My question involves real estate located in the State of Pennsylvania
Directly next to our property line is a 20 foot right of way and then the neighboring property line. This right of way is used as our side yard. We have cut the grass and cared for this piece of property as our own for 10.5 years....as did the other home owners during the previous 55 years prior to us. In fact, their is a tree line established between our property and the neighboring property. We always new that this right of way could be used at any time by the township in order to reach the sewer lines that flow underneath. Any structures that were placed on the right of way as we were told needed to be moveable structures.
There was never an issue until now. New neighbors have moved in and rumor has it they are now trying to "aquire" this right of way. Obviously they would not be able to purchase this land... But, what I would like to know is do they have rights to half of the 20 feet? Could they legally try to make 10 feet of the 20 feet their yard?
Is there some kind of grandfather clause that would protect our "side yard" from them claiming half. Do the 70 years that our yard has been like this and has been cared for like this mean anything? They would essentially have to come through the tree lined row to care for this 10 feet...not to mention they would be practically sitting in my living room. Thanks so much for your insight.

