Members of the Nathaniel Adams Blanchard American Legion Post in 1040 Delmar are upset after trees were planted on what they claim is the legion’s property in Albany County’s ongoing project to make upgrades to the rail trail.
The trees and several bushes were planted two weeks ago near the back of the property parallel to the rail trail. The new plantings were placed there to act as a barrier and help shield the trail. However, members claim they were planted on Legion land.
Jeremy Martelle, a former commander of Post 1040 and current board member, said he went one Saturday morning and the trees had been planted without their knowledge.
“We’re very upset this was done without us being notified,” said Martelle.
The Legion has since begun researching their property lines, and Martelle does not believe the lines match where the trees were planted. The town has since helped members get in touch with the county, and a meeting is scheduled for this week.
Martelle said part of the major concern is there are a lot of kids who cut through the property as a shortcut to get to school. They want to make sure that it can still be used, but they haven’t been told what the next plans are or if a fence will be installed.
The rail trail is the entire backside of the property. Members are also concerned if people will now be parking on the property to access the trail, and could there be liability? Another perceived issue is maintenance of parking lot.
“Where the trees were placed is where we typically push the snow when we plow,” said Martelle. “Will we now have to pay for snow removal? If not, the trees could potentially be ruined.”
Mary Rozak, director of communications for the office of the Albany County Executive, said the trees were not placed on American Legion property, but on rail trail property. A meeting is scheduled this week with County Attorney Tom Marcel and the county’s operations director.
“Having an open dialog from the beginning would have been nice,” said Martelle. “They’ve been very responsive since we contacted them, but all of these issues could have been brought up before the trees were installed.”
