Downey Oil Company, Inc. v. Slyreal Properties, Inc.

Excerpt

This appeal concerns a dispute over an easement agreement ("the Agreement"). In 1995, Samir F. Mishu and Faud E. Mishu, d/b/a M&M Investments ("M&M"), conveyed the eastern parcel of certain land it owned to Excellent Properties, L.P. ("Excellent"). The parties also entered into the Agreement, which provided for a future easement that would connect their properties. The easement's precise location and dimensions were undefined. Years passed, both properties put in curbing without cuts on their boundaries, and the easement went unutilized. In 2015, Downey Oil Company, Inc. ("Downey"), then lessee of the western parcel, sought for the first time to construct and use the easement. Slyreal Properties, Inc. ("Slyreal"), then owner of the eastern parcel, refused. Downey and M&M ("Plaintiffs," collectively) brought suit against Slyreal, Pinnacle Bank and Hugh Queener, trustee ("Defendants," collectively) in the Chancery Court for Knox County ("the Trial Court"). Defendants asserted adverse possession and abandonment. After a trial, the Trial Court ruled for Defendants. Plaintiffs appeal. We find and hold, inter alia, that Defendants failed to prove by clear and convincing evidence that the easement was extinguished by adverse possession or that it was abandoned by Plaintiffs. We reverse the judgment of the Trial Court, and remand for a determination of the easement's location and dimensions.