Syracuse Judge Extends Medusa Court Injunction
A court ruling prohibits tree removal and road resurfacing work on Medusa Court until a scheduled March 2027 hearing.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Law
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Judge Matthew Buehler has extended an injunction preventing the Town of Syracuse from removing trees or resurfacing Medusa Court. The order remains in effect until a court hearing takes place in March 2027.
Why it matters
The legal battle stems from disagreements between the Town of Syracuse and property owner 112 Huntington LLC regarding the town's authority over the road. Local officials seek to protect the asphalt from buckling caused by tree root systems.
The town claims a public right of way based on 60 years of historical usage, while 112 Huntington LLC disputes the designation. The Syracuse Town Council previously moved to recognize the existing asphalt as a town easement in 2025.
The players
Matthew Buehler
He is the judge presiding over the ongoing legal dispute between 112 Huntington LLC and the Town of Syracuse.
112 Huntington LLC
This private entity is involved in a lawsuit against the Town of Syracuse regarding property rights on Medusa Court.
Mark Aurich
He serves as the public works director for the Town of Syracuse and is responsible for managing the road maintenance project.
The details
The Town of Syracuse argues that tree roots from 112 Huntington LLC are damaging the road edge and necessitate maintenance. Public works director Mark Aurich maintains that the town has no intention to widen the road, aiming only to prevent future pavement buckling.
Timeline
The Town Council officially declared Medusa Court an easement in 2025.
A status conference on October 23, 2026, resulted in the extension of the injunction.
The next scheduled court hearing for the case will occur in March 2027.
Political Context
Opponents of the town's actions argue that the enforcement of public right of way statutes over private property restricts homeowner rights without sufficient evidence of necessity. This pushback often emphasizes the potential for municipal overreach in land use disputes.
Residents living on or near Medusa Court should note that tree removal and resurfacing work will be delayed until at least March 2027. Property owners are currently responsible for removing trees causing damage if those trees are confirmed to be outside the town's right of way.
The takeaway
Property disputes involving public easements highlight the importance of understanding the history of land use for local residents. Maintaining records of how specific street segments have been used can be critical when conflicts arise between homeowners and municipal governments.
What happens next
A formal court hearing is scheduled to take place in March 2027 to address the status of the road maintenance and the injunction.
Further reading
For more information on legal proceedings in the area, visit the Law section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by InkFreeNews.
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