Monday 6/8/09 ROCC Board Meeting.

I attended the 6/8/09 meeting of the ROCC Board . I didn't get a count of the number of attendees but there were more than the last meeting based on the fact that there were many more people without seats than last time. Two Town of Amherst representatives were there.

The ROCC had the board lawyer, Ron Shubert there to explain the bike path situation and answer questions. Ron was introduced as the lawyer that has represented Ransom Oaks for over 20 years and a former resident ofCharlesgate. Ron also pointed out that he had been a board member also.

His description of the current situation contained nothing new. Basically it is the same as described in the November ROCC board letter:
click here
That is, since the GOGC has shown that the list of mortgages still held by PIC no longer exist, GOGC is relieved of having to give us access to the bike path.

I tried to note points of interest that came out of the Q and A but I am sure I missed many. If any of you that attended can add to my list, please email me or post here.

(1) A resident pointed out that Prudential has subsidiaries that issue mortgages and they may hold mortgages in Ransom Oaks. Liberty Mutual was given as an example. Shubert said he will look into it. Perhaps find all subsidiaries of Prudential and see if any of them hold mortgages in RO.

(2) Get a restraining order or some other court order that restores our access to the path until the issue is resolved. Shubert said he might do it if there was a real possibility of us winning in the end but not for frivolous reasons.

(3) What could be done using cases where the bike path crosses properties and there is no easement for the bike path? This came up repeatedly and Shubert couldn't see any application of this leverage.

(4) What about Adverse Possession? Roughly this means if you have been"using" property for a long time it becomes yours. Shubert said this didn't apply, I think it was because we were using it under some agreement but I didn't understand all of the conversation. Maybe someone else got the meaning and can add to this.

(5) As for golfers urinating or doing other damage or trespassing on resident's property, the resident should call the police. But they need to"catch" the individual. "Cellphone video" perhaps?

(6) A board member pointed out that he had scheduled a golf outing at a different golf course and it would mean a $10K (or $15K) loss to the GOGC. Another resident is considering the same. Then it was pointed out that the GOGC should be made aware of the reason for going elsewhere. Perhaps in a letter stating the reason and that other golf courses will continue to be used until Ransom Oaks residents can use the bike path again. It was suggested that the RO Newsletter should provide contact information for the GOGC so residents can send letters.

(7) There is aerial photography that can be used to see which properties maybe crossed by the bike path. I pointed out that I had already done that and have a list of 21 potential properties including the county "PIN" and "SBL"identification numbers and I asked who wants a copy. No one wanted it.

(8) We should consider a letter writing campaign to the Amherst Bee or other "letters to the editor". It was pointed out that this could have a negative effect. Just like RO gets all the news cameras when there is flooding and "sinking homes".

(9) If we wanted to stage a protest march, would we need a permit from the town? Call the building department, they should be able to provide the information.

(10) If we did things to disturb the golfers (air horns for example) what could happen. It could be considered harassment.

(11) A survey of a property that has an easement for the bike path was presented. It includes a reference to a number or series of numbers. Shubert was not familiar with the easement number. It should be on file with the county clerk. No need to go and get it, he can have the clerk send it.

(12) We need to also pursue the "Court of Common Opinion". That is frequently more powerful than a court of law.

That is the extent of my notes. I am sure I missed a lot and may have misinterpreted what was said. Please add to the list and correct me where I am wrong. You can do it in a private email to me:

GOBART09@gmail.com

or post it as a comment to this post

Statement Of Support

We have collected over 200 signatures so far. Only one person refused to sign. That implies 99.5% f residents want this turned around.
The package was presented to the Board at the May 11 meeting in the Greenwoods Rec. Center. Also, 20 residents attended wanting more to be done about this problem.

To download and print the signature sheet Click Here.
Here is a map indicating in RED what streets we have covered as of 5/13/08.