The utility records presented a similar problem. My earlier twelve-thousand-dollar agreement covered construction access, and a supplementary document described continuing rights for installed pipes and cables subject to specified terms and renewal procedures. The developer had missed a documented renewal deadline, but the legal effect of that omission was disputed. Mitch believed it gave us a strong basis to demand a formal, compensated agreement. He did not believe it entitled me to excavate the line, disconnect power, or interfere with sanitation. He said that twice to make sure I heard it.
"Good," I told him. "I don't want to punish the children. I want the people who caused this to pay for what they did."
We filed notices asserting my ownership position and requesting negotiation, with explicit preservation of emergency access and existing utility service pending agreement or court direction. The county engineers called immediately. They were worried about the secondary route used by fire and emergency vehicles, and the absence of clear easement language. I invited them to inspect with us, provided the survey packet, and proposed an interim written access arrangement while the issues were resolved. The first engineer sounded relieved that I wasn't planning to put concrete blocks across the roadway.
Darlene didn't sound relieved. According to the emails forwarded by Kent, she described my filing as blackmail and urged residents to demand government seizure of my property. At a special HOA meeting, somebody asked why the association hadn't secured road and utility rights before selling eighty-five homes. Another asked why