No I didn't read the entire thread, I didn't need to. Do you know for sure he didn't talk to the other owner that you purchased the property from and had his permission first. What about ALL the other owners involved past or present that might have said yes to the work.
Somewhere there should be a ROW description, start to stop and marked as such. across the entire developed area. Otherwise the ROW could be anywhere or go anywhere inside the development.
The original developer should have this. It should also describe what is allowed and what isn't inside the ROW.
I wouldn't purchase land without a solid easement, ROW that is spelled out to a T.
I'm betting the guy knows what he can and can't do.