Gayoski, B. & M. v. Kukowski, R. & K. ( 2015 )

J-A14034-15
NON-PRECEDENTIAL DECISION – SEE SUPERIOR COURT I.O.P 65.37
BERNARD A. GAYOSKI AND MICHELE : IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF
GAYOSKI, HIS WIFE, : PENNSYLVANIA
:
Appellants :
:
v. :
:
RONALD MARK KUKOWSKI AND KAREN :
L. KUKOWSKI, HIS WIFE, :
:
Appellees : No. 1292 MDA 2014
Appeal from the Judgment Entered November 7, 2014
in the Court of Common Pleas of Luzerne County,
Civil Division, at No(s): 10224 of 2008
BEFORE: BENDER, P.J.E., JENKINS, and STRASSBURGER,* JJ.
MEMORANDUM BY STRASSBURGER, J.: FILED JULY 23, 2015
Bernard and Michele Gayoski appeal from the November 7, 2014
judgment entered against them and in favor of Ronald and Karen Kukowski
in this boundary dispute case. We affirm.
The trial court summarized the underlying facts as follows.
The instant matter involves a property dispute between
two adjoining neighbors. The [Gayoskis] own and reside at 77
Austin Avenue, Wilkes-Barre, Pa. while the [Kukowskis] own and
reside at 75 Austin Avenue, Wilkes-Barre, Pa. The [Gayoskis’]
title was purchased in 1999, some fifteen years prior to this
case. [Karen Kukowski’s] parents owned their property from
1972 with transfer of title to the [Kukowskis] in 1989.
Both properties abut a twenty (20’) foot alley in the rear.
The dispute involves the use of an access area to the alley along
a boundary of the two adjoining parcels.
*Retired Senior Judge assigned to the Superior Court.
J-A14034-15
The [Kukowskis’] parents had accessed the alley along the
strip of land since the purchase of the property in 1972. There
correspondingly exists a narrow paved walkway traversing the
boundary and ending at the alley. The parents established an
oral agreement with the [Gayoskis’] predecessor in title to place
a “boundary fence” partially along the property line. As [placing
all of the fencing along] the boundary line as surveyed would
interfere with both parties’ use of the rear access[,] the fence
was constructed in 1976 [partially on the property of the
Gayoskis’ predecessor1]. Said fence exists at present and was
viewed by the [trial c]ourt.
Although not extending to the rear alley, the fence, if
extended, distinguishes the agreed line and allows both parties
access to their properties from the rear alley. In exchange, the
1
We offer the following visual aid: an excerpt of a survey offered at trial
(which we have modified by labeling the parties’ properties and identifying in
several spots the boundary line, fence, and paved area) showing the rears of
the properties adjacent to the alley.
-2-
J-A14034-15
[Kukowskis’] parents allowed the [Gayoskis’] predecessor in title
a portion of their front property bordering Austin Avenue.[2]
This physical arrangement has existed since the late
1970’s.
The [Gayoskis] acquired their property in 1999. Until 2007
the neighbors lived peacefully and access to the rear alley
continued for [the Kukowskis].
Late in 2007 the [Gayoskis] applied for a Zoning Variance
before the City of Wilkes-Barre Zoning Hearing Board. The
[Kukowskis] appeared at the Hearing and opposed the
application and the City of Wilkes-Barre Zoning Hearing Board
denied the [Gayoskis’] application. The parties hereto thence
2
An excerpt of the survey noted in footnote 1 (modified to highlight the
boundary line and the fence) showing the portions of the properties adjacent
to Austin Avenue.
-3-
J-A14034-15
ended their neighborly co-existence and the relationship
deteriorated.
Early in 2008 the [Gayoskis] began the construction of a
new fence from the rear alley extending along the property
boundary line. The boundary was surveyed and pinned by a
registered land surveyor (Glen J. Johnson). The location of the
proposed fence is the surveyed boundary line. The line shows a
twenty-three (23') foot strip of land which has been open and
used by the [Kukowskis] as belonging to the [Gayoskis]. The
fence as to be constructed would not allow the [Kukowskis] to
access the rear alley as they had since 1972 and [would deny]
them access from the alley to the paved walkway.
Subsequently and as expected in these neighbor disputes,
the [Kukowskis] undertook to remove the supporting posts
placed by the [Gayoskis] to construct the fence. The [Gayoskis]
responded with this case filing seeking the establishment of their
survey boundary and the establishment of their fence and
monetary damages for the [Kukowskis’] interference and
removal of the fence posts.
Trial Court Opinion, 6/30/2014, at 1-2 (footnotes added).
The Kukowskis raised counterclaims seeking a declaration of their
rights under the doctrine of consentable boundaries or by a prescriptive
easement, and an injunction against the Gayoskis’ trespass.
The parties presented their claims at a non-jury trial on November 25,
2013. The trial court permitted the parties to file supplemental proposed
findings of fact and conclusions of law following their receipt of the trial
transcript. On June 30, 2014, the trial court entered an order granting the
Kukowskis’ counterclaim for declaratory relief under the doctrine of
consentable boundaries; denying the Gayoskis’ request for declaratory
-4-
J-A14034-15
judgment; and awarding the Gayoskis $895 in damages from the Kukowskis
for damage done to the Gayoskis’ personal property.
The Gayoskis timely filed a motion for post-trial relief, seeking
judgment notwithstanding the verdict (JNOV) or a new trial. The trial court
denied the motion by order of July 16, 2014. The Gayoskis timely filed a
notice of appeal.3 The trial court ordered them to file a concise statement of
errors complained of on appeal, and the Gayoskis timely responded with a
four-page, 24-issue statement of errors. The Gayoskis have condensed their
complaints to the following four issues on appeal, which we have reordered
for ease of disposition:
[1.] Whether the trial court committed plain error in its finding
that 23 feet of land was involved in this matter, and not the 23
inches as was determined by testimony at trial?
[2.] Whether the trial court erred in its findings regarding the
doctrine of consentable boundaries and by permitting tacking?
[3.] Whether the trial court erred and abused its discretion by
denying [the Gayoskis’] request for a declaratory judgment?
[4.] Whether the trial court erred in its failure to award [the
Gayoskis] the attorney’s fees and full measure of their damages?
Gayoskis’ Brief at 3 (unnecessary capitalization and suggested answers
omitted).
Our standard of review of the denial of post-trial relief is as follows:
3
Judgment was subsequently entered on November 7, 2014.
-5-
J-A14034-15
A JNOV can be entered upon two bases: (1) where the movant is
entitled to judgment as a matter of law; and/or, (2) the evidence
was such that no two reasonable minds could disagree that the
verdict should have been rendered for the movant. When
reviewing a trial court’s denial of a motion for JNOV, we must
consider all of the evidence admitted to decide if there was
sufficient competent evidence to sustain the verdict. In so
doing, we must also view this evidence in the light most
favorable to the verdict winner, giving the victorious party the
benefit of every reasonable inference arising from the evidence
and rejecting all unfavorable testimony and inference.
Concerning any questions of law, our scope of review is plenary.
Concerning questions of credibility and weight accorded the
evidence at trial, we will not substitute our judgment for that of
the finder of fact. If any basis exists upon which the [court]
could have properly made its award, then we must affirm the
trial court’s denial of the motion for JNOV. A JNOV should be
entered only in a clear case.
Our review of the trial court’s denial of a new trial is limited to
determining whether the trial court acted capriciously, abused its
discretion, or committed an error of law that controlled the
outcome of the case. In making this determination, we must
consider whether, viewing the evidence in the light most
favorable to the verdict winner, a new trial would produce a
different verdict. Consequently, if there is any support in the
record for the trial court’s decision to deny a new trial, that
decision must be affirmed.
Grossi v. Travelers Pers. Ins. Co., 79 A.3d 1141, 1147-48 (Pa. Super.
2013) (quoting Wilson v. Transp. Ins. Co., 889 A.2d 563, 568–569 (Pa.
Super. 2005)).
The Gayoskis first complain that the trial court committed a clear error
in making a factual finding that the strip of land at issue was 23 feet wide,
arguing that the “clear, undisputed testimony” showed that the strip was 23
inches wide. Gayoskis’ Brief at 12-13.
-6-
J-A14034-15
The trial court did state in one place in its opinion that the survey
showed “a twenty-three (23’) foot strip of land.” Trial Court Opinion,
6/30/2014, at 2. However, the same opinion later refers to “the contested
approximately two (2) feet strip of land.” Id. at 3. Furthermore, the trial
court found that the new boundary was established “by the long standing
access walkway and the position of the 1976 fence,” items which no one
disputes are 23 inches, not 23 feet, from the boundary line indicated by the
deeds. We are convinced that the single reference to a 23’ strip of land was
a mere typographical error which ultimately had no impact on the verdict or
judgment.4 Accordingly, the Gayoskis are entitled to no relief. Accord
Com., Dep’t of Transp. v. Sutton, 660 A.2d 46, 49 (Pa. 1995) (holding
argument was meritless where erroneous listing of a date was immaterial).
We next consider the Gayoskis’ second and third issues: whether the
trial court erred in determining that the Kukowskis gained title to the land
between the fence and their house, as well as to the paved area, by the
doctrine of consentable boundaries rather than holding that the Gayoskis
were entitled to a declaration that they owned the 23-inch strip of land in
question. Gayoskis’ Brief at 14-21. The Gayoskis’ argument is composed of
a confusing amalgamation of various doctrines of property law. See, e.g.,
4
Indeed, the Gayoskis in their brief to this Court committed the same
typographical error. See Gayoskis’ Brief at 16 (“The Deed to the Kukowskis
granted their house and lot, but did not convey land, a license or easement
across the 23’ strip of land in question.”).
-7-
J-A14034-15
Gayoskis’ Brief at 14-15 (“In order for the lower court to find that the
Kukowskis should win lands actually deeded to the Gayoskis by way of the
doctrine of consentable boundaries, the [Kukowskis] were required to
establish adverse possession by actual, open, notorious, exclusive and
continuous possession of the Gayoski property which is hostile and under
claim of right or color of title.”) (unnecessary capitalization omitted).
This Court has summarized the law regarding the doctrine of
consentable boundaries as follows:
The establishment of a boundary line by acquiescence for
the statutory period of twenty-one years has long been
recognized in Pennsylvania to quiet title and discourage
vexatious litigation. Based upon a rule of repose sometimes
known as the doctrine of consentable line, the existence of such
a boundary may be proved either by dispute and compromise
between the parties or recognition and acquiescence by one
party of the right and title of the other. …
“Acquiescence,” in the context of a dispute over real
property, denotes passive conduct on the part of the lawful
owner consisting of failure on his part to assert his paramount
rights or interests against the hostile claims of the adverse user.
A determination of consentable line by acquiescence requires a
finding 1) that each party has claimed the land on his side of the
line as his own and 2) that he or she has occupied the land on
his side of the line for a continuous period of 21 years. …
[W]hen a consentable line is established, the land behind such a
line becomes the property of each neighbor regardless of what
the deed specifies. In essence, each neighbor gains marketable
title to that land behind the line, some of which may not have
been theirs under their deeds.
Moore v. Moore, 921 A.2d 1, 4-5 (Pa. Super. 2007) (quotations and
citations omitted). Furthermore, “because the finding of a consentable line
-8-
J-A14034-15
depends upon possession rather than ownership, proof of the passage of
sufficient time may be shown by tacking the current claimant’s tenancy to
that of his predecessor.” Id. at 5.
Here, the record contains the following evidence in support of the trial
court’s verdict. In 1972, Judith Kryeski and her husband bought the house
at 75 Austin Avenue. N.T., 11/25/2013, at 88. At the time, Albert and Mary
Newman lived at 77 Austin Avenue, and no fences separated the properties.
Id. at 88-89.
In 1976, the Kryeskis got a large dog and decided to fence in their
yard to keep the dog on their property. Id. at 89. However, because of the
proximity of their house to the boundary line in the rear of the property,
putting the fence along the surveyed boundary line would have prevented
the Kryeskis from accessing the alley behind the house, which is where the
garage is located and how the Kryeski children walked to school. Id. at 90-
91. Further, because of the proximity of the Newmans’ house to the
boundary line in the front of the property, putting the fence along the
surveyed line there would have interfered with the Newmans’ access to their
gas meter and foundation of their house. Id. at 93-94. Therefore, the
Kryeskis, with the Newmans’ approval, had the fence installed such that it
deviated from the boundary line in the front and the rear of the properties.
-9-
J-A14034-15
From 1976 to 1989, when the Kryeskis sold their property to the
Kukowskis, the Kryeskis and Newmans treated the fence as the boundary
line, with each maintaining the property on their respective side. Id. at 95-
96, 103. This understanding of the fence as the boundary line continued
when the Kukowskis became owners of 75 Austin Avenue. Id. at 111.
When the Gayoskis purchased 77 Austin Avenue from the Newmans in
1999, the Gayoskis believed that the fence delineated the boundary line
between their property and that of the Kukowskis. Id. at 18, 29. From
1999 to 2007, the Gayoskis and Kukowskis continued to treat the fence as
the boundary line. Id. at 27.
Thus, the undisputed evidence showed that the owners of the
respective properties treated the fence as the boundary line, and maintained
the land on their side of it, continuously, for the 31 years from 1976 to
2007. Applying the doctrine of consentable boundaries quoted above to
these facts, the trial court properly determined that the line of the 1976
fence became the boundary between the properties. As a result, the
Gayoskis and Kukowskis each hold marketable title to the land on their
respective sides of the fence line, regardless of what the deeds provide.
Moore, 921 A.2d at 5. See also Zeglin v. Gahagen, A.2d 558, 561 (Pa.
2002) (quoting Reiter v. McJunkin, 33 A. 1012 (Pa. 1896) (“After 21 years
of occupancy up to a fence on each side as a line fence, it is not material to
- 10 -
J-A14034-15
inquire whether the fence is on the right line or not.”); Plauchak v. Boling,
653 A.2d 671, 677 (Pa. Super. 1995) (“We therefore conclude that the
Bolings are estopped from denying the boundary line to which their
predecessors in title acquiesced for more than twenty-one years.”).
Accordingly, the Gayoskis’ second and third issues entitle them to no relief.
The Gayoskis’ final argument, that the trial court erred in failing to
award them more money, is premised upon this Court having found
reversible error as a result of one of their prior claims. See Gayoskis’ Brief
at 22 (requesting remand for entry of additional damages and attorney fees
if this Court reverses all or part of the trial court’s decision). Because we
find no such error, remand for the award of damages or fees is unwarranted.
Judgment affirmed.
Judgment Entered.
Joseph D. Seletyn, Esq.
Prothonotary
Date: 7/23/2015
- 11 -