I live in Chicago on one 'block' lets call it. 5 lots at 30' wide. My house abuts a public city alley to my south, the 5th lot to the north abuts a city street. Lots are 125' deep. 1894 Plat of Survey identifies a 10' wide 'Private Alley' behind our lots and cutting from the public alley on the south to the city street on the north. So there is an alley of sorts behind all of us.
There is also telephone and cable wires running parallel at its edge to and Telephone pole in the middle of the 'block'.
Question; the 2 north properties have used this as an access to the back of their lots for parking, the middle lot is now the same with a new home built. They all access from the north, city street. I use my portion as parking too, but from the public alley on the south. I have a gate (been there for 25 + years) blocking the travel for any through traffic. The 4th property owner immediately adjacent to me on the north, now wants to have me remove the gate so one can drive into her back lot from the public alley. She can get there from the north side as well. I say no. I do not have to open this up and i can use this piece as i see fit.
I am in need of some real help on a description of a "private alley", private rights, adverse possession. Etc,.
I have owned my property for 19 years. Gate was up for at least 6 years when previous owners installed it to stop just what i am asking about. Can you please help or steer me in a good legal direction, thank you
There is also telephone and cable wires running parallel at its edge to and Telephone pole in the middle of the 'block'.
Question; the 2 north properties have used this as an access to the back of their lots for parking, the middle lot is now the same with a new home built. They all access from the north, city street. I use my portion as parking too, but from the public alley on the south. I have a gate (been there for 25 + years) blocking the travel for any through traffic. The 4th property owner immediately adjacent to me on the north, now wants to have me remove the gate so one can drive into her back lot from the public alley. She can get there from the north side as well. I say no. I do not have to open this up and i can use this piece as i see fit.
I am in need of some real help on a description of a "private alley", private rights, adverse possession. Etc,.
I have owned my property for 19 years. Gate was up for at least 6 years when previous owners installed it to stop just what i am asking about. Can you please help or steer me in a good legal direction, thank you
