Horse Feathers is the name of the well know Marx Brothers movie, but before that the term “horsefeathers” had gained popularity in America as a euphemism for rubbish, nonsense, or a slightly more crude synonym for horse manure.
Horsefeathers is a word many residents feel applies to an ongoing situation concerning the Borough of Oakland looking to appeal a NJ State Superior Court decision in favor of Winter Haven Equestrian Center on Ramapo Valley Road.
According to reports in The Bergen Record, the judge’s decision appears to rest on a citizen’s right to have some reliance on municipal permits prior to making major financial investments in their property. While legal interests representing municipalities continue to argue that governing bodies cannot be held responsible for their own mistakes, most courts around the country appear to be siding with citizens who act in good faith and make substantial financial investments based on a building permit’s implied warranty. Or in layman’s terms, it’s like closing the barn doors after the horse is already out. 
The town approved plans for an indoor riding arena, and then revoked the permit as the building was going up. The Oakland council argued in State Superior Court that they are not responsible for an administrative mistake, adding that the stop work order was issued early in the arena’s construction.
The father & daughter owners of the riding stable, Anthony and Bethany Fischetto, had contracted Amish carpenters to erect the barn like structure, and the job was completed in just a few days. The judge ruled that the order was issued almost halfway into construction, and in any event was irrelevant to the case.
The owners of Winter Haven submitted a petition of over 150 names from neighboring homes expressing support for the riding stable. This communal support leaves many residents wondering why the town council voted to approve spending the additional legal expenses. The rationale offered so far, protecting the town’s rights, is relatively vague considering the added costs and their chance of prevailing.
Winter Haven Equestrian Center has lost considerable revenue due to these legal issues, but many residents in town are more concerned with their own tax dollars being spent to appeal a case the town has already lost.
The fiscal crisis facing municipalities make legal expenses like this appeal, the ongoing litigation over the Oakland library renovation, and issues involving the 3,000,000 million premature bond payment more of a concern to residents worried about living under one of the highest tax rates in the United States…which is another case of horsefeathers.
Additional Reading:
Oakland Loses Court Case with Riding Stable
In this economy, it is a major bonus to a community that can support a new and prosperous business. Here is a family that has chosen Oakland to be their home, and place of business. This horse barn is a big undertaking and will bring positive revenue to Oakland.
The fact is, horse barns bring enjoyment to children, beauty to any area, and a wonderful old fashioned feel to a community. Who does not love the idea of going to visit “the horses” with carrots and apples in your pocket? I remember going to the horse farms on Long Island and doing just that. Forty years later, those wonderful barns are still there.
Horse barns do endure and are scenic treasures that few communities even have the proper acreage to accomodate.
Oakland’s Town Council needs to appreciate how lucky the community is to be able to have Winter Haven Equestrian Center.