Who technically owns the end of the stoop, where it flares over to the neighbor?

I’m updating the iron work in front of our brownstone on the stoop to take it back to the original (looking) cast iron, old pattern with the big newel posts on either side.  My problem is that my neighbor is a notoriously difficult old woman and her current fence, extends halfway into the part of the stoop that flares out on the bottom, where the posts normally go.  No amout of reasoning or offers that I’ve made will get her to allow me to cut her fence just a bit (and refinish it), to make room for the post (which would make it look like every other freaking house in the neighborhood).   So unless i just force it and dare her to sue me after, my only option is to place the post in an awkward spot, partially on the lowest stair and partially on the flared out pedestal part of the stoop, where it is supposed to be.  My iron guy swears that in Brooklyn the flared out pedestal part of a property’s stoop is actually that property owner’s.  I haven’t seen any backup for that but would love to get some, if anyone can help.   The block, in Carroll Gardens, is not landmarked.    Thanks.

Colonel

in Lawyers and legal service 13 years and 3 months ago

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Mads54 | 13 years and 3 months ago

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Still with the typos!!! Sorry, am I missing the option to edit a post before submitting same?

Mads54 | 13 years and 3 months ago

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Is your elderly meighbor Italian?  Silly question as you are in Carroll Gardens.  I agree with all of the abpve posters cncerning legal advice, i.e. the deed, property line etc.  But as an Italian-American myself, I say try to befriend her.  Really befriend her.  Not reasoning per se.  If she likes you, she will agree with you. Nu, (hey wait, that’s not Italian-but Italians from Brooklyn also know, Nu) -the old school being a friendly neighbor.  Might take a bit of doing but also might work.

daveinbedstuy | 13 years and 3 months ago

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I agree with elbow.

elbow | 13 years and 3 months ago

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I’m not sure what you should do, but here’s my two cents. Though you should defiinitely check your deed and any surveys you may have, based on the houses I’ve owned, a portion of the front stairs has always extended beyond the lot line and into City owned property.  The owner still has responsibility for fences railing and sidewalks, but the places I owned had 8 to 10 feet of my front stair built beyond my front property line.  Further complicating thngs is the fact that although late 1800’s brownstone type buildngs have side lot lines alligned with the edge of their buildings, the bottom step extends outside that line.    You’re not in a landmarked district, are you? If not, In your case I would be inclined to have a speedy ironworker put in your new newel and railing and adjust hers so that every thing looks proper.  What’s she going to be able to sue you for then?

jockdeboeraia | 13 years and 3 months ago

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Have the survey company come and stake the pl. Anything on your side is yours.

Colonel | 13 years and 3 months ago

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I do but I think it is unclear.  There’s a big dot where the property is indicated to be starting at that is next to the illustration of the steps and I can’t tell exactly how far away from the steps it is meant to be (if at all).  It is really frustrating.

joeo | 13 years and 3 months ago

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Do you have a survey?  That would show the building footprint and the property line.