Mainstem Stockport Access

[shware]

Hi,

Anyone heard of attempts to restrict / cut off access to the Stockport boat ramp on the main stem?

I ask because someone posted this question on the paflyfish.com site. It's the first I'd heard of any such conversation and was hoping for more insight from the folks here. I know someone's building a monstrout house right on the banks, but didn't think they'd purchased the rights to the twp road that leads to the stream.

Thanks!


Shawn

 

[CR]

That site certainly looks like it is closed now - I was wondering the same thing myself.

 

[NJFred]

Shawn... my understanding is that the current owner, the guy with the big house, has taken this back to court. Apparently the issue had been taken to court before and access was maintained. Don't really no what the chances are of the latest attempt but let's keep our fingers crossed. This is a great access point.

 

[shware]

Okay, well now I know where the individual got their data from - this site!

I think Joe's explained the owner's the position in the "WB/Delaware Trip Summary 7/3/-7/4" thread, but I sure hope that he sees fit to keep the access open - at least to foot traffic.


Shawn

 

[shware]

Wow, you guys are fast!

I was just typing that I'd seen this info in the other thread and lo and behold NJFred and CR responded to my post!

I agree, this is one of the very few access points left on the upper main stem and access should be preserved.

Joe, I'm surprised at your statement of "I'd do the same" with regards to his attempts to cut off access down the road. Are you saying you agree with cutting off access to trucks / boat traffic, or cutting off ALL access?

If it's all, then I respectfully disagree.

He's built a monstrosity right on the most popular tailwater in NY / PA and is now griping about the people using this resource. It can't be news to him that this is a favorite spot for fly anglers.

I will say that there's absolutely no excuse for the lack of respect toward landowner's rights / property / family but attempting to restrict access through the courts is the wrong answer.

Who owns the road leading down to the stream? The town of Stockport? The town of Starlight? What's the legal basis for requesting that the road be closed to public traffic?

What's the DRF's position on this? Why bother knocking heads with the state of NY / PA / NJ / MD regarding stable flows to keep things cool (at least down to Buckingham) if no one can access the resource except by floating down from Shehawken or wading up from Buckingham?

Anyway, sorry for the rant but it seems like it won't be long before the upper D becomes float only prospect. That's a shame.


Shawn

 

[JOE.T]

No I do not agree that he should close the access completeley.

If it were me I would put some trash cans allong the road and maybe a couple of lights as well.I would also set a curfew maybe from sun up to 1/2 hour past dark?.Its seems like most of his troubles are late at night.

The road is actually his its on his property.

Its a bit complicated.Right of way,s ingress and eagress all that fun stuff.

I will update next week since I have a board meeting(DRF) this weekend.




JOE.T

 

[JOE.T]

Shware,

What I meant by "I would do the same" is I would be angered and frustrated and want to close the access,but I personally could not do that.As I mentioned above I would try and come up with a solution.

 

[shware]

Joe,

Thanks for your insight. Your suggestions are more than reasonable.

I too would be upset about the lack of respect / trashing of property but I definitely would've know it was coming given the location.

Dennis made a good suggestion in another thread regarding planting trees along the road. This too is very resonable, if privacy is one of the owner's concerns.

Another idea might be to change the road's layout. Rather than looping across the owner's "front lawn", perhaps a more direct route is feasible. It's not a paved road so expense relatively small. Probably less than the owner's front porch

This is one of those times where I hope "city hall" wins.

Thanks!


Shawn

 

[NJFred]

I wonder if the PA State and Game can get involved. Let's say they work with the home owner to move the Road further away from his home, Maybe make a small parking lot put in some trash cans which they empty. In other words improve both access and his privacy and right as a landowner to folks not trashing his place. Maybe they can "lease" the right of waying and pay him for to right. Just a thought on how to make a win/win out of the situation.

Personally, I do side with Dennis on this one. My understanding is that the homeowner recently purchased the property and certainly knew about the right of way. I think the access should be maintained for all. This is one of the only access points between Bard Parker and Buckingham. It would be awful to lose it.

 

[JOE.T]

Fred

I do agree with all of you they should try and make some sort of deal so everyone would be happy.

He did know about the right of way but did I dont think he realized how bad it would be.

Off line I will give you a few examples.I dont think I should post some of the details here on line

 

[NJFred]

I can sympathize with him if he's had really awful problems but I really would like to see the right of way maintained... not for a select few but for all respectful anglers. As you tell it, it sounds as if he would like to keep it open for anglers who are respectful of his property and his rights. Maybe some sort of solution can be found.

 

[Andre]

access

I try not o get into these thing but agree with Dennis. You buy a property knowing what you are getting into. Does the state own an easement on the current road even if it is on his proerty? I hate to see any individual deny access to water ways even if it is their right. If people are littering on the road then he should complain to the state and get garbage cans and better signage but not close the road. I always like win/win but if that cannot be accomplished the road should stay open to public use. Hey I bought my house with an easement to the town on part of the property. I bought it full well understanding whatthat means. Andre