A narrow strip of land in an Abington neighborhood has become the focus of an unusual property dispute involving the PA Governor, writes The Washington Post.
At issue is a roughly 10-foot-wide section of backyard between Josh Shapiro and his neighbors. The contested area sits near a driveway and stretches into what one side considers part of its yard.
The disagreement surfaced when Shapiro sought to install a security fence, and a land survey revealed that the small peninsula technically belonged to the neighboring property. Shapiro has since filed a claim under Pennsylvania’s long-standing “adverse possession” law, which allows someone to seek ownership of land they have openly maintained for more than 21 years.
According to court filings, Shapiro says his family has mowed the grass, planted trees and cared for the land since moving into the home in 2003. The neighbors, who purchased their property in 2017 and have paid taxes on the disputed portion, argue it remains theirs.
Attempts to negotiate a sale or lease were unsuccessful, and both sides have filed lawsuits. State police, already assigned to the area for security reasons, have occasionally monitored activity near the disputed boundary.
Ultimately, the matter will be decided in court, and could result in one slightly resized backyard.
To learn more about the neighborly dispute in Abington, visit The Washington Post.
