A desire for a clearer vista leads to a legal battle and a hefty price tag
In a tale that’s taken a dramatic twist, a New Jersey man’s quest for an unobstructed view of the New York skyline has landed him in a forest of legal troubles, with potential damages soaring to $1 million. Grant Haber, a security executive residing in the affluent Kinnelon area, took matters into his own hands when he decided that the trees on his neighbour’s property were blocking his scenic vista.
In March 2023, Haber hired a contractor to remove 32 trees without securing the necessary permits, aiming to enhance the view from his substantial residence. Initially, he was fined $16,400 (£13,000) for the unauthorized tree removal. However, the financial repercussions have grown like wild weeds, with costs expected to exceed $1 million to cover the replacement and maintenance of the downed trees.
Haber struck a deal that reduced his fine to cover only 18 of the trees, narrowly avoiding a heftier $32,000 penalty and a trespassing charge. Yet, the saga is far from over. Judge Andrew Wubbenhorst has scheduled a further restitution hearing for April 19, keeping Haber on tenterhooks.
The aggrieved neighbour, Samih Shinway, whose 7-acre property was stripped of its greenery, has expressed his ongoing frustration, likening Haber’s actions to hiring a hitman. Despite the legal proceedings, Shinway remains doubtful that he’ll ever find full satisfaction.
In an unexpected twist, property records reveal that Haber has since sold the Kinnelon property in question. The sale in November fetched $1.8 million, netting Haber a substantial profit on the 5,000-square-foot, five-bedroom, six-bath home he purchased in 2014.
The neighbourhood feud has captured the attention of social media users, who have been quick to comment on the costly consequences of Haber’s actions. As the legal drama unfolds, many are left pondering the true price of a perfect view.
