To the Readers' Forum:
This is in response to the article regarding the landlocked property in North Harmony, printed July 14.
The article stated that the owner - along with other Amish people - are trespassing to get to the property, which is not true. New York state law says there is no such thing as landlocked property and we have been using the right-of-way, always taking care not to litter or do damage in any way.
The article also stated that neighbors ''believe'' the septic tank ''might be'' running into the creek, which is not true either. The septic tank has been approved by the Health Department.
Camping and throwing fish heads on the neighbors land is also a lie and as for the noise the neighbors are concerned about- anyone who saw the photos on the front page of The Post-Journal, can see this property is back in the woods with no houses around - with the exception of one neighbor - who trimmed most of his brush down, near the property, placing a ladder leading up to his open barn loft, along with a chair to do his spying. Really!
As for the building permits the owner is accused of not having - according to the Health Department, a permit is not required for a privy and the other small structure has been on the land since 1999.
Sure, our kids play in the creek on this property, just as I have seen many neighbor kids do, but we are just normal respectful people who like to camp and relax in the woods, enjoying the outdoors in summer. We mind our own business and never did the neighbors any harm.
Living near the landowner's residence in the Clymer area, I know him personally and he does not deserve to be treated as his neighbors in North Harmony are treating him.
Cindy Schlabach
Clymer