A Colorado woman’s fight to protect her property rights ignites a fierce community battle, exposing the dark underbelly of small-town politics and social media mob mentality.
At a Glance
- Taralyn Romero’s attempt to restrict access to a creek on her property sparked a heated legal battle with Jefferson County
- The dispute led to community outrage, online harassment, and even death threats against Romero and her fiancé
- A settlement was reached, with Romero selling a portion of her land for $250,000 and a fence being built to delineate her property
- The case highlights the tension between private property rights and public access to natural resources
- Romero continues to advocate for property rights on social media, using her platform to address related issues
A Creek-Side Property Ignites a Community Firestorm
In the picturesque town of Kittredge, Colorado, a seemingly simple property dispute has erupted into a full-blown legal battle, pitting homeowner Taralyn Romero against Jefferson County and angry locals. The controversy centers around Bear Creek, a beloved community spot that runs through Romero’s backyard. Since purchasing her home in 2021, Romero has found herself at the center of a heated debate over public access to what she claims is her private property.
The conflict began when Romero, concerned about liability and trash accumulation, erected “Private Property” and “No Trespassing” signs on land that locals had freely used for years. This action sparked immediate backlash from the community, who viewed it as an attempt to restrict access to a cherished public space. The situation quickly escalated, with some visitors resorting to vandalism and verbal abuse against Romero.
Colorado woman says she was bullied by community who wanted to take her property, this is how she fought back https://t.co/tk67mso8S6
— Fox News (@FoxNews) November 24, 2024
Legal Battle and Social Media Warfare
As tensions rose, Jefferson County took legal action against Romero, filing a lawsuit claiming public rights to the land based on adverse possession. This legal concept allows for the transfer of property rights to a non-owner who has used the land for an extended period without the owner’s permission. The county’s move further fueled the controversy, turning what was once a local dispute into a broader debate about property rights and government overreach.
“When you get that kind of dissension on whose land is it and you involve children and you involve rhetoric of a screaming lady, it really was like wildfire for social media,” said Romero.
The dispute quickly spilled over onto social media platforms, with Facebook and Nextdoor becoming battlegrounds for rumors and character attacks against Romero. The online vitriol escalated to alarming levels, with Romero and her fiancé, Michael Eymer, facing not only social media hate but also real-world confrontations and death threats. The intensity of the backlash highlights the dangerous potential of online mob mentality, especially in small, tight-knit communities.
A Settlement Reached, But Bitterness Remains
In May 2023, after months of legal wrangling and community tension, a settlement was finally reached. As part of the agreement, Romero sold a portion of her land to the county for $250,000, and a fence was built to clearly delineate her property boundaries. The land outside the fence is now managed by the Evergreen Park and Recreation District (EPRD), ensuring public access to the creek.
Despite the resolution, the experience has left Romero with a changed perspective on the justice system and local government. She continues to use her platform on TikTok to advocate for property rights and address related issues, gaining significant support from followers who see her as a champion against government overreach. However, the ordeal has also left her harboring resentment towards those she believes conspired against her during the dispute.
Lessons from Kittredge: Property Rights in the Age of Social Media
The Kittredge creek dispute serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding property rights in areas long used by the public. It also highlights the powerful and sometimes destructive role that social media can play in local conflicts. As communities grapple with balancing private ownership and public access to natural resources, cases like Romero’s underscore the need for clear communication, respect for legal processes, and a measured approach to resolving disputes.
For property owners across the nation, this case is a cautionary tale about the potential challenges of enforcing property rights, especially when they conflict with long-standing community practices. It also emphasizes the importance of understanding local laws and historical land use before taking actions that might spark community backlash.
