City wants Fayetteville woman to unblock path for kids
FAYETTEVILLE (WTVD) -- Parents and residents in the Foxfire neighborhood are feeling a lot more hopeful Thursday night than they were earlier this week. That's because the city has ordered the homeowner who fenced off a sidewalk that was a popular shortcut for schoolchildren to tear the fence down.
Parents and children saw the "Private Property, No Trespassing" sign on Tanbark Court on the first day of school. Many were surprised and angry.
Residents say the sidewalk was built in the 1970s as a safe shortcut for children to get to Morganton Road Elementary School.
RELATED: FAYETTEVILLE PARENTS SAY BLOCKED PATH PUTS KIDS AT RISK
City inspectors say the homeowner had no right to close the sidewalk. Thursday, they sent a violations notice to the homeowner, telling her to tear the fence down or apply for an after-the-fact permit.
The homeowner has 10 days to answer the notice or face a fine or even criminal charges.
Many residents are hoping the sidewalk will be re-opened sooner rather than later.
"That's our main concern," said resident Terrance Reyes.
School officials said Thursday that they may file a quick deed for the easement to get the sidewalk reopened.
So far, ABC11 has not been able to speak with the homeowner to find out why she blocked off the path and what she plans to do moving forward.
