Last week Steve and Carrie Mandelblatt we’re walking their dogs up beach street toward the lower entrance of Doris Davis trail. A walk they have taken for over 15 years. As they approached the entrance they ran into Mr Simmons, the property owner at the base of Doris Davis trail. In an attempt to make conversation Steve gestured toward the fence commenting "This is not a friendly way to be about a path that has been used for decades". He extended is hand to MR Simmons which was abruptly declined.
Mr Simmons shared brusquely that the Oullettes (who originally erected the fencing) were very upset about the path being used. A likely justification for the additional fortification of the fence that was added last week. Steve asked if the added fencing (Designed to inhibit walk around) was the work of Mr Simmons. Mr, Simmons aggressively stated “That is MY fence!”, implying the additional fortification was his work.
Mr Simmons went on to say that he was tired of "you people" (those who wish to walk Doris Davis trail) crossing his private property and causing him distress. He was especially loud and argumentative about the challenges he has dealt with over the years related to the traffic. Steve assured him that these issues were was from any of his neighbors but this did not appease Mr. Simmons irritation. He was argumentative, angry and unwilling to listen to anything that Steve had to say. As Steve turned around and started walking away, Mr Simmons made the point to say... “Get the hell off of my property.”
What is important to note is that TAC has reached out numerous times to both the Oullettes and the Simmons in hopes of resolving this issue amicably. In every case they have not replied. It is for this reason that TAC has supported the recent lawsuit toward Rodney & Maralene Oullette and Roy & Joann Simmons. It is still our hope that they will reach out to TAC to discuss alternative options rather than a costly and time consuming lawsuit.
Until that time we encourage all community members who are directly confronted by either the Oullettes or the Simmons to request they move quickly in response to the lawsuit so we can get this resolved expediently. We do not wish to create any more tension than has already transpired. More importantly we do no condone the angry posture they have taken with the community. There is a a clear legal precedent that allows for all to access the trail. Their ignorance of the law does not excuse them from being held accountable to it and it most certainly does not condone harassing residents who choose to walk the trail.
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