Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Virginia

Land dispute with City

I am currently in a dispute with the city whereby we (the city and I ) apparently have claim to the same vacant property. (A home sat on the property for more than 80 years.)It has been in my family for years and we have been paying taxes, upkeep, etc. The city has been doing road construction adjacent to the property for the past 2 months and has in essence disturbed the vacant lot. (Making it less valuable to me) My deed is on record and traceable back to 1888. The city (attorney) claims that when the city was chartered in 1892 the vacant lot area was mapped out as a city street and that the city never abandoned the area. I do not understand how a city can say they have claim to astreet on a map in 1892 and yet my deed is from 1888 for the same property. The attorney said that I could take them to court to see who has Superior title to the vacant land. Wouldn't an 1888 deed superceed an 1892 City charter? Sorry to drag on! Need advice/suggestions!


Asked on 12/12/07, 6:19 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Michael Hendrickson Law Office Michael E. Hendrickson

Re: Land dispute with City

Better get an attorney to represent and advise you on this issue; one who is knowledgeable and experienced in real property, zoning and local land use laws in the area where this property is located. (It would seem that whoever drew up the charter for the city in 1892 may have erred.)

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Answered on 12/13/07, 7:33 am


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