UPPER-CLASS members of an exclusive lake community are fighting back after a judge demanded they open up their waters to public access.
After a 12-year legal dispute, a wealthy community lost against the general public, and the town was instructed to remove its no trespassing signs bordering the lake.
Lake Oswego, Oregon, residents were up in arms when they were told to open up their private lake to the public.
One resident compared the ruling to a socialist government, claiming that you can’t live anywhere just because you want to, Oregon Live reported.
“You cannot live in the Governor’s mansion just because you want to, and you think it is your right,” residents John and Kathy Willis wrote.
“None of us can live in the White House just because we feel we are entitled to do so because we are taxpayers in this country.
“When those who work the hardest must give to those who did not make the same commitment, you have socialism.”
For many years, Lake Oswego was open solely to those who had private docks and magnificent mansions bordering the water.
Grandiose homes valued at over $6 million border the lake’s shores with boats tied up to private docks.
One Zillow listing of a five bedroom, seven bathroom home shows images of a castle-like home with a spiral staircase and elegant dining area.
The description for a $6.9 million property in a luxurious area boasted an “Iconic European Inspired, Oswego Lake Front estate,” highlighting its exclusive entrance and exquisite features.
Despite the promises of privacy and exclusivity, over one decade ago, the Lake Oswego Corporation was sued for denying the public access to the lake.
Since the lake was initially a public place when Oregon was first settled, Judge Kathie Steele ruled in favor of the public.
The city received orders to ensure safe public access from the Millennium Park Plaza property within the next 120 days, as declared by Steele.
“We find it appalling that any judge would deem it responsible for others to use the lake we have spent over a decade and thousands of dollars to maintain; when any non-resident can now use it for free,” wrote residents Ashley and Charles Miller in response to the ruling.
Proponents of opening the lake argued that everyone should have access to the water, not just those who meet the median income average of $1.2 million.
“I’m thrilled that the public has finally regained access to this unique and important public resource,” plantiff Todd Prager told The Oregonian.
“I hope the public responsibly enjoys their immediate right to access the lake.”
Prager opened up to local NBC affiliate KGW about the fear he’s been living under since the case first began.
“I had people request I be fired from my job when I was working for another city,” Prager said.
“My wife has gotten intimidation from her work.”
Lake users are already trying vandalism tactics to ward off the public from wanting to use the water.
Portland attorney Matt Kramer said he was kayaking on Lake Oswego when he returned to his vehicle to find the side of the car keyed, KGW reported.
On the car’s windshield was a note from a witness claiming that the person who keyed his car was a woman driving a black Range Rover.
The culprit has yet to be found, but Prager isn’t surprised about the incident.
“They’ve been playing to the worst fears of the community,” said Prager, “and we’re just talking about a few kayakers paddling around the lake.”
Current lake occupants believe that opening up the lake is just an invitation for something bad to happen.
“As a frequent user of the lake for the past two years for paddle boarding and powerboating, I personally know how dangerous it can be to enter the lake without the right knowledge and preparation,” wrote resident Neil Potter.
“It will only be a matter of time before a member of the public is seriously injured, or dies in the lake.”
