Resident shares property dispute in Sheridan

SHERIDAN — A Sheridan resident brought her concerns regarding a dispute with a neighbor before the Town Board at a recent meeting.

Sheridan resident Susan Hillman shared her experiences throughout a property dispute with a neighbor that progressed to much more than just determining a property line.

Hillman stated a gazebo was built partially on her property without her permission. Hillman then requested the gazebo, wooden structures and fencing be removed from her property. She told the Board she has paid $2,300 to Nussbaumer and Clarke, Inc., to resolve the matter through conducting surveys of her property.

As the property dispute has escalated, Hillman claims she has been a victim of vandalism of her property and harassment. Authorities have been called several times to address issues between Hillman and her neighbors.

Hillman claims she and her son, Isaac, have been threatened and verbally abused by their neighbors “all in the name of trying to make sure that my property line is resolved.”

Hillman also stated she offered a bounce house for a birthday party at her neighbor’s residence and has repeatedly looked out for dogs that wander close to the cliff. In contrast, Hillman claims that one of her own dogs was shot for trespassing on her neighbor’s property.

Hillman stated she has struggled to show restraint throughout the ongoing dispute and noted that if she had not recently dealt with medical issues, she likely would have been more combative. Hillman added, “I am extremely proud of my son who has shown absolutely mature character traits. He has restrained himself, he has conducted himself as a very good, Godly young man.”

Town Supervisor Tom Wik responded to Hillman’s comments by stating the Town Attorney advised the Board that the ongoing dispute is a private matter between the two parties.

Regarding the building complaint, Code Enforcement Officer James Crowell responded by acknowledging the gazebo was not permitted when it was installed and it is located too close to the shore. Crowell cited the owner for those issues and denied a permit application that followed. The owner then appealed to the Zoning Board, which denied a variance request because of the property line dispute.

Recently, the owner has evaluated the process of moving the gazebo. The owner requested a deadline for the middle of April because of weather concerns associated with moving the structure. Hillman responded to that request, stating, “I would agree with that.”

Following her agreement, the meeting proceeded beyond the public comment portion of its agenda after nine minutes of discussion.