New York family blocks road with tree trunks, court awards it to neighbouring club
A New York family lost ownership of a private road to a neighboring recreational club after a long-standing dispute escalated into a court battle. The court ruled in favor of the club, citing their long-term maintenance and usage of the road.
Why it matters
This case illustrates the legal principle of prescriptive easement and the risks of property disputes between neighbors.
A New York family that owned half of a private road beside its 45-acre property has lost ownership of that portion to a neighbouring recreational club with around 1,500 members. The two sides had shared the road for decades, but their relationship deteriorated in 2021 when members of the family blocked part of it with tree trunks. The disagreement eventually reached New York's highest court, which ruled on Thursday that the club had gained ownership because it had used and maintained the road for many years.The dispute concerns Godfrey's Pond Road in Genesee County, which runs between two properties. According to details of the case available on Justia, one belongs to the Genesee County Fish and Game Protective Association, a club established in 1909 that owns around 200 acres.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in