Elderly renter has to remove part of her ramp

ERATH — By a vote of 3-2, the Erath City Council voted to have a resident who lives on Putnam Street remove 18 inches from a handicap ramp built in front of their home.
There were complaints to members of the Erath council about a wooden handicap ramp that was built in front of a home rented by an elderly lady. The lady hired a carpenter to build the ramp with Mayor Taylor Mencacci’s approval.
After the ramp was constructed, it looked to be built on the town’s sidewalk, drawing complaints from Erath citizens. However, after the town investigated, it was found that there is no city sidewalk in front of the home. The ramp was built on a concrete foundation of the house. 
However, the council members continued to receive complaints from residents who stated that the ramp obstructs their view at the intersection of Suire Street and Putnam Street.
During last week’s city council meeting, Councilman Jason Connor informed Mencacci that 18 inches of the ramp encroaches on the city easement. He expressed his desire to have this portion of the ramp removed from the easement. (A city easement is a legal right that allows the city to use a portion of private property for a specific purpose, such as public utilities or access, while the property owner still retains ownership. It’s a standard feature on many properties and is typically established for things like water and sewer lines, drainage, and utility access).
Councilman Cory Duplantis asked, “We have an easement ordinance?  That means no one will be able to park on the side of the street because they will be on the city easement?”
Erath Chief of Police Anna LaPointe said if someone files a complaint about a vehicle on the easement, she will send a patrolman to warn the vehicle owner about parking on the easement.  If it continues to park on the easement after a warning, LaPointe said a ticket will be issued.
The Erath police will only respond to complaint calls regarding easement violations and will not issue tickets for vehicles parked near the sidewalk or road.  
The council provided no timetable for when the renter must remove 18 inches of the ramp. 
Voting to have the renter remove 18 inches of her 48-inch wide wooden ramp were Stephanie Broussard, Jason Connor, and Mike Richard.
Councilmen Scott Bernard and Cory Duplantis voted to leave the ramp.