Backyard cinderblock wall along property line issue

I share a cinderblock wall with a rental building that goes along the property line, parallel to our party wall. They want to tear the exterior (backyard) wall down and replace it as part of an apartment and backyard renovation. While it may be a bit cracked in places, any issues are due to the roots from three very large trees (60′ plus) in their backyard, which have now been removed. I am fine with it the way it is. I have wooden fencing attached to it so I don’t stare at the cinderblock. Am I under any obligation to go along with their plans, and more specifically, pay for half? Can they simply tear it down without my permission? Thanks as always….

housepoor

in General Discussion 6 years and 2 months ago

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GreenThinker | 6 years and 2 months ago

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Best to get a property line survey done, 450-750 dollars and you’ll get a schematic of whats what. They probably already have their own done at this point, if they come back to you saying they need/want to do this, request that they show you this document. At the end of the day, they need your permission if they plan to even set a foot on your yard in order to work on this wall.

housepoor | 6 years and 2 months ago

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OP here. The wall appears to extend directly parallel from the party wall, so I am assuming half belongs to me, half to the neighbor. And their building permit and landmarks approval says it is interior work only.

GreenThinker | 6 years and 2 months ago

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If it’s on there side of the property line and the DOB accepts their plans, they can certainly tear it down without your permission. Rarely are these walls centered in the middle of the property line, the wall is either on your side of the line, or on their side, plus or minus a inch here or there. And they certainly wouldn’t get you to get to pay for half the cost if you didn’t freely agree, nor should you.

saba

in General Discussion 6 years and 2 months ago

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These party line issues are tricky. NY law doesn’t seem to help much. I only know (from a lot of time at the DOB) that they have no obligation to build a fence or wall that is attractive to your side (I’m about to post my own question about this). I wish that I had protested more vigorously when the building behind us pulled down a wooden fence which I wasn’t sure if it was ours or theirs. I hope it works out okay for you.