I have designed a number of street projects (I work for an engineering consulting firm). In 95% to 99% of the cases, the right-of-way was obtained when the ground was platted. It always belonged to the City, County, or State, whether or not they use it immediatly.
Still, there are constantly people around here that decide they own the public property next to them. They don't. You would not believe some of the stories I have heard. Of course none of them have any legal papers filed anywhere to prove their claims. Still, they rail against the damb gubbmint stealing "their" land. It isn't theirs. They are trying to steal from me and every other taxpayer.
Unfortunately, I have heard some of the same stories posted here. And then there are a number of posts about how the damb gubbamint is stealing land from honest patriots again. It very well may happen, sometimes and somewhere, but most of what I have seen posted here is pretty obviously bunk.
I would be VERY surprised if he EVER owned this property.
Well, Jim, I own property that extends into the middle of a public road. It's on the plat. I could legally build a fence thru the middle of the road. I don't because I get along great with the road crews and they've done a few favors for me with their heavy equipment.
I haven't decided what to do yet. Maybe I'll trade this piece for property the county owns.