED, NY — The change was subtle but percep- health of our families and the economic strength of of their accomplishments, as we are extremely proud tible. Rather than the board members sitting in a our communities,” said Schumer. “This federal invest- they call Sullivan County home.” line and having to speak over each other, the tables E ment will strengthen Monticello’s historic infrastruc- “I can only imagine the exhilarating thrill Brianna, and chairs were arranged so that the members can easily ture, and provide safe, quality housing for families. I Morgan and their supporters felt when she crossed look each other in the eye as they deliberate. will continue to fight for programs that not only pro- that finish line just a hair ahead of her competitor,” As she explained the reasoning behind the new seat- tect New York’s infrastructure but also helps provide Sullivan County Manager Josh Potosek said. “We, ing arrangement at the Eldred School Board meeting on families and children with safe and affordable hous- too, are thrilled to be able to recognize this historic August 17, board president Carol Bliefernich stated her ing.” achievement, and we look forward to the next chal- expectation that the board can disagree without being “These Main Street grant funds will allow the Vil- lenges these two will boldly take on.” disagreeable. The other members agreed that the new lage of Monticello to invest in the rehabilitation of a configuration was a positive move. vacant building that will provide affordable homes for Another difference from prior meetings was the almost- Walk to raise awareness for suicide 16 families for years to come,” said Gillibrand. “This capacity crowd, primarily of teachers and other district prevention investment will help rejuvenate our local neighbor- employees but also including a smattering of parents and hoods. I will always fight in the Senate to make sure HONESDALE, PA — The Northeast Suicide Pre- members of the public. A Highland constable was also that our communities have the resources to invest in vention Initiative will host the Wayne/Pike Suicide present. critical infrastructure projects.” Awareness, Prevention and Remembrance Walk on Following up on the prior month’s discussion of low Saturday, September 23, at the Wallenpaupack Area graduation percentages, Principal Scott Krebs reviewed Wayne livestock sale breaks record High School. “Share the Journey” is a family friend- with the board a policy enacted in 1991 that had prohib- ly, no-cost walk with donations accepted to help fund ited students from doubling up on classes in English, his- HONESDALE, PA — The annual 4-H livestock auc- community programs in Wayne and Pike Counties. tory or physical education until their senior year. This tion was held on August 12, and brought in $400,048.20. The event allows families to share their grief and policy could prevent students from making up a class they Some 363 market steers, hogs, lambs and goats were honor their loved one, to raise awareness that most had failed that is needed for graduation, as the state re- auctioned off. suicides are the result of severe depression and to quires four years of study in these subjects. Krebs recom- This year’s sale was dedicated to the memory of John fight the stigma that stops people from asking for help. mended that the policy be eliminated in its entirety, and Marshall, who was a long-time member of the live- The event will also include a basket raffle and re- after some discussion, the members voted unanimously stock sale committee. Marshall was remembered as a freshments as well as information about local resourc- to do so. This will allow students additional flexibility in Wayne County 4-H member in his youth who grew up es. No pets please. scheduling to make up classes and aid in their graduating to support 4-H, the livestock sale and Wayne County All donations stay in Wayne and Pike counties and within four years. Fair programs for his entire life. participants can register and donate on the day of One of the agenda items was the reappointment of legal Twenty-two 4-H Livestock Scholarships were award- the event starting at 10 a.m., or register in advance at counsel. Objecting to the practice of paying the firm a re- ed to students who will go onto higher education or en- www.northeastsuicidepreventioninitiative.org.