MANCHESTER TOWNSHIP, N.J. — A land development dispute has landed in Ocean County Superior Court after Craftway Center, LLC filed a lawsuit against neighboring property owner Jack Bettio, claiming an existing access easement is preventing construction of a proposed townhouse development at 3911 Ridgeway Road.
According to the verified complaint, Craftway purchased the vacant property in early 2025 and says it intends to develop townhouses on the site. The company alleges a 50-foot-wide access easement benefiting Bettio’s adjacent parcel has become an unnecessary obstacle because Bettio’s property already has direct access to both South Hope Chapel Road (Route 547) and Ridgeway Road (Route 571).
Developer says easement has been abandoned
In the complaint, Craftway argues Bettio has abandoned the easement because the driveway associated with it has gone unused. The lawsuit claims photographs show the access point has not been utilized and alleges Bettio has demonstrated an intent to abandon those rights.
The developer also contends it offered Bettio $92,000 to voluntarily release the easement, but says the proposal was rejected. According to the filing, the continued existence of the easement “unreasonably hamstrings” lawful development of the property.
Court asked to extinguish or relocate access rights
Rather than simply seeking damages, Craftway is asking the Chancery Division to declare the easement abandoned and extinguished.
If the court declines to do so, the developer is requesting an order allowing the easement to be relocated elsewhere on the property so it no longer interferes with the planned townhouse project. The lawsuit also seeks attorney’s fees and any additional equitable relief the court finds appropriate.
Easement dates back to 2005 property sale
Court records indicate the disputed easement was created in 2005 when Bettio sold what is now the development tract to Tarantino Properties, LLC. The deed reserved a 50-foot-wide access easement benefiting Bettio’s remaining property, rights that remain reflected in the chain of title.
Craftway acquired the parcel in 2025 after it was transferred through Lakewood Skyview LLC and now argues changed circumstances make the easement unnecessary because the neighboring parcel is no longer dependent on it for access.
The lawsuit represents only the developer’s allegations. Bettio will have an opportunity to respond in court, and no judge has ruled on the merits of the claims.
Sources: Verified Complaint filed in Ocean County Superior Court.
