What would you do? (property infringement)

Uniform Commercial Code. Don't remember chapter and verse on it.

Not saying verbal agreements aren't the basis for many a land decision. Just that they aren't legally binding.

Weaver Rose,
What part of Indiana are you from?
We are in Franklin, just south of Indy.
Clove

I dont think ther UCC applies uniformly nationwide.

I agree with SusieM, and I'm not at all surprized they took that liberty in the first place.

I get the feeling that they are acting under the "its always easier to get forgiveness than it is permission" doctrine.

If it were me (and I am a former treasurer and vestry member of my church so this is not an anti-church or anti-religion item for me in anyway) I would chain the drive. I would put a sign up facing the Church stating that the Church STOLE YOUR PROPERTY. I would then put another sign stating the same thing facing the road. Regardless of whether the person who spoke to you at the pizza parlor thought you gave full permission or not, the fact that they did not come to you for legal permission of some sort before building the road proves their intent in my mind. And my guess would be that very few if any of the parishioners are aware of it. We had stuff all the time that went on where the parishioners had no idea what the vestry was doing. I was always real vocal at coffee hour about things so everyone knew. I hate it when people play fast and loose with others property. If you want to donate YOUR land to them and detract from the value of your property that is your decision. But the way to do that is to ask nicely and offer to pay. Not build a road without asking. This would REALLY tick me off. Good luck!

Well, we think it's all going to turn out fine. We met with them over at the church this morning, and they started out with an apology. After some discussion we agreed that it was a miscommunication, and that we would like the road to be removed from our property and the sod put back. They are going to do that, so all is well that ends well. They were very nice about it, of course it helps that I grew up with all of them, and we and they want to maintain a good neighboring relationship, so I'm grateful. I appreciate everyone's input and ideas, and especially the prayers (even my mom said she was praying about it, wow). Thanks to everyone!

'Miscommunication' my butt. Please put up a fence.

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Susie, WeaverRose is being gracious and forgiving while standing firm on their rights as owners of the property.

Allowing the church to save face by using the term miscommunication is a way of keeping them as good neighbours. Having good neighbours goes a lot further than a fence ever will.

Yes, I know. How she went about diplomatically solving the problem was lovey. But good fences make good neighbors.

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