Adverse Possession Not Demonstrated

In reversing the adverse-possession ruling in favor of the plaintiffs, because the proof showed only non-exclusive, sporadic and incomplete use of the land, the Third Department wrote:

…[W]e conclude that plaintiffs’ vague testimony did not establish by clear and convincing evidence that they ever cultivated and improved the entire .17 acre of the disputed area, or that they usually cultivated and improved even a small portion of the disputed area for the full 10-year requisite time period. That is, the minimal and sporadic use that was demonstrated is insufficient, as a matter of law, to constitute the requisite cultivation or improvement …. Further, in light of Powell’s testimony that he cared for the disputed area for defendants, plaintiffs cannot establish the “exclusivity” element, which requires a showing that “the adverse possessor . . . alone care[d] for or improve[d] the disputed property as if it were his/her own”….  Robbins v Schiff, 514749, 3rd Dept, 5-9-13