Mahwah Suing Ramapough Mountain Indians Over Teepees

MAHWAH, NJ — The township is seeking an injunction against the Ramapough Mountain Indians for erecting teepees, pop-up tents and other structures in a floodplain last year.

The indians put up the structures on their property at 95 Halifax Road near the Ramapo River in November and are being occupied on a permanent basis, according to a civil complaint filed this week in Bergen County Superior Court.

The 13-acre property is a prayer camp called Split Rock Sweet Water, NJ.com reported.

"We filed this action for zoning violations on this property as we would for any other resident violating our zoning laws," Mayor Bill Laforet said. "We're treating them exactly the same."

Ramapough Mountain Indians say they put the teepees up as a political statement in solidarity with Standing Rock.

The township issued two summonses to the indians in December for failing to obtain zoning permits and soil movement without approval. Officials gave them 60 days to submit zoning and site plan applications.

The tribe submitted a zoning application April 6, and it was denied on April 13. The tribe had lumber delivered to the property April 26 and began constructing a platform.

"We have been very patient and our only goal through all of this is to make sure that zoning codes are followed," Laforet said.

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