BABYLON, N.Y. (WCBS 880) — A dispute on Long Island over a treehouse has reportedly led to some hefty costs to residents.
The dispute started back in May 2018, when a resident in the Village of Babylon built a treehouse in his backyard for his children. He faced numerous summonses and fines for not having a building permit.
In the end, the homeowner won the fight in court, but Newsday reports that the legal battle cost village taxpayers more than $54,000 dollars.
The village attorney reportedly charged $300 per hour — on top of the annual retainer he is paid to handle other village matters — and the fight is not over yet.
The homeowner is now suing the village in federal court for $2 million, saying what the village to did him was a violation of his civil rights.
WCBS 880's Sophia Hall has reached out to the village mayor for commnet.
Meanwhile, the treehouse remains in the homeowner's backyard.