David Russo, Eric Hoffman, and Zachary Hoffman are joined by a dozen other residents from Kittanning Borough’s Fourth Ward, in opposition over Council’s ordinance disallowing use of property along the Rails to Trails near their homes.
More than a dozen property owners from Kittanning Borough’s Fourth Ward were in Council Chambers last night to voice their opposition to Council attempting to throw them off land adjacent to the Rails to Trails.
According to information supplied by residents, the Allegheny Valley Land Trust acquired the property that was formerly used by the railroad through Kittanning. That property was originally measured 25 feet in either direction from the center of the railroad path.
Kittanning Borough Solicitor Ty Heller cautioned Council and residents regarding the exact measurements of the trail.
“When you talk about ownership of the trail, title to rail-bed is difficult. The widths vary. The rights the railroad had varied. It’s a checkered set of title work,” Heller said.
Paula Crissman listened to her neighbors vent their frustrations before she told her story.
Paula Crissman remembers when the train was still rolling past her house at 1518 North Grant Avenue. She said she was the oldest resident of that area. She said she was broken hearted when she was notified in writing that she could no longer use the property located in front of her home the is adjacent to the trail.
“We have successfully maintained that property by removing stumps, replanting trees,” she told Council members. “When we have cookouts, trail hikers stop and taste our food. Wedding parties take pictures at the area we have cleared out. Our pride is great and long lasting.”
Council was informed in October that there were residents using that trail right-of-way to store boats, junk vehicles, and even built a shed on it. Council authorized its codes officer, Anthony Chiesa, to issue a letter stating that all personal property had to be removed from the site.
The letter infuriated resident David Russo who owns property at 1372-1374 North Grant Avenue.
“I have been parking across the street and maintaining that property for 15 years. I have been mowing it until this year. I would like to remain parking there,” Russo said.
Eric Hoffman lives at the corner of North Grant Avenue and Colwell Street. He maintains that the original deed says that the property reverts back to his family and that there was an agreement with the Allegheny Valley Land Trust (AVLT) when they assumed it in 2002.
“I have mowed the grass. I have paid to have trees cleaned up when they fall down. Now we get a letter that we can’t park there,” Hoffman said.
The AVLT did not get into the dispute between Council and the residents.
“Through an agreement between Allegheny Valley Land Trust and Kittanning Borough, Kittanning Borough is granted a perpetual nonexclusive easement, in which Borough is responsible for repairing and maintaining the rail corridor. Allegheny Valley Land Trust supports their efforts in maintaining the corridor as the Borough deems appropriate,” AVLT Executive Director Chris Zeigler wrote in a memo to Council dated November 1.
Codes Officer Anthony Chiesa said the right-of-way on both sides of the trail was intended for recreational use.
“I believe that this area was intended for public recreation (have your picnic, enjoy, clean it up and leave it for the next person),” Chiesa said last week.
Hoffman said that the property is used for parking during street sweeping nights and recreation.
“For 17 years, we would do a block party. I’d buy a pig and we would block off the street for it. Neighbors bring a covered dish. Getting this letter felt like a kick in the teeth after 26 years that I have lived there,” he said.
Chiesa said Council should consider creating a parking area to handle overflow parking on the already crowded streets.
Councilman David Croyle made the motion to take no further action until the issue has time to be studied and a solution implemented. It was seconded by Councilman Chris Schiano and approved by all. Council President Kim Chiesa was absent.