Pennsylvania Couple Wins Legal Battle Over Public Steps Maintenance

The Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court has ruled that the Borough of Jim Thorpe is responsible for maintaining the High Street Steps, a passage connecting two public roads. The decision in TM Loughery and MK Loughery v. Borough of Jim Thorpe affirms that 130 years of public use and historical borough involvement in repairs established the steps as public property.

Although the borough argued that no formal ordinance accepted the steps, the court found sufficient evidence of long-term public access and municipal funding for construction and maintenance. The ruling concludes a legal dispute that began in 2019, ultimately requiring the borough to maintain the stairs situated on private and municipal land.

Editor's note: The report accurately conveys the court ruling and the reasoning behind the borough's maintenance obligations based on historical usage and municipal actions.