Restrictive Covenant Was Part of a Common Development Scheme and Was Enforceable by All Property Owners In the Subdivision
The Second Department determined a restrictive covenant requiring that one parcel in a subdivision remain undeveloped was enforceable by property owners in the subdivision. The covenant was part of a common development scheme created for the benefit of all property owners. The covenant stated that the parcel “shall be maintained . . . in perpetuity as open space preserving same in its present natural condition and not permitting or causing thereon any construction, improvements or alterations of the existing natural state of the premises. This restriction shall run with the land in perpetuity.” Defendants were seeking to build an access road across the parcel. The Second Department explained: . “The law has long favored free and unencumbered use of real property, and covenants restricting use are strictly construed against those seeking to enforce them … . Courts will enforce such restraints only where the party seeking enforcement establishes their application by clear and convincing evidence … . However, where proved by clear and convincing evidence, they are to be enforced pursuant to their clear meaning…”. [internal quotations omitted] Fader v Taconic Tract Dev., LLC, 2015 NY Slip Op 04272, 2nd Dept 5-20-15