[Pukin Dog]

My advice to you is that you enjoy Christmas, and let it go.

[Lokibob]

Why is this NEWS???

[Gaffer]

Looks like if the city relinquished responsibility for the alley they reliquished ownership also. If I were you I'd start having neighbors look at their property deeds, property tax disclosures and the like to see if the city is charging property tax or not. If they are, then if they deny you and your neighbors "reasonable access" then they might be sued successfully or forces to keep the 'reasonable access' part viable. My guess is that since she was able to do this is that the ownership aspect of this is unclear...you should find this out first....

[Fierce Allegiance]

[JimRed]

Pray for her, and make sure that she knows that you are doing it. It'll either change her heart or drive her nts!

[1FASTGLOCK45]

Try this:
Your local Fire Department/s. There may be a law in the fire departments books that could force them to keep the alley open and force the gates to be kept open or removed for access in case of a fire. I forget what it's called but i saw it used in a situation similar to yours. This is in california, i don't know how your laws work there.

In the case i mentioned, they had a fence blocking the alley, now the fence is gone, a right away in case of fire/emergency.

[Glenn]

I along with several neighbors are shocked that the desires of one resident trumps the concerns of an entire block.

Damn that whole notion of private ownership. Liberate her property and divide the deed amongst those neighbors.

[peyton randolph]

Free legal advice on the web is nearly worthless because any lawyer worth his salt isn't going to do it.

Get a lawyer...but not just any lawyer. Find one who specializes in zoning and land use. Check out www.martindale.com for info on lawyers, including ratings by judges and other attorneys. For something like this, I'd use an "AV" rated attorney.

I don't know the laws in your state and I'm not going to give legal advice. Where I practice, there is a short deadline to take action (appeal). You should see an attorney a.s.a.p. in order to protect your rights.

Good luck.

[DCPatriot]

Er..Merry Christmas!

[netmilsmom]

I'm so sorry

[BenLurkin]

Do a title search and talk to a lawyer in your home town. Most attorneys will give you an hour or two at no charge to give you a chance to seek their services (or not).

Ask about whether your property has some form of easement rights in the alley. The title search may turn up a deed granting an easement. Your jurisdiction might even recognize an implied easement or one which was established by force of law through long years of unchallenged use.

[Prophet in the wilderness]

" Also, the city relinquished all responsibility for the alley, so who is going to keep the trash and leaves out of the alley. The city used to come and clean if called, but now since it is a closed alley will they even do that? "

Send the clean up bill to her since she feels she owns the alley.
Also send her the bill for extra cost for the utilities to travel for extra time to get were they have to go, since she feels she owns the alley.

[Nathan Zachary]

Move. The less attention you bring to the alley problem, the better price you will get for your home. Select your new home carefully.

[usmcobra]

She has put a gate on her property, The "Alley" is her driveway.

Have a Merry Christmas.

[don-o]

I hear you, bro. You got rolled; get a neighborhood association formed and lawyer up. I need my alley for parking off street and also for certain deliveries to my home.

[TCats]

"I along with several neighbors are shocked that the desires of one resident trumps the concerns of an entire block."

I take it you've never had the joy of living in a Condominium or Co-operative setting. These hijinks are business as usual for these Boards - Favoritism, stupidity and backstabbing are the norm. Very frustrating and time/effort consuming.

That said, please put this in it's place and don't let it take over your life - Merry Christmas!

[BJungNan]

Here is the solution.

Click Logo

But, be ready for a ton of work to get it through.

[MineralMan]

Advice? See an attorney.

[Jeff Head]

Find a nice present for your neighbor...give it to them and wish them a sincere, Merry Christmas.

Then, several days later...invite them to dinner and enjoy yourselves with them.

A week after that, sit down and talk to them rationally about the issue.

All of that will save you a lot of stress, a lot of legal fees...and it will make a friend and probably solve the problem.

Just my advise. Merry Christmas.

[Hot Tabasco]

I am mad, disappointed, frustrated and really am feeling short-changed. Any advice appreciated

Let go of it for a week or so and hope you don't get socks for the second Christmas in a row......