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Resident urges council to examine blocked path from Bissell Street used by youths, cites possible prescriptive-easement concerns
Summary
A Clarks Summit resident told council that a property owner has posted ‘no trespassing’ signs at the end of a cul‑de‑sac on Bissell Street, blocking a longtime informal path youths use to reach Route 6 businesses. The resident asked the borough to review property lines and prescriptive‑easement possibilities to keep the route safe.
Garrett Rosenkranz, a Clarks Summit resident and youth coach, told the borough council that children aged roughly 11 to 15 regularly use a narrow path from the end of a cul‑de‑sac on Bissell Street to reach Route 6 businesses and that the property owner at the path’s entrance recently posted “no trespassing” signs.
Rosenkranz said he has seen young people knocked back from the gate and rerouted onto a busier, four‑lane road that he described as less safe. “My concern when they’re turned away is they have to walk up to [Route 6]. They’re on the busy road… it’s just a safety concern,” he said.
Rosenkranz asked whether prescriptive‑easement doctrine in Pennsylvania might apply, noting the path “has been in use for years.” Borough staff told Rosenkranz the first step is to determine property lines — a survey — and that the borough would investigate ownership and then return with guidance. The solicitor/assistant indicated the council could research the legal status but could not give a definitive legal determination on the spot.
No formal council action was taken; council staff agreed to examine property records and report back with options for safer access and next steps. Rosenkranz asked the borough to consider short‑term safety guidance while the title/ownership review is completed.
