Just ask the Rocky Hill man whose road fell off the borough tax map
By: Greg Forester
ROCKY HILL A Rocky Hill resident has asked the Borough Council to help him maintain a road that doesn’t exist, at least on the official borough books.
Clifford Moore asked the council last week for help maintaining the road, known as Skillman Avenue, which Mr. Moore says is in terrible condition. The road was removed from the borough tax maps some 20 years ago, but Mr. Moore still relies on the road to reach his house.
"I’ve been doing the maintenance on my own for quite some time now," said Mr. Moore. "But now it’s getting pricey."
This cost has included purchasing gravel and other materials, having someone fill in ruts, and hiring a backhoe for the whole process.
And that doesn’t include the winter maintenance.
"It’s about 500 feet long," said Mr. Moore. "I’ve shoveled it by hand a number of times."
Mr. Moore said he has asked the borough in the past for help, but the borough only put up a sign at the intersection of Princeton Avenue and Washington Street marking Skillman Avenue, designating "a road that doesn’t exist," he added.
The 26-year Rocky Hill resident said he is worried about the legal implications of the condition of the roadway, which gets foot traffic from people headed to some nearby parkland.
The park, purchased under New Jersey’s Green Acres program, includes 22-acres of land preserved for recreation.
"People walk down the road all the time, and even use it as a parking lot for Green Acres," said Mr. Moore. "I could be responsible if someone falls and breaks their neck."
Although the council expressed optimism about assisting in the upkeep, there could be some legal difficulties in helping out Mr. Moore with his pockmarked stretch of dirt road.
Because it is technically a private road, Borough Attorney Albert Cruz expressed concern over the borough’s ability to provide funds for maintenance.
"It’s using public money for a private purpose," said Mr. Cruz.
Mayor Ed Zimmerman said the issue would be brought up at the next Borough Council meeting, when council member Courtney White would be in attendance.
Ms. White is the council member in charge of the Streets and Roads Committee.

