HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-5045
GNANA M. CHINNIAH aIkIa
GNANACHANDRA M. CHINNIAH,
Plaintiff,
: IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
: CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
v.
; No. ())-50lfS'
CIVIL TERM
KENNETH L. BRETZ aIkIa KENNETH : CIVIL ACTION
L. BRETZ, SR. and GAIL ILENE
BRETZ, husband and wife, and MARY
ANN BRETZ,
Defendants.
NOTICE TO DEFEND
You have been sued in court, If you wish to defend against the claims set forth in the
following pages, you must take action within twenty (20) days after this complaint, order and
notice are served, by entering a written appearance personally or by attorney and by filing in
writing with the court your defenses or objections to the claims set forth against you, You are
warned that if you fail to do so the case may proceed without you and a judgment may be entered
against you by the court without further notice for any money claimed in the complaint or for
any other claim or relief requested by the plaintiff. You may lose money or property or other
rights important to you,
YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS PAPER TO YOUR LAWYER AT ONCE. IF YOU
DO NOT HAVE A LAWYER, OR CANNOT AFFORD ONE, GO TO OR TELEPHONE
THE OFFICE SET FORTH BELOW TO FIND OUT WHERE YOU CAN GET LEGAL
HELP.
Cumberland County Lawyer Referral Service
32 South Bedford Street
Carlisle, Pennsylvania 17013
(717) 249-3166
Americans with Disabilities
Act of ] 990
The Court of Common Pleas of Cumberland County is required by law to comply with the
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. For information about accessible facilities and reasonable
accommodations available to disabled individuals having business before the court, please contact our
office, All arrangements must be made at least 72 hours prior to any hearing or business before the court.
You must attend the scheduled conference or hearing.
GNANA M. CHINNIAH aIkIa
GNANACHANDRA M. CHINNIAH,
Plaintiff,
: IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
: CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
.
: No. OJ. 5u'!f
KENNETH L. BRETZ aIkIa KENNETH : CIVIL ACTION
L. BRETZ, SR. and GAIL ILENE
BRETZ, husband and wife, and MARY
ANN BRETZ,
v.
CIVIL TERM
Defendants.
COMPLAINT
AND NOW COMES the Plaintiff, Gnana M, Chinniah alk/a Gnanachandra M, Chinniah,
by and through his attorneys, Irwin & McKnight, to make the following Complaint and in
support thereof avers as follows:
I. Plaintiff, Gnana M, Chinniah alk/a Gnanachandra M, Chinniah, is an adult
individual with a principal residence located at 506 Erford Road, Camp Hill, Cumberland
County, Pennsylvania 170 II.
2, Defendants Kenneth L. Bretz alk/a Kenneth L. Bretz, Sf. and Gail nene Bretz are
husband and wife with their principal residence located at 26 Riverview Drive, Enola,
Cumberland County, Pennsylvania 17025,
3, Defendant Mary Ann Bretz is the mother of Defendant Kenneth L. Bretz and is an
adult individual with her principal residence located at 40 Creekside Drive, Enola, Cumberland
County, Pennsylvania 17025,
4, Defendant Mary Ann Bretz was married to Vance W, Bretz until his death on or
about May 21, 1996,
2
5. Defendant Mary Ann Bretz and her husband became owners of certain land along
Creekside Drive by deed dated January 25,1950, and recorded January 30,1950, in the Office of
the Recorder of Deeds for Cumberland County in Deed Book "J", Volume 14, Page 23.
6, On or about June 27, 1975, Defendant Mary Ann Bretz and her husband had a
Subdivision Plan prepared for the property by Ronald S, Raffensperger, Registered Surveyor,
(hereinafter the "Plan"), which Plan is recorded in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds for
Cumberland County in Plan Book 27, Page 63,
7, The Plan subdivided the property owned by Defendant Mary Ann Bretz and her
husband into two lots, namely, Lot No, 1, with an address of 36 Creekside Drive, Enola,
Cumberland County, Pennsylvania (sometimes hereinafter referred to as the "Plaintiff's parcel"),
and Lot No, 2, with an address of 40 Creekside Drive, Enola, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania
(sometimes hereinafter referred to as the "Defendants' parcel").
8, Prior to June 27, 1975, both Plaintiff's parcel and Defendants' parcel had
common ownership, with Defendant Mary Ann Bretz and her now deceased husband having fee
simple ownership of both tracts,
9, The Plan notes the presence of a 2-story aluminum building on the Defendants'
parcel, in which Defendant Mary Ann Bretz continues to reside,
10. The Plan also notes the presence of a block ranch home on the Plaintiff's parcel.
II. Shortly after the Plan was prepared, Defendant Mary Ann Bretz and her husband
conveyed the Plaintiff's parcel in fee simple to their son, Vance W, Bretz, Jr., and his wife,
Linda Lee Bretz, by deed dated December 9, 1975, and recorded January 12, 1976, in the Office
ofthe Recorder of Deeds for Cumberland County in Deed Book "K", Volume 26, Page 348,
3
12. Upon information and belief, the son and daughter-in-law of Defendant Mary Ann
Bretz began residing upon Plaintiffs parcel in or about 1975, and owned the property until its
sale to Plaintiff in 2005.
13, The property was conveyed in fee simple to Plaintiff by deed dated May 20, 2005,
and recorded May 25, 2005, in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds for Cumberland County in
Deed Book 269, Page 92, A time-stamped copy of the said deed to Plaintiff is attached hereto
and incorporated herein as Exhibit "A."
14. Defendants' parcel was conveyed by Defendant Mary Ann Bretz to her other son
and daughter-in-law, Defendants Kenneth L. Bretz and Gail Ilene Bretz, in fee simple by deed
dated June 9, 2000, and recorded June 9, 2000, in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds for
Cumberland County in Deed Book 223, Page 55, A true and correct copy of the said deed
between Defendants is attached hereto and incorporated herein as Exhibit "B."
15. Upon information and belief, by written or oral agreement or license Defendant
Kenneth L. Bretz permits his mother to continue to reside upon Defendants' parcel.
16. The Plaintiff s parcel and Defendants' parcel are adjacent and contiguous, with
the common boundary being the southern boundary of Plaintiffs parcel and the northern
boundary of Defendants' parcel,
17. Both parcels have frontage along Creekside Drive which is now a state road, not
an East Pennsboro Township road.
18. However, there is a steep grade from the home on Plaintiffs parcel leading up to
the edge of Creekside Drive, as well as a guardrail along most of the right of way between the
home and road,
19, The rear of both parcels borders along the Conodoguinet Creek.
4
20. Therefore, the sole means of access from Creekside Drive to Plaintiffs parcel is
through the existing road and parking lot on Defendants' parcel.
21. Upon information and belief, the only means of access that has ever been utilized
to reach Plaintiffs parcel is from the existing driveway and parking lot on Defendants' parcel.
22, Following the purchase by Plaintiff of Lot No. I in May 2005, Plaintiff continued
to use the existing driveway and parking lot in order to access his property,
23, Plaintiff has recently been expending significant sums in repairing and improving
the home which has existed on the property since approximately 1975,
24, It was only when Plaintiff was nearing the end of his improvements to the
property that Defendants have placed "No Trespassing" signs and physically blocked the
entrance to the driveway from Creekside Drive with various vehicles and trailers,
25, In contradiction to the continued use of the easement by Plaintiff and his
predecessors in title, on or about September 4, 2005, Defendants threatened to block Plaintiff s
vehicles that were parked in the parking lot and contacted the police in order to force Plaintiff s
removal from the driveway and parking lot.
26, Plaintiff has secured the necessary permits and approvals, but is unable to proceed
with connection of the home to the public sewer system by virtue of Defendants' wrongful
actions,
27, Despite the many years of use of the driveway and parking lot as the sole means
of access to Plaintiffs' parcel, Defendants have willfully and wrongfully deprived Plaintiff of the
right to use this driveway and parking lot by physically blocking the entrance to the driveway
with various vehicles and trailers, placing "No Trespassing" signs, and by verbally threatening
Plaintiff.
5
28. Defendants' willful and wrongful actions have greatly harmed Plaintiff by
effectively preventing him from having any reasonable access to his property and by preventing
him from being able to complete his improvements,
COUNT I - EASEMENT BY IMPLICATION
29, The averments of fact alleged in items one (1) through twenty-eight (28) of this
Complaint are made a part hereof and incorporated herein by reference.
30, In 1975, Defendant Mary Ann Bretz and her now deceased husband subdivided
their property along Creekside Drive in order that their son and daughter-in-law could construct
and own a home on the subdivided lot now owned by Plaintiff.
31, Upon information and belief, the only access from Creekside Drive to the
subdivided parcel at the time of severance was across the driveway and parking area on
Defendants' parcel.
32, The only existing access from Creekside Drive to Plaintiffs parcel remains across
the driveway and parking area on Defendants' parcel.
33, The use of the driveway and parking lot across Defendants' parcel has been
continuous and obvious at least since 1975 when a home was constructed on the subdivided
parcel.
34, The driveway and parking lot are visible from the home on Defendants' parcel,
and in fact both are still used by all of the Defendants for access to their own home and other
improvements.
35, Defendants have known that the continued use of the driveway and parking area
is necessary for the continued access to and use of Plaintiff s parcel.
6
36, Defendant Mary Ann Bretz continues to live and reside upon Defendants' parcel,
and knows that the sole means of access from Creekside Drive to Plaintiffs parcel is across the
driveway and parking lot used by her other son and daughter-in-law since at least 1975.
37, Defendants Kenneth L. Bretz aJk/a Kenneth L. Bretz, Sf. and Gail Ilene Bretz
knew of the presence of the subdivided lot and improvements thereon at the time of the
conveyance of Defendants' parcel to them in June 2000.
38, Defendants Kenneth L. Bretz aJk/a Kenneth L. Bretz, Sr, and Gail Ilene Bretz
knew or should have reasonably been expected to know that the existing driveway and parking
lot were the sole means of access to Plaintiff's parcel.
39, At the time of conveyance of Defendants' parcel in June 2000, Plaintiffs parcel
was still owned by the other son and daughter-in-law of Defendant Mary Ann Bretz.
40, A reasonably prudent investigation would have revealed the existence of the use
of the driveway and parking area to access Plaintiffs parcel, as well as the need to continue to
use said access for the reasonable usefulness and enjoyment of Plaintiffs parcel and the existing
improvements thereon.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff respectfully requests that this Honorable Court:
a. Declare the existing driveway and parking area an express and enforceable right
of way for the benefit of ingress, egress and regress over Defendants' land by
Plaintiff and his successors in interest;
b, Order Defendants to remove the obstructions and signs which have been placed
and created across the right of way by reason of Defendants' actions;
c, Enjoin and restrain Defendants and their agents, employees, assigns and
successors in interest from further interfering with Dr obstructing Plaintiff s
easement Dr right of way existing over the driveway and parking area crossing
over and existing upon Defendants' parcel;
7
d, Alternatively, award Plaintiff damages for deprivation of the reasonable use of his
properties;
e. Retain jurisdiction to ascertain that the Court's decree is obeyed; and
f, Award such other and further relief as this Court may deem appropriate, proper,
necessary and just.
COUNT II - EASEMENT BY NECESSITY
41. The averments of fact alleged in items one (1) through forty (40) of this
Complaint are made a part hereof and incorporated herein by reference,
42, Prior to 1975, Defendant Mary Ann Bretz and her now deceased husband owned
the entire property at issue in this matter.
43, In 1975, Defendant Mary Ann Bretz and her now deceased husband subdivided
their property and conveyed one of the tracts to their son and daughter-in-law for the
construction of a residence.
44. The driveway and parking area crossing the Defendants' parcel was necessary in
1975 for access to and use of the subdivided parcel conveyed to Plaintiffs predecessor in
interest.
45, The driveway and parking area crossing the Defendants' parcel continue to be
necessary for access to and use of the Plaintiffs' parcel.
46. Because of the location and natural boundaries of the Plaintiff s parcel, the sole
means of access from Creekside Drive to Plaintiffs parcel is through the existing road and
parking lot on Defendants' parcel.
47. Because of the location and natural boundaries of the Plaintiff s parcel, Creekside
Drive is the only public road to provide access thereto.
8
48, The access across the existing driveway and parking area to Plaintiffs parcel is
not a mere matter of convenience, but is a matter of strict necessity because of the location and
boundaries of the property,
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff respectfully requests that this Honorable Court:
a, Declare the existing driveway and parking area an express and enforceable right
of way for the benefit of ingress, egress and regress over Defendants' land by
Plaintiff and his successors in interest;
b, Order Defendants to remove the obstructions and signs which have been placed
and created across the right of way by reason of Defendants' actions;
c, Enjoin and restrain Defendants and their agents, employees, assigns and
successors in interest from further interfering with or obstructing Plaintiff s
easement or right of way existing over the driveway and parking area crossing
over and existing upon Defendants' parcel;
d, Alternatively, award Plaintiff damages for deprivation of the reasonable use of his
properties;
e, Retain jurisdiction to ascertain that the Court's decree is obeyed; and
f, Award such other and further relief as this Court may deem appropriate, proper,
necessary and just.
COUNT III - ADVERSE EASEMENT
49, The averments of fact alleged in items one (I) through forty-eight (48) of this
Complaint are made a part hereof and incorporated herein by reference,
50. In the alternative, the use of the existing driveway and parking area since the
subdivision of the properties and construction of a second residence in 1975, show that the
access from Creekside Drive has been in existence for more than twenty-one (21) years,
51. Plaintiff and his predecessors in title, namely the son and daughter-in-law of
Defendant Mary Ann Bretz, have enjoyed a free and uninterrupted easement or right of way
9
across and on the existing driveway and parking area crossing Defendant's land for more than
twenty-one (21) years,
52. Plaintiff and his predecessors in title have enjoyed the free and uninterrupted
easement or right of way for the purpose of ingress, egress and regress by vehicle and foot to
enter and enjoy Plaintiffs parcel for more than twenty-one (21) years.
53, The use by Plaintiff and his predecessors in title of the existing driveway and
parking area on Defendants' parcel was open, visible, notorious, uninterrupted and adverse for a
period well exceeding twenty-one (21) years,
54. Through the use of the driveway and parking area by himself and his predecessors
in title, Plaintiff has thereby acquired a prescriptive easement or right of way over driveway and
parking area crossing and existing upon Defendants' land.
55. Solely as a result of Defendants' intentional acts, namely the placement of
vehicles and signs across the driveway from Creekside Drive, reasonable and open passage to
Plaintiffs parcel has been impeded, obstructed, blocked, and otherwise altered.
56, On September 9,2005, Defendant Kenneth L. Bretz alk/a Kenneth L. Bretz, Sr,
threatened to block Plaintiff s vehicles from leaving the existing parking area and returning to
Creekside Drive.
57. On that same date, Defendant Kenneth L. Bretz alk/a Kenneth L. Bretz, Sr.
contacted the East Pennsboro Township police in order to further threaten Plaintiff and force him
to remove his vehicles from the existing easement or right of way,
58, Defendants' actions in obstructing Plaintiffs easement or right of way and
depriving Plaintiff of the reasonable use thereof has caused and continues to cause Plaintiff
10
irreparable harm by preventing open, passable and unobstructed use of said right of way and
thereby preventing reasonable access and use of Plaintiff s parcel and improvements.
59. By reason of Defendants' actions, Plaintiff has been deprived of the reasonably
open and unobstructed passage across the existing driveway and use of the existing parking area
to gain ingress, egress and regress to his respective land and improvements,
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff respectfully requests that this Honorable Court:
a. Declare the existing driveway and parking area an express and enforceable right
of way for the benefit of ingress, egress and regress over Defendants' land by
Plaintiff and his successors in interest;
b. Order Defendants to remove the obstructions and signs which have been placed
and created across the right of way by reason of Defendants' actions;
c, Enjoin and restrain Defendants and their agents, employees, assigns and
successors in interest from further interfering with or obstructing Plaintiff s
easement or right of way existing over the driveway and parking area crossing
over and existing upon Defendants' parcel;
d, Alternatively, award Plaintiff damages for deprivation of the reasonable use of his
properties;
e, Retain jurisdiction to ascertain that the Court's decree is obeyed; and
f. Award such other and further relief as this Court may deem appropriate, proper,
necessary and just.
Respectfully submitted,
IRWIN & McKNIGHT
Dated: September 26, 2005
By:~/l~
Douglas . Miller, Esquire
Supreme Court J.D. # 83776
60 West Pomfret Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
(717) 249-2353
Attorney for Plaintiff
Gnana M, Chinniah
11
VERIFICATION
The foregoing document is based upon infonnation which has been gathered by my
counsel and myself in the preparation of this action, I have read the statements made in this
document and they are true and correct to the best of my knowledge, infonnation and belief. I
understand that false statements herein made are subject to the penalties of 18 Pa.C,S,A. Section
4904, relating to unsworn falsification to authorities.
M.. . C J? '. q
GNANACHANDRA M. CHINNIAH
Date: SEPTEMBER 26, 2005
PARCEL 0916105T042A - ,__
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This Deed ZGG5 nR~ 25 PM 1 50
Made the ~ day of (Y) fl<j
, in the year of our Lord two thousand five
(2005).
Between VANCE W. BRETZ, JR. and LINDA LEE BRETZ, husband and wife, of
Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, parties of the first part, GRANTORS,
and
married man
GNANA M. CHINNIAH I of Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, party of the second part
GRANTEE,
WITNESSETH, that in consideration of Fifty Five Thousand One Hundred and One Dollar-
00/100 ($55,101.00) Dollars, in hand paid, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, the said
Grantors do hereby grant and convey to the said Grantee:
ALL that certain lot ofland situate in East Pennsboro Township, Cumberland County, Penn-
sylvania, being more particularly bounded and described as follows:
BEGINNING at a point on the southern side of Creekside Drive, said point being at the di-
viding point between Lot No, 1 and Lot No, 2 on the hereinafter mentioned Subdivision Plan; thence
continuing along said dividing line, South 43 degrees 30 minutes East, four hundred eight and sixty-
eight hundredths (408.68) feet to a point on the Conodoguinet Creek; thence along said creek, North
31 degrees 15 seconds East, fifty-three and eight-three hundredths (53,83) feetto an iron pin; thence
along land now or formerly of Leroy Wittle, North 38 degrees 37 minutes 35 seconds West, three
hundred ninety-five and seventy-three hundredths (395,73) feet, through a concrete monument, to a
nail on the southern side of Creekside Drive, thence continuing along Creekside Drive South 46 de-
grees 30 minutes West, 8 5.50 feet, e1:"roneously set forth in prior deee. as
-144.50 feet, to a point, the Place of BEGINNING.
BEING Lot No. 1 on Subdivision Plan of Ronald S. Raffensperger, Registered Surveyor,
dated June 27, 1975, and recorded in Cumberland County Recorder of Deeds in Plan Book 27, Page
63.
HAVING THEREON ERECTED a block ranch dwelling, said premises being number and
known as 36 Creekside Drive, Enola, Pennsylvania.
1
BEING the same premises which Vance W. Bretz and Mary Ann Bretz, husband and wife,
by their deed dated December 9, 1975, and recorded in the office of the Recorder of Deeds in and for
Cwnberland County, Pennsylvania in Record Book K 26, Page 348, granted and conveyed to Vance
W. Bretz, Jr. and Linda Lee Bretz, the Grantors herein.
SUBJECT, NEVERTHELESS, to the covenants, restrictions and reservations which run
with the land and are binding upon and illure to the benefit of the Grantee, her heirs and assigns, and
which covenants, restrictions and reservations are set forth of record.
TOGETHER with all and singular, the said property, improvements, ways, waters, water
courses, rights, liberties, privileges, hereditaments and appurtenances whatsoever thereunto belong-
ing, or in anywise appertaining, and the reversions and remainders, rents, issues and profits thereof,
and all the estate, right, title, interest, property, claim and demand whatsoever, of the said Grantors,
in law, equity or otherwise howsoever, of, in and to the same and every part thereof.
TO HAVE AND TO HOLD the said hereditaments and premises hereby granted or men-
tioned, and intended so to be, with the appurtenances, unto the said Grantee, his heirs and assigns, to
and for the only proper use and behoof of the said Grantee, his heirs and assigns forever,
AND the said Grantors hereby covenant and agree that they will warrant specially the prop-
erty hereby conveyed.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the said Grantors have to these presents set their hands and
sellls. Dated the day and year first above written.
SIGNED, SEALED AND DELIVERED
..,IN THE PRE~NCE OF
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Vance W. Bretz, Jr, 1/
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(SEAL)
2
STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA
COUNTY OF York
S8.
On this the :<'0 dayof fY77J~ ,2005, before me, the undersigned offi-
cer, personally appeared Vance W. Bretz, J . and Linda Lee Bretz, husband and wife, known to
me, (or satisfactorily proven) to be the persons whose names are subscribed to the within instrument,
and acknowledged that they executed same for the purposes therein contained,
In witness whereof, I hereunto set my hand and official seal,
I NOla,,;1 Sea' -JI
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OlllsbHl'f Bore, Yor',~ C 'J ,'r .
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Menlbcr. Pern1syJValiiap:s;:~tbn -OJ No-C:ries
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'Tit of Officer
I do hereby certify that the precise residence and complete post office address of the witlilll
namedGranteeis5D~ F:r~J"1Z-.J (\"'''''f Jj1tl, -pA J?tJlf .
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fYlul c13,2005
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Attorney r Grantee
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Special Hfcrrranty Deed Tax Parcel JD #
Instrument'
THIS
DEED
MADE THIS f~y OF<:(~N THE YEAR TWO THOUSAND
120001
BETWEEN: MARY ANN BRETZ wIdow woman.
of E.st Pennllboro Townshio. Pennsvlvtlnlll.
HEREINAFTER REFERRED TO AS "GRANTOR"
AND
KENNETH L, BRETZ AND GAIL ILENE BRETZ. husband and wile.
of east Pennsboro Townshlo. Pennsvlvanla.
HEREINAFTER REFERRED TO AS "GRANTEES"
WITNESSETH, THAT INCONSIDERATION OF ONE (51.DD) DOLLAR, Nstural love
and a"actlon IN HAND PAID. THE RECEIPT OF W1-IICH IS HEREBY ACKNOWLEDGED. THE
GRANTOR DOES HEREBY CONVEY TO SAID GRANTEES. THEIR HEIRS AND ASSIGNS.
ALL THAT CERTAIN TRACT LOT OR TRACT OF LAND situale in East Pennsboro Township.
Cumberiand County. Pennsylvania, more particularly bounded and described as follows, to
wit:
BOUNDED on the north by the public road known as Creekside Drive; on the
east by land now or formerly at George Reichert; one the south by the Conodoguinet
Creek and on the west by land now or late of John Eckert; also known as Lot NO.2 in
the her.einafter referred to Plot Plan.
HAVING THEREON ERECTED A TWO STORY FRAME DWELLING
HOUSE known as 40 Creekside Drive, Enola, Pennsylvania 17025.
BEING THE SAME PREMISES which Vance W. Bretz and Mary Ann Bretz
as husband and wife, received by deed dated the 25th day of January 1950, from
Vance W, Bretz and recorded in the Cumberland County Recorder of Deeds Office in
Deed BookJ, Vol. 14, Page 23 on the 30th day of January 1950. except for a
tract of land known as Lot NO.1 on a subdivision plan at D.P. Raffensperger of June
27,1975 as will more fully appear in Plan Book _ Page _ as recorded in the
Recorder of Deeds Office of Cumberland County, which was conveyed to Vance W.
Bretz Jr. and Linda Lee Bretz by deed dated December 9,1975 as will more fully
appear in Deed Book K, Volume 26, Page 348.
Vance W. Bretz died on the 21st day of May, 1996, thereby vesting sole title in
his wife, Mary Ann Bretz. the grantor herein.
~cM Z23 In · 55
THIS IS A CONVEY ANCE FROM MOTHER TO SON AND WIFE AND IS
THEREFORE EXEMPT FROM PENNSYLVANIA REALTY TRANSFER TAX,
AND, the said GRANTOR hereby specially warrants the property conveyed,
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, THE GRANTOR HAS HEREUNTO SET HER
HAND AND SEAL, THE DAY AND YEAR FIRST ABOVE WRITIEN,
SIGNED, SEALED AND
DELIVERED IN THE
PRES~E OF AI
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If? .~~
Mo::t ANN BRETZ
(SEAL)
..w...................................*...**.........................._..........._........
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA)
) 55,
COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND )
ON THIS, the 9~f c::r-~ A,D,,2000, before me,
the undersigned officer, personally
appeared MARY ANN BRETZ, widow woman, known to me (or satisfactorily proven) to
be the person whose name is subscribed to the within instrument, and acknowledged
she executed the same for the purposes therein contained.,
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I hereunto set my hand and official seat
c1i:1.lkQ~ /JfiL---
Notary Public
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Nell.riaIS.al .' t).'.~h"l"~'f. "
Ea$f~~C=::~ty f /):~.. '':~.\
My CommIs$Ion EJlPlres NaY. 24, 2000 ~. :Ie .
..... ('):
Member, PennsylVania o\sSoelaUon at Notalies . ". ',;. '\ ',? .-
...... "'r ~(, o't,. :
I HEREBY CERTIFY, THAT THE PRECISE RESIDENCE OF THE GRANTEE9>J.s...::~::I.~":',~~ .
26 Riverview Drive Enola, PA 17025 .. /J f) '0 'S G:.>
~!E~ .....
Attorney For: --Ie ?1 ~
8iiOK 223 fAGE · 56
................................*............................................................
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA)
) 55.:
COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND )
RECORDED ON THIS 1 DAY OF '<>v--" A,D. 2000. IN THE
RECORDER'S OFFICE OF SAID COUNTY IN
DEED BOOK ;;?::t3. PAGE YS'"'
GIVEN UNDER MY HAND AND THE SEAL OF ~?tl~ OFFICE. THE DATE
ABOVE WRITTEN. ~
RECORDER
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GNANA M. CIDNNIAH a/kJa
GNANACHANDRA M. CIDNNIAH,
Plaintiff,
: IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
: CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
v.
: No. 2005 - 5045 CIVIL TERM
KENNETH L. BRETZ a/kJa KENNETH : CIVIL ACTION
L. BRETZ, SR. and GAIL ILENE
BRETZ, husband and wife, and MARY
ANN BRETZ,
Defendants.
PETITION FOR PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION
AND NOW, this ~ay of September, 2005, comes the Plaintiff, GNANA M,
CHINNIAH aIkIa GNANACHANDRA M. CHINNIAH, by and through his attorneys, Irwin &
McKnight, and respectfully petitions this Court for a preliminary i~unction pursuant to Pa. R.
Civ, p, No, 1531, and in support thereof avers as follows:
I. Plaintiff, Gnana M. Chinniah aIkIa Gnanchandra M, Chinniah (hereinafter
"Chinniah") filed a Complaint against Defendants in this matter with regard to Defendants'
blockage of the sole means of access to Plaintiffs property from Creekside Drive,
2, Plaintiffs Complaint avers that on or about September 4, 2005, Defendants
threatened to block Plaintiff s vehicles that were parked in the existing parking lot and contacted
the police in order to force Plaintiff s removal from the driveway and parking lot.
3. Plaintiffs Complaint further avers that despite the many years of use of the
driveway and parking lot as the sole means of access to Plaintiffs' parcel, Defendants have
willfully and wrongfully deprived Plaintiff of the right to use this driveway and parking lot by
physically blocking the entrance to the driveway with various vehicles and trailers, placing "No
Trespassing" signs, and by verbally threatening Plaintiff,
4. As recently as 1975, both of the two (2) properties at issue were owned by
Defendant Mary Ann Bretz and her now deceased husband (hereinafter the "Parents"),
5, In 1975, the Parents subdivided the property and conveyed the lot now owned by
Plaintiff to their son, Vance W. Bretz, Jr., and his wife, Linda Lee Bretz, by deed dated
December 9, 1975, and recorded January 12, 1976, in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds for
Cumberland County in Deed Book "K", Volume 26, Page 348,
6, Upon information and belief, Mr. and Mrs. Vance W. Bretz, Jr. began residing
upon Plaintiff's parcel on or about 1975, and owned the property until its sale to Plaintiff in
2005,
7, No provision or indication of access to the subdivided properties was made on the
recorded subdivided plan,
8, However, the sole means of access existing from Creekside Drive to Plaintiff's
parcel is through the existing road and parking lot on Defendants' parcel.
9, Both parcels have frontage along Creekside Drive which is now a state road,
however, there is a steep grade from the home on Plaintiff's parcel leading up to the edge of
Creekside Drive, as well as a guardrail along most of the right of way between the home and
road,
10, Furthermore, the rear of both parcels border along the Conodoguinet Creek.
2
11. The Parents continued to own the remaining lot noted on the subdivision plan
until it was conveyed to their other son and daughter-in-law, Defendants Kenneth L. Bretz and
Gail nene Bretz, in fee simple by deed dated June 9, 2000, and recorded June 9, 2000, in the
Office of the Recorder of Deeds for Cumberland County in Deed Book 223, Page 55.
12, Defendant Mary Ann Bretz continues to reside upon the retained property upon
which the driveway and parking lot continue to exist.
13. Following the purchase by Plaintiff of the subdivided lot from Mr. and Mrs,
Vance W. Bretz, Jr, in May 2005, Plaintiff continued to use the existing driveway and parking lot
in order to access his property,
14. As a result of Defendants' willful and wrongful actions in blocking vehicular
access to Plaintiff s property from Creekside Drive, Plaintiff is unable to access his property in
order to complete necessary repairs and improvements, or to otherwise utilize the structure.
15, Defendants actions and threats are thereby preventing Plaintiff continued open
and unobstructed use of the existing driveway and parking area to gain ingress, egress and
regress to his property for the reasonable use and enjoyment thereof.
16, The issuance of the preliminary injunction is reasonably suited to prevent further
wrongful acts by Defendants and maintain the current status quo pending final resolution of
Plaintiffs Complaint.
17, The issuance of a preliminary injunction will not cause undue inconvenience or
loss to the Defendants, but will prevent irreparable injury to the Plaintiff,
3
18, Plaintiff has no adequate remedy at law to redress the continuing harm and injury
caused by the Defendants' wrongful and unauthorized actions,
19, Plaintiff is likely to succeed in proving at trial that Defendants' activities are
actionable and enjoinable, and that Plaintiff has an easement or right of way over the existing
driveway and parking area either through implication, necessity, or adverse possession as alleged
in Plaintiffs Complaint.
20. In support of this Petition for Preliminary Injunction, Plaintiff incorporates herein
the Complaint filed in this action on September 26, 2005, as if the same were fully restated at
length,
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff respectfully requests that this Honorable Court enter an order
enjoining and restraining Defendants and their employees, agents, assigns and successors in
interest from further interfering with or obstructing Plaintiff s easement or right of way existing
over driveway and parking lot crossing Defendants' property which provides access from
Creekside Drive, and further enjoining and restraining the interference with or obstruction of
Plaintiffs use of said easement or right of way, and retain jurisdiction of this matter to ascertain
that the Court's order and decree is obeyed,
Respectfully submitted,
IRWIN & McKNIGHT
Date: September 28, 2005
By:
Dougl G. Miller, squire
Supreme Court I.D. No, 83776
60 West Pomfret Street
Carlisle, Pennsylvania 17013
(717) 249-2353
Attorney for Plaintiff
Gnana M, Chinniah
4
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I, Douglas G. Miller, Esquire, do hereby certify that I have served a true and correct copy
of the foregoing document upon the persons indicated below by first class United States mail,
postage paid in Carlisle, Pennsylvania 17013, on the date set forth below:
KENNETH L. BRETZ
AlKf A KENNETH L. BRETZ, SR.
26 RNERVIEW DRNE
ENOLA, PA 17025
GAIL ILENE BRETZ
26 RNERVIEW DRNE
ENOLA, PA 17025
MARY ANN BRETZ
40 CREEKSIDE DRNE
ENOLA, PA 17025
Date: September 28, 2005
IRWIN & McKNIGHT
Douglas
Supreme ourt LD, No. 83776
West Pomfret Professional Building
60 West Pomfret Street
Carlisle, Pennsylvania 17013-3222
(717) 249-2353
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GNANA M. CHINNIAH a/kIa
GNANACHANDRA M. CHINNIAH,
Plaintiff,
v.
: IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
: CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
: No. 2005 - 5045 CIVIL TERM
KENNETH L. BRETZ a/kIa KENNETH : CIVIL ACTION
L. BRETZ, SR. and GAIL ILENE
BRETZ, husband and wife, and MARY
ANN BRETZ,
Defendants.
AFFIDAVIT OF SERVICE
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA:
: SS,
COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND
I, d4N.rfJ c'"",a.v/~ , being sworn according to law, deposes and
says that I am a competent adult over 18 years of age; that I served a copy of the Rule to Show
Cause and accompanying Petition for Preliminary Injunction upon the Defendant,
d4/'!" :Lc:E4e AR.i7z , by personally h ing him/her a true and correct copy
thereof and informing himJher of its contents at '''.Fdv/~ IJ,z
on t:!X:7?;).IjE-< , at f3,: 55 o'clock A-m,
Sworn to and subscribed
Before me this '1 y.I,
Day of ()rr.rJh~ 2005
~~
Notal' Public
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSY~VANIA
NcIariaI SellI
MllI1ha L Noel, NctaIy PuIlIc
CaIII8Ie Boro. CI.mbeo1ai1d C<lUnly
MtCanmiesicn E>pIresSepl.l8. 2007
Member. Fl'ennlylv.nl. A.IOCi.tlan Of Notaries
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GNANA M. CHINNIAH a/kIa
GNANACHANDRA M. CHINNIAH,
Plaintiff,
v.
: IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
: CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
: No. 2005 - 5045 CIVIL TERM
KENNETH L. BRETZ a/kIa KENNETH : CIVIL ACTION
L. BRETZ, SR. and GAIL ILENE
BRETZ, husband and wife, and MARY
ANN BRETZ,
Defendants.
AFFIDAVIT OF SERVICE
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA:
: S5,
COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND
I, d/fN.;J ~4v/~ ,being sworn according to law, deposes and
says that I am a competent adult over 18 years of age; that I served a copy of the Rule to Show
Ca!y\e and aCCO~nYing Petition for Preliminary Injunction upon the Defendant,
/ /-9.R'1' 4v;./ 'E::T2 , by personally handi.!lg himlher a~ true and correct copy
thereof and informing himlher of its contents at ~D C-'l'/.e>(.::fI.J~ d,ele;;f
on <:!'JCrCJt3€e '?, at '9:00 o'cIock~m.
Sworn to and subscribed
Before me this '1y.?,
Day of Quo b.v-c.. .... 2005
N~~ttJ<f
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
_Seal
Martha L Noel, NoIary PutlIie
CaIlisle Boro, Clrnberland Coonty
My CoomIssIon ExpIres Sept. 18, 2007
Member, Pennsytvaniil AnodatlOn Of Notaries
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GNANA M. CHINNIAH a/kIa
GNANACHANDRA M. CHINNIAH,
Plaintiff,
: IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
: CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
v.
: No. 2005 - 5045 CIVIL TERM
KENNETH L. BRETZ a/kIa KENNETH
L. BRETZ, SR. and GAIL ILENE
BRETZ, husband and wife, and MARY
ANN BRETZ,
: CIVIL ACTION
Defendants.
AFFIDAVIT OF SERVICE
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA:
: SS.
COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND
I, ~? ~/.s.nve , being sworn according to law, deposes and
says that I am a competent adult over 18 years of age; that I served a copy of the Rule to Show
Cause and accompanying Petition for Preliminary Injunction upon the Defendant,
/(.bVltlem ,c'. /:1~e72- , by personally ~din~her a true and correct copy
thereof and informing himlher of its contents at . )(0 71&e V/v.J ,tJe;vz.
on t'"Y7Z:!A~ ? ,at fi!, ':5S' o'clock A-m,
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MMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
_Seal
MaI1I1a L Noel, Nolary PublIc
Cattisle Boro, ClITtleI1and Counly
My ~ Expires Sept 18, 2007
Member, Pennsylvania Association Of Notaries
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GNANA M. CHINNIAH a/k/a
GNANACHANDRA M. CHINNIAH,:
Plaintiff
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
v.
NO. 05-5045 CIVIL TERM
KENNETH L. BRETZ a/k/a
KENNETH L. BRETZ, SR.,
and GAIL ILENE BRETZ,
husband and wife, and
MARY ANN BRETZ,
Defendants
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
ORDER OF COURT
AND NOW, this 10th day of October, 2005, after
hearing, Plaintiff/Petitioner is given until October 17, 2005,
to file a brief in support of his position for a Temporary
Restraining Order. The Defendant/Respondents are given until
October 24, 2005, to file a responsive brief.
~UglaS G. Miller,
For the Plaintiff
Esquire
srs
~mes G. Morgan, Jr., Esquire
~For the Defendants
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GNANA M. CHINNIAH, a/k/a
GNANACHANDRA M. CHINNIAH,
Plaintiff
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 2005 - 5045 - CIVIL TERM
vs.
KENNETH L BRETZ a/kla KENNETH
L. BRETZ, SR., and GAIL ILENE
BRETZ, husband and wife, and MARY
ANN BRETZ,
CIVIL ACTION
Defendants
NOTICE TO PLEAD
TO: GNANA M. CHINNIAH, a/kla GNANACHANDRA M, CHINNIAH
c/o Douglas G. Miller, Esquire
IRWIN & McKNIGHT
West Pomfret Professional Building
60 West Pomfret Street
Carlisle, PA 17013-3222
You are hereby notified to file a written response to the e lo~ed New Matter within
against you.
twenty (20) days from service hereof or a default judgment may be
Dated: October 18, 2005
91944
GNANA M. CHINNIAH, a/k/a
GNANACHANDRA M. CHINNIAH,
Plaintiff
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 2005 - 5045 - CIVIL TERM
vs.
KENNETH L BRETZ a/k/a KENNETH
L. BRETZ, SR., and GAIL ILENE
BRETZ, husband and wife, and MARY
ANN BRETZ,
CIVIL ACTION
Defendants
DEFENDANTS' ANSWER WITH NEW MATTER TO PLAINTIFF'S COMPLAINT
AND NOW COMES, Defendant, Kenneth L. Brentz, Sr., and Gail Ilene Bretz, by and
through their attorneys, Tucker Arensberg, P,C., and answers Plaintiff's Complaint as follows:
1. Admitted.
2. Admitted.
3. Admitted.
4. Admitted.
5. Admitted.
6. Admitted.
7. Admitted.
8. Admitted.
9. Admitted.
10. Admitted
11. Admitted.
12. Admitted.
13. Admitted.
14. Admitted.
15. Admitted.
16. Admitted.
17. Admitted in part, denied in part. It is admitted that both parcels have frontage on
Creekside Drive. It is speCifically denied that Creekside Drive is a state road. To the contrary,
Creekside Drive is a township road.
18. Admitted.
19. Admitted.
20. Denied. It is specifically denied that there is no access for ingress and egress
available to the Plaintiff other than across Defendant's property. Further, the Plaintiff has the right
to construct a driveway onto Creekside Drive. There is no right to utilize Defendant's property
nor has there ever been a legal right or easement for the same, nor does the deed entered as
Exhibit "A", specifically grant an easement or right of way to the Plaintiff.
21. Denied. The Plaintiff knew prior to purchase that there was no right of way or
easement. The Plaintiff's contacted Defendant as well as Defendant's counsel and were advised
that no easement or right of way would be granted as a matter of right. There has always been a
means of access to Plaintiff's property directly from Creekside Drive.
22. Denied. Plaintiff may have temporarily used Defendant's property to access his
property but it is specifically denied he did so with any vested legal right. Defendants' permitted
Plaintiff to do so for a limited time and said permission has been withdrawn.
23. Denied, Defendants are without knowledge or information sufficient to admit or
deny said allegations and as such the same are denied. Strict proof thereof is demanded.
24. Denied. It is denied that the No Trespassing signs and physical location of
vehicles parked on Defendants' property were not placed until such time. Defendants stored their
boats on their property at the same place annually,
- 2-
25. Denied. Defendants advised the Plaintiff that they were placing a boat for winter
storage and that Plaintiff would need to remove his vehicles. The Plaintiff should have known that
he had other means of ingress and egress to the property at the time he brought it. Plaintiff was
aware at the time he purchased the property he had no easement. No easement across
Defendants' property ever existed for Plaintiff's property.
26. Denied. Defendants are without knowledge or information sufficient to admit or
deny said allegations and as such the same are denied. Strict proof thereof is demanded.
27. Denied. At the time of purchase in 2005, Plaintiff knew that they would need to
construct their own driveway and that there was no permission which would be given to continue
to use the Defendant's property as a means of access to their property. They knew at the time of
purchase that there was no easement or right of way granted in prior title and that there was no
adverse possession as the parties were related who owned the property prior to their purchase.
They further knew that there was no right of way and requested the same be given through their
counsel to both the Defendants and counsel for the Defendants prior to purchase. The driveway
was constructed sometime after 1997.
28. Denied. Plaintiff knew, prior to purchase, that there as no right of access over the
private property of the Defendants and further knew that he had the right to construct his own
driveway access. Defendants took no action that harmed the Plaintiff,
29. No answer is necessary.
30. Admitted in part, denied in part. It is admitted that the property was subdivided. It
is denied the subdivision was for the stated purpose. Further, a house was already constructed
on Lot 1.
- 3 -
31. Denied. There was never in deed or in writing an easement or right-of-way granted
and it was always the position of the parties that at some point, a separate driveway could be
built. Further, there is direct access to Lot 1 from Creekside Drive.
32. Denied. The Plaintiff knew at the time of purchase that there was no right of way
or easement and that they would need to build their own driveway directly from Creekside Drive.
33. Denied. It is specifically denied that although usage of the means of ingress and
egress was allowed by a related party, that the Plaintiff had any right to expect the Defendants in
this matter to allow continued usage to their detriment. To the contrary, the Plaintiff knew prior to
purchase that there was not to be a continued right of access over their property. Plaintiff has the
ability to construct his own driveway and separate access to his property. They are not by
implication given a right of easement or adverse party. The driveway in question was not
constructed until sometime after 1997.
34. Denied. There is an asphalt pad in the rear of the property and it is used for
storage.
35. Denied. It is specifically denied that there should be any right of the Plaintiff to
continue to use the rear of Defendant's property and specifically, any parking area on their
property by the Plaintiff, Plaintiff, in fact, knew that there would be no continued usage of the
Defendant's property at the time he bought the property. Plaintiff can directly access Creekside
Drive from his property,
36. Denied. It is specifically denied that the Defendants' property is the sole means of
access available to the parcel purchased by the Plaintiff.
37. Denied. Defendants knew the subdivision and knew that the owner, at the time of
purchase, was the brother and that there was available to that parcel, should it ever be sold,
-4-
sufficient access for ingress and egress directly from Creekside Drive and that no right of way
was necessary.
38, Denied. To the contrary, Plaintiff knew Defendants did not intend to convey an
easement to him, prior to his purchase of property, Further, Plaintiff has direct access to
Creekside Drive.
39. Admitted.
40. Denied. The Defendants knew prior to purchase there was no easement or right-
of-way and further Plaintiff advised Defendants that he would be putting in driveway from
Creekside Drive on his own property.
WHEREFORE, Defendant respectfully requests this Honorable Court to deny the request
of the Plaintiff. Alternatively, permit the Plaintiff to build his own driveway on his own property
within a reasonable period of time and enjoin the Plaintiff from further usage of the property of the
Defendants which property is not subject to any rights of the Plaintiff and dismiss this cause of
action.
COUNT II
41. No answer is necessary.
42, Admitted.
43. Denied. At time of subdivision, there was a house on the lot.
44. Denied. It is denied that the driveway and parking area crossing the Defendants'
parcel were necessary for access, and their son did not have such access until 1997. Therefore,
without the need for additional expenditures for a separate driveway, the son was allowed to use
the same.
45. Denied. It is denied that it is necessary for access to be used for Plaintiffs parcel.
To the contrary, the Plaintiff has the right to build their own driveway with direct access to
- 5 -
Creekside Drive. There is no easement of necessity in this malter, as the accommodation of a
son by a mother and now by a brother prior to the purchase by the Plaintiff did not change the
rights of the parties and there is no easement by necessity in this matter.
46. Denied. There is sufficient room to build a driveway directly to Creekside Drive.
Plaintiff knew, at the time of purchase, that a driveway would have to be constructed and
discussions of the same was made with Defendants prior to purchase.
47. Admitted. Further, every home on Creekside Drive, except those of the Plaintiff,
have a driveway to Creekside Drive.
48. Denied. It is specifically denied a person can look to the necessity when they
purchase knowing in fact they had no right of way or easement to the property. To the contrary,
the Plaintiffs knew or should have known at the time of purchase that a driveway could be
constructed on their property directly to Creekside Drive.
WHEREFORE, Defendants requests the court to deny the Petition of the Plaintiff and
request that reasonable counsel fees be paid to the Defendants to defend what is clear at the
time of purchase by the Plaintiff, that Plaintiff had no rights to access, easement or right of way.
COUNT III
49, No answer is necessary.
50. Denied. It is denied that the passage of time or the usage thereof has anything to
do with this matter as the usage of the property while it was owned by the family was not adverse.
51. Denied. The son and daughter-in-law of the Defendant and the brother of the other
Defendants certainly had no adverse use for the property during his ownership. As an
accommodation, the son was allowed to only use access to property by foot until rear used after
1997. The mere license is not an easement or right-of-way and does not inure to the benefit of
the Plaintiff.
- 6-
52. Denied. It is specifically denied that the Defendant at any time had an easement or
right of way for the purpose of ingress, egress or regress nor that it has a right to tack on to the
ownership of the prior owner. The Plaintiff, prior to purchase knew, in fact, that there was no
adversity and that there was no prescriptive right.
53. Denied. It is specifically denied that the son of the owner had any access until
after 1997. To the contrary, it was a mere license granted by parent to son and brother to brother,
and in no way can be deemed available to the Plaintiff in this action.
54. Denied. There is no adverse action in the ownership of the brother or the son, and
further there is no right of the Plaintiff in this case to utilize the property of the Defendants adverse
to their interest as he has direct access to Creekside Drive.
55. Denied as stated. The Plaintiff has utilized their land in placing "no trespassing"
signs as well as utilizing their own property for storage of boats in a manner consistent with its
usage since the property has been owned by current owners,
56. Denied. Defendants asked Plaintiff to move vehicles and did tell authorities,
57. Admitted in part and in denied in part. It is admitted that Defendant, Kenneth L.
Bretz contacted East Pennsboro Township to advise them that the Plaintiff had no right to
continue to utilize his premises and that it was the intention of the Defendants to place their boat
for storage.
58. Denied. The Plaintiff had no reasonable right to expect or be able to use the land
of the Defendants for its own purposes, as it had no right by deed, by agreement, by subdivision,
by prescriptive, or rights of necessity to utilize the same.
59. Denied. It is denied that the Plaintiff ever had the right to utilize the driveway of the
Defendants or the parking area of the Defendants at the time of his purchase in 2005. To the
contrary, the Plaintiff knew, prior to purchase, that there was no right of easement, right of way or
-7 -
license. Plaintiff was personally advised by the Defendants and their counsel that he had no
rights on their property.
WHEREFORE, Defendants respectfully requests this Honorable Court to deny requests of
Plaintiff and to award reasonable counsel fees to the Defendants.
NEW MATTER
60. Numbers 1 through 59 are incorporated herein as if fully set forth.
61. Plaintiff in this matter has access and frontage on Creekside Drive.
62. Plaintiff in this matter has access on their own property, should they expend the
monies necessary for a driveway on Creekside Drive.
63. Plaintiff has failed to state a cause of action.
64. The Plaintiff should be denied access to the courts by estoppel in that the Plaintiff
knew prior to purchase of the property that there was not an easement or right-of-way to utilize
the property of the Defendants.
WHEREFORE, Defendants respectfully request the Court to dismiss this action.
Jame G. Mor , Jr., Esquire
I.D. No.: 068
111N, Front Street
Harrisburg, PA 17101
PtI'one: (717) 234-4121
Fax: (717) 232-6802
Attorney for Defendants
Dated: October 'u , 2005
- 8-
VERIFICATION
We, Kenneth L. Bretz, alkla Kenneth L. Bretz, Sr., Gail Ilene Bretz, and Mary Ann Bretz, the
undersigned, do hereby certify that we are the Defendants in the foregoing action and that the
statements made in the foregoing Answer are true and correct to the best of our knowledge,
information and belief. We understand that any false statements made to this verification are
subject to the penalties of 18 Pa. C.SA ~904, relating to unsworn falsification to authorities.
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Gail Ilene Bretz - l~cJ
?!l ~ t2rvn
Mary a;)~ Bretz
fk1:
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October JJ( ,2005
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I, James G. Morgan, Jr., Esquire of the law firm of Tucker Arensberg, P.C. do hereby
certify that 1 did serve a true and correct copy of the foregoing document by United States First
\:\,
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Class Mail, postage pre-paid this \ day of October, 2005 upon:
Douglas G. Miller, Esquire
60 West Pomfret Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
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SHERIFF'S RETURN - REGULAR
CASE NO: 2005-05045 P
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA:
COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND
CHINNIAH GNANA M AKA GNANACHAN
VS
BRETZ KENNETH L ET AL
RONALD HOOVER
Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff of
Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, who being duly sworn according to law,
says, the within COMPLAINT & NOTICE
was served upon
BRETZ KENNETH L AKA KENNETH L BRETZ SR
the
DEFENDANT
, at 1721:00 HOURS, on the 3rd day of October
2005
at 26 RIVERVIEW DRIVE
ENOLA, PA 17025
by handing to
KENNETH L BRETZ
a true and attested copy of COMPLAINT & NOTICE
together with
and at the same time directing His attention to the contents thereof.
Sheriff's Costs:
Docketing
Service
Affidavit
Surcharge
So Answers:
18.00
14.40
.37
10,00
.00
42.77
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R, Thomas Kline
10/04/2005
DOUGLAS MILLER
me this ;1.00;;,
day of
By: ~~~
Deputy Sheriff
Sworn and Subscribed to before
(tJ,
~llkE~ A,D.
f- pr:;~
SHERIFF'S RETURN - REGULAR
CASE NO: 2005-05045 P
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA:
COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND
CHINNIAH GNANA M AKA GNANACHAN
VS
BRETZ KENNETH L ET AL
RONALD HOOVER
, Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff of
Cumberland County,pennsylvania, who being duly sworn according to law,
says, the within COMPLAINT & NOTICE
was served upon
BRETZ GAIL ILENE
the
DEFENDANT
, at 1721:00 HOURS, on the 3rd day of October
2005
at 26 RIVERVIEW DRIVE
ENOLA, PA 17025
by handing to
KENNETH L BRETZ
a true and attested copy of COMPLAINT & NOTICE
together with
and at the same time directing His attention to the contents thereof.
Sheriff's Costs:
Docketing
Service
Affidavit
Surcharge
6.00
.00
.00
10,00
.00
16,00
So Answers:
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R. Thomas Kline
10/04/2005
DOULGAS MILLER
Sworn and Subscribed to before
me this 20 e day of
0a.-L ~ttdQ" ~A.D.
~~~l
By: ~ 2:.""V
Deputy Sheriff
SHERIFF'S RETURN - REGULAR
CASE NO: 2005-05045 P
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA:
COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND
CHINNIAH GNANA M AKA GNANACHAN
VS
BRETZ KENNETH L ET AL
VALERIE WEARY
, Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff of
Cumberland County,Pennsylvania, who being duly sworn according to law,
says, the within COMPLAINT & NOTICE
was served upon
BRETZ MARY ANN the
DEFENDANT , at 1730:00 HOURS, on the 30th day of September, 2005
at 40 CREEKSIDE DRIVE
ENOLA, PA 17025
by handing to
MARY ANN BRETZ
a true and attested copy of COMPLAINT & NOTICE
together with
and at the same time directing Her attention to the contents thereof.
Sheriff's Costs:
Docketing
Service
Affidavit
Surcharge
So Answers:
6.00
14.40
.00
10.00
.00
30.40
~'>.
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R. Thomas Kline
me this
....
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day of
10/04/2005
DOUGLAS MILLER /
By: ~L ~
Deputy eriff
Sworn and Subscribed to before
A.D.
GNANA M. CHINNIAH
a1k1aGNANACHANDRA
M, CHINNIAH
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
V.
KENNETH 1. BRETZ : NO. 2005 - 5045 CIVIL TERM
a/k/a KENNETH 1. BRETZ, :
SR., & GAIL ILENE BRETZ:
Husband and wife, and
MARY ANN BRETZ
ORDER OF COURT
AND NOW, this 31 ST day of OCTOBER, 2005, after hearing on the matter and
having reviewed the briefs filed by the parties, we are not persuaded that the Plaintiff s
evidence has established a clear right to relief. Therefore, Plaintiffs request for a
Preliminary Injunction is DENIED.
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Edward E. Guido,],
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GNANA M. CHINNIAH aJkJa
GNANACHANDRA M. CHINNIAH,
Plaintiff,
: IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
: CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
v.
: No. 2005 - 5045 CIVIL TERM
KENNETH L. BRETZ aJkJa KENNETH
L. BRETZ, SR. and GAIL ILENE
BRETZ, husband and wife, and MARY
ANN BRETZ,
: CIVIL ACTION
Defendants.
PLAINTIFF'S ANSWER TO
DEFENDANTS' NEW MATTER
AND NOW this 22ND day of November, 2005, comes the Plaintiff, Gnana M, Chinniah,
by and through his attorneys, Irwin & McKnight, and respectfully files this Answer to the New
Matter of Defendants, and in support thereof avers as follows:
60, The averments contained in the Plaintiffs Complaint in this matter are hereby
incorporated by reference as if fully set forth below,
61. The averments contained in paragraph sixty-one (61) of the New Matter of
Defendants are conclusions of law to which no response is required. To the extent that a
response is required, the averments are specifically denied and strict proof thereof is demanded
at trial. By way of further answer, Plaintiffs property has frontage along Creekside Drive, but
because of the steep grade of the roadway and front of Plaintiff's property, as well as the
presence of a guardrail and utility pole, Plaintiff does not have access to his property,
62. The averments contained in paragraph sixty-two (62) of the New Matter of
Defendants are conclusions of law to which no response is required. To the extent that a
response is required, the averments are specifically denied and strict proof thereof is demanded
at trial. By way of further answer, Plaintiff has attempted to obtain a driveway on his property to
access Creekside Drive, but was denied permission for such a driveway from the local
municipality. A true and correct copy of the denial letter from East Pennsboro Township and
sketch submitted by Plaintiff to the township for such a driveway are attached hereto and
incorporated herein as Exhibit "A."
63. The averments contained in paragraph sixty-three (63) of the New Matter of
Defendants are conclusions of law to which no response is required, To the extent that a
response is required, the averments are specifically denied and strict proof thereof is demanded
at trial.
64. The averments contained in paragraph sixty-four (64) of the New Matter of
Defendants are conclusions of law to which no response is required, To the extent that a
response is required, the averments are specifically denied and strict proof thereof is demanded
at trial. By way of further answer, estoppel does not apply to bar the present action by Plaintiff.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff respectfully requests that this Honorable Court grant the relief
requested in his Complaint.
Respectfully Submitted,
IRWIN & McKNIGHT
Dated: November 23, 2005
By:
Dougla . Miller, Esquire
Supreme Court ill No, 83776
West Pomfret Professional Building
60 West Pomfret Street
Carlisle, Pennsylvania 17013
(717) 249-2353
Attorney for Plaintiff
2
VERIFICATION
The foregoing document is based upon information which has been gathered by my
counsel and myself in the preparation of this action, I have read the statements made in this
document and they are true and correct to the best of my knowledge, information and belief, I
understand that false statements herein made are subject to the penalties of 18 Pa.C.S,A. Section
4904, relating to unsworn falsification to authorities.
C~?k~.....iZI", !Iv,' e'k?, e::'
GNANACHANDRA M. CHINNIAH
Date:
November 23. 2005
EXHIBIT "A"
JOSEPH H. BIINNARIGO
Twp. Engineer p.W. Dir,
JEFFREY SHl LTZ
Bldg. lnspecto & Code Enforcement Officer
ROBERT GOl LD
Code Enforcer lent Officer
JOHN B. OWEN
Dir. of Housing & Community
Development/Zoning Officer
KAREN DUNKLE
Health & Code Enforcement Officer
JOYCE STOM
Department Secretary
EAST PENNSBORO TOWNSHIP
November 8, 2005
MR GNANA CHINNIAH
506 ERFORD RD
CAMPHILLPA 17011
Re: Request for driveway at
36 Creekside Drive, Eno1a
) )ear Mr.Chinniah:
During our meeting in June, 2005, we discussed your proposal to construct a
l!.riveway from Creekside Drive onto your property at 36 Creekside Drive. We
mderstood that the previous owner had an agreement with the property owner at 40
(:reekside Drive to cross over that property to access the property at number 36, and that
1 he agreement was not made available to you as th.e new owner.
The sketch plan which you submitted, showing the proposed driveway, and
~upporting photographs, shows guide rail and a relocated utility pole which would restrict
1 he clear sight triangle, Site visits have been made, and due to the topography of your
property, and the proximity to Creekside Drive cartway, it has been determined that the
}'lude rail is a safety feature that cannot be completely removed.
Therefore, your request to construct a driveway onto your property at 36
(~reekside Drive, Enola, as presented in your sketch plan and supporting photographs
must be denied.
If you have any questions, please contact me at 909-5614.
Sincerely,
~Nl ';:';()
ose H. Bonarrigo, P,E.
WDship Engineer
JHB/jas
98 South Enola Drive. Enola, PA 17025-2796 . (717] 732-0711
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CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I, Douglas G, Miller, Esquire, do hereby certify that I have served a true and correct copy
of the foregoing document upon the persons indicated below by first class United States mail,
postage paid in Carlisle, Pennsylvania 17013, on the date set forth below:
James G. Morgan, Jr., Esquire
Tucker Arensburg
111 North Front Street
P,O. Box 889
Harrisburg, P A 17108
Date: November 23, 2005
IRWIN & McKNIGHT
~~. IhAIU,
Douglas . Mil(er, ESquire
Supreme Court J.D. No, 83776
West Pomfret Professional Building
60 West Pomfret Street
Carlisle, Pennsylvania 17013-3222
(717) 249-2353
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PRAECIPE FOR LISTING CASE FOR TRIAL
(Must be typewrilten and submitted in duplicate)
TO THE PROTHONOTARY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY
Please list the following case:
(Check one)
for JURY trial at the next term of civil court.
x
for trial without a jury.
hnn~~_.__#._____..._"______h.______._____..____.__~__________n.__U__.n__________n_____.__.n_______.d___._.__n..___nh_nn_nn________..________________.
CAPTION OF CASE
(entire caption must be stated in full)
(check one)
Assumpsit
GNANA M. CHINNIAH a(k(a
GNANACHANDRA M. CHINNIAH,
Trespass
Trespass (Motor Vehicle)
(Plaintiff)
(other)
vs.
KENNETH L. BRETZ a(k(a KENNETH
L. BRETZ, SR. and GAIL ILENE
BRETZ, husband and wife, and MARY
ANN BRETZ,
The trial list will be called on
and
Trials commence on
(Defendant)
Pretrials will be held on
(Briefs are dUE~ 5 days before pretrials.)
vs.
(The party listing this case for trial shall provide
forthwith a copy of the praecipe to all counsel,
pursuant to local Rule 214,1.)
No. 2005-5045 Civil
19__
Indicate the attorney who will try case for the party who files this praecip-e:
Douglas G. Miller. Esquire
Indicate trial counsel for other parties if known:
James G.~Morgan, Esquire
This case is ready for trial.
Signed: ~~, ./k-L
Print Name: -..llo.IIg1 a" .G..--..l!iller
Date:
12(30(05
~
Attorney for: -1'.laintiff~ ___
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GNANA M. CHINNIAH A/\K/A
GNANACHANDRA M. CHIN IAH
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
V.
KENNETH L. BRETZ A/K A
KENNETH L. BRETZ, SR. and
GAIL ILENE BRETZ, hu band
And wife, And MARY A N BRETZ
NO. 2005 - 5045 CIVIL TERM
ORDER OF COURT
AND NOW, this 1 ru day of FEBRUARY, 2006, a pretrial
conference in the ab ve-captioned matter is SCHEDULED for
((l~J JoDC,
/: D D +l'" '
in Chambers of the
undersigned judge, C mberland County Courthouse, Carlisle,
Pennsylvania. Pretr al memorandum shall be submitted by counsel
in accordance with C C.R,P. 212-4, at least five (5) days prior
to the pretrial conf rence.
TRIAL in the ma ter will be scheduled at the pretrial
conference. Counsel re directed to have their calendars
available.
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Edward E. Guido, J.
Douglas G. Miller, Esquire
James G. Morgan, Esquire
4~~;1A<;h4
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COURT ADMINISTRATOR.
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OFFICE OF THE COURT ADMINISTRATOR
CUMBERLAND COUNTY
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
Taryn N. Dixon
Court AdmInistrator
1 C urthouse Square' Carlisle, PA 17013
Melissa H. Calvanelli
Assistant Court Administrator
Phone
(717) 240-6200
(717) 697-0371
(717) 532-7286
(717) 240-6460 FAX
courtadmjn@ccpa.net
MEMORANDUM
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
INRE:
The Ron rable Edward E. Guido
Melissa . Calvanelli, Assistant Court Administrator
Tuesday, January 03,2006
05-5045 Civil Action - Law
Fnana M. Chinni
Bretz aJkIa Kenne
alkla Gnanachandra M. Chinniah v. Kenneth L.
L. Bretz, Sf. and Gail Ilene Brets, H/W, and Mary
Ann Bretz
The above case is assign d to you for a non-jury trial. Please provide me with copies of
your scheduling orders d final disposition date so that I can monitor the case for
statistical purposes,
Attachment
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PRAEC PE FOR LISTING CASE FOR TRIAL
(Must b typewritten and submitted in duplicate)
5
Please list the foil' wing case:
./4 N 0 J iUUb
Mi
TO THE PROTHONOTARY OF qUMBERLAND COUNTY
(Check one)
for JURY trial at the next term of civil court.
x
for trial without a jury.
.
~___~~_______.________.______._______"_______________h_________.___._________________________.___n._____n____.__.__.___..___.______.________u.________.._u.____._.
CAPTION OF CASE
(entire caption must be stated 'n full)
(check one)
Assumpsit
GNANA M. CHINNIAH a/k/a
GNANACHANDRA M. CHINNIAH,
..
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Trespass
Trespass (Motor Vlihicle)
. '.
(PI inliff)
(otheI):
vs,
KENNETH L. BRETZ a/k/a K.NNETH
L. BRETZ, SR. and GAIL I ENE
BRETZ, husband and wife, and MARY
ANN BRETZ,
The trial list will be called on
and
Trials commence on
(0 fendant)
Pretrials will be held on
(Briefs are due 5 days before pretrials.)
vs.
(The party listing this case for trial shall provide
forthwith a copy of the praecipe to all counsel,
pursuant to local Rule 214.1.)
No,2005-5045 Civil
19__
Indicate the attorney wh will try case for the party who files this praecipe:
G. Miller Es ire
Indicate trial counsel for ther parties if known:
James G.~Mor an, Es ui e
This case is ready for trial.
Signed: ~~~. !lfAi!;.,.
Print Name: DOIIglac ~llAr
Date:
12/30/05
>
Attorney for: ...L-LaintifL __.
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GNANA M. CHINNIAH a/k/a
GNANACHANDRA M. CHINNIAH,
Plaintiff
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
v.
NO. 2005-5045 CIVIL TERM
KENNETH L. BRETZ a/k/a
KENNETH L. BRETZ, SR.,
and GAIL ILENE BRETZ,
husband and wife, and
MARY ANN BRETZ,
Defendants
CIVIL ACTION - LI,W
IN RE:
PRETRIAL CONFERENCE
A pretrial conference was held Thursday, March 2,
2006, before the Honorable Edward E, Guido, Judge.
Present for
the Plaintiff was Douglas G. Miller, Esquire, and present for
the Defendants was James G. Morgan, Jr., Esquire.
This is a matter involving a property dispute.
The parties estimate it will take one day to try. The
Defendants have indicated that the following two witnesses
should be added to their witness list: Art Kreitzer and Harold
Arndt.
Trial in this matter will be held before this
Court on Monday, May 1, 2006, at 8:30 a.m. Both parties are
directed to check the availability of their witnesses. No
request for a continuance, absent an emergency, will be granted
unless it is filed within two weeks of today's date.
The parties are directed to premark and exchange
all exhibits by March 15, 2006, Any objections to the exhibits,
other than relevance, shall be made in the form of a motion in
limine, All motions in limine, with supportinq authority,
should be filed by April 3, 2006. All responses, with
supporting authority, shall be filed by April 26, 2006.
The parties have requested that the transcript of
the preliminary injunction hearing be transcribed. The parties
,
~ :~
have further agreed that they will share the costs of
transcription and that the transcriipt will be an exhibit in the
upcoming trial. This will alleviate the need to rehash the
testimony elicited at the preliminary injunction hearing.
J.
Douglas G. Miller, Esquire
Attorney for Plaintiff
James G, Morgan, Jr., Esquire
Attorney for Defendants
srs
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GNANA M, CHINNIAH, a/kJa
GNANACHANDRA M. CHINNIAH,
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY,
PENNSYLVANIA
Plaintiff
NO, 2005 - 5045 - CIVIL TERM
vs,
KENNETH L BRETZ alkJa KENNETH
L. BRETZ, SR., and GAIL ILENE
BRETZ, husband and wife, and MARY
ANN BRETZ,
CIVIL ACTION
Defendants
DEFENDANTS' MOTION IN LIMINE
AND NOW, comes the Defendants, Kenneth and Gail Bretz, by and through their
counsel, Tucker Arensberg, P.C" and moves this Honorable Court to exclude certain
evidence and in support thereof alleges as follows:
1, The above-captioned matter involves a property dispute, A hearing on
Plaintiffs' Request for Preliminary Injunctive Relief was held on October 10, 2005 before
the Honorable Edward E, Guido. The Plaintiffs' request for a Preliminary Injunction was
denied by Order dated October 31, 2005,
2, The above-captioned matter was listed for a non-jury trial by the Plaintiffs
on December 30, 2005. Counsel for Plaintiffs certified at that time that the case was
ready for trial.
3, A Pretrial Conference in the above-captioned matter was held before the
Honorable Edward E, Guido on March 2, 2006, Counsel for the parties attended that
Conference and each of the parties submitted a Pre-Trial Conference Memorandum,
"
4, Plaintiffs' Pre-Trial Memorandum listed five (5) potential witnesses, They
were Vance W. Bretz, Jr., Michele King, Mary Bretz, Gnana Chinniah, and Joseph H,
Bonarrigo, P,E, (East Pennsboro Township Engineer), Plaintiff did not list any other
potential expert, nor did they specifically list Michael C, D'Angelo,
5. In accordance with Judge Guido's Pre-Trial Conference Order, the parties
were to pre-mark and exchange exhibits by March 15,2006. The parties exchanged
exhibits as ordered in a timely fashion,
6, In the March 15, 2006, letter from Plaintiffs' counsel to Defendants'
counsel, Plaintiffs' counsel indicated that he would be adding an additional witness to
the list. The additional witness was Michael C, D'Angelo, a professional land surveyor.
Plaintiffs' counsel indicated Mr, D'Angelo would be testifying "regarding the boundary
location between the properties and the problems in constructinq or placinq a new
driveway onto Creekside Drive in accordance with the township requirements,"
(emphasis added)
7. At no time prior to March 15,2006, did Plaintiffs' counsel notify the
Defendant or the Court of the intention to call said expert witness, On March 22, 2006,
Plaintiffs' counsel advised Judge Guido of the intention to call Mr, D'Angelo and by copy
of that letter provided Mr. D'Angelo's curriculum vitae and report to Defendants' counsel.
8, Plaintiffs' counsel contends that Mr. D'Angelo will be replacing the
anticipated testimony by Joseph Bonarrigo, That is not an accurate representation
since in the Plaintiffs' Pre-Trial Memorandum, Mr. Bonarrigo's testimony was limited to
"the request for and denial of approval of the construction of a new driveway onto
-2-
Plaintiffs' property", Mr. D'Angelo will clearly attempt to testify to items other than
construction request and in particular, he would not be able to testify to what Mr.
Bonarrigo would as he has no first hand knowledge of the application and its rejection,
9. Plaintiff is adding a new expert witness after the Pre-Trial Conference
Order and after the matter was listed and certified as ready for trial. At this time,
Defendants are prejudiced by the late identification of such a witness and do not have
sufficient time to obtain their own expert, if warranted,
10. Additionally, Mr, D'Angelo's qualifications do not provide a basis to support
his professional opinions as outlined in his March 16, 2006, letter to the Plaintiff, Mr.
D'Angelo's qualifications are only with regard to surveying property and he does not
have the expertise to render professional engineering opinion regarding compliance
with the township rules and regulations.
WHEREFORE, Defendants respectfully move this Honorable Court to grant this
Motion In Limine to preclude the Plaintiff from presenting the testimony of Michael C.
D'Angelo at the trial of this matter as:
1, Plaintiff failed to timely identify this witness and submit his
proposed testimony and qualifications until after the matter
was listed for trial and after the Pre-Trial Conference with
Judge Guido, and;
2, The proposed testimony that has been offered through the
report of Mr. D'Angelo is clearly beyond the professional
- 3 -
expertise of Mr. D'Angelo's as a professional surveyor, as
confirmed by his curriculum vitae.
Respectfully submitted,
TUCKER ARENSBERG, P.C.
rz2~1:tf;:
PA I.D, No, 06897
Dennis R. Sheaffer
PA I.D, No. 39182
111 North Front Street
P,O. Box 889
Harrisburg, PA 17108-0889
Telephone: 717-234-4121
Facsimile: 717-232-6802
Attorneys for Defendants
85996.1 (016744 -125381)
- 4-
....
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
AND NOW, this ~(oI day of April, 2006, I, Dawn T, Heilman, Secretary to James
G, Morgan, Jr., Esquire, for the law firm of Tucker Arensberg, P,C" attorneys for
Defendants, hereby certify that I have this day served the foregoing Defendants' Motion
In Limine, by depositing a true and correct copy of the same in the United States Mail,
first class, postage prepaid, at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, addressed as follows:
Douglas G. Miller, Esquire
Irwin & McKnight
West Pomfret Professional Building
60 West Pomfret Street
Carlisle, PA 17013-3222
[JeUJJYI T ~ (~J l ((-"7
Dawn T, Heilman
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GNANA M. CHINNIAH a!k/a
GNANACHANDRA M. CHINNIAH,
Plaintiff,
: IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
: CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
v.
: No. 2005 - 5045 CIVIL TERM
KENNETH L. BRETZ a!k/a KENNETH
L. BRETZ, SR. and GAIL ILENE
BRETZ, husband and wife, and MARY
ANN BRETZ,
: CIVIL ACTION
Defendants.
ANSWER TO DEFENDANTS'
MOTION IN LIMINE
AND NOW this 26th day of April, 2006, comes the Plaintiff, Gnana M. Chinniah a1k1a
Gnanachandra M, Chinniah, by and through his attorneys, Irwin & McKnight, and respectfully
files this Answer the Defendants' Motion In Limine, and in support thereof aver as follows:
1. The averments of fact in paragraph one (I) of the Defendants' Motion in Limine
is admitted,
2, The averments of fact contained in paragraph two (2) are admitted,
3. The averments of fact contained in paragraph three (3) are admitted,
4, The averments of fact contained in paragraph four (4) are admitted. By way of
further answer, at the time of the Pre-Trial Conference in this matter, Defendants first notified
the Court and Plaintiffs counsel that two additional witnesses were being added who were not
included in Defendants' Pre-Trial Memorandum. As a courtesy, Plaintiffs legal counsel did not
object to the late notice of two additional witnesses, Plaintiff seeks only to replace one expert
witness with another.
5, The averments of fact contained in paragraph five (5) are admitted,
6, The averments contained in paragraph six (6) are denied as stated. It is admitted
that notice of Michael C, D'Angelo's testimony was sent to Defendants' legal counsel by letter
of March 15, 2006. It is specifically denied that Plaintiff seeks to add an additional witness,
Plaintiff seeks only to replace one expert witness with another.
7, The averments of fact contained in paragraph seven (7) are admitted. By way of
further answer, prior to the Pre-Trial Conference Defendants' legal counsel did not notify
Plaintiffs' counselor the Court of the existence of two additional witnesses.
8, The averments of fact contained in paragraph eight (8) are specifically denied and
strict proof thereof is demanded. Mr. Bonarrigo's report is a business record that has already
been filed of record in this matter. In addition to Mr. Bonarrigo's report, Mr. D'Angelo also
performed site measurements and field work to support the determination reached in Mr.
Bonarrigo's letter and to explain why the township requirements for sight distance cannot be met
for a new driveway, It is believed and therefore averred that Mr. Bonarrigo would have provided
similar testimony. Plaintiff's proposed use of a private professional land surveyor eliminates the
burden upon East Pennsboro Township to make one of its employees available for trial, and will
permit the Court to hear more complete evidence because of the supporting site measurements
and field work.
9, After reasonable investigation, Plaintiff is without knowledge or information
sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the averments contained in paragraph nine (9) so they
are therefore specifically denied and strict proof thereof is demanded, By way of further answer,
Defendants have been provided with copies of both the curriculum vitae and report of Mr.
2
D' Angelo more than a month before trial. Defendants were also put on notice of the inability of
the Plaintiff to obtain a private driveway when Plaintiff's Answer to New Matter was filed on
November 23,2005, with Mr. Bonarrigo's letter attached. Defendants did not list any expert of
their own to refute the long asserted position of Plaintiff that he is not able to construct a private
driveway to gain access to his property, Plaintiff is not asserting a new legal position, and
therefore Defendants will not be prejudiced.
10. The averments of fact contained in paragraph ten (10) are conclusions of law to
which no response is required. To the extent that a response is required, the averments are
specifically denied and strict proof thereof is demanded at trial, If Defendants' legal counsel
does not believe that Mr. D'Angelo's qualifications are satisfactory, then he has every
opportunity at trial to challenge those qualifications and cross-examine Mr. D' Angelo.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff respectfully requests that this Honorable Court deny
Defendants' Motion In Limine and permit Mr. D' Angelo to testify in place of Mr. Bonarrigo for
the reasons identified above.
Respectfully Submitted,
IRWIN & McKNIGHT
Dated: April 26, 2006
By:
Doug as G Miller, Esquire
Supreme Court ID # 83776
West Pomfret Professional Building
60 West Pomfret Street
Carlisle, Pennsylvania 17013
(717) 249-2353
Attorney for Plaintiff,
Gnanachandra M, Chinniah
3
.
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I, Douglas G, Miller, Esquire, do hereby certify that I have served a true and correct copy
of the foregoing document upon the persons indicated below by first class United States mail,
postage paid in Carlisle, Pennsylvania 17013, on the date set forth below:
Dennis R. Sheaffer, Esquire
James G. Morgan, Jr., Esquire
Tucker Arensberg, P.C.
III North Front Street
P.O, Box 889
Harrisburg, PA 17108-0889
(Attorneys for Defendants)
Date: April 26, 2006
IRWIN & McKNIGHT
Douglas Mi ler, sqUire
Supreme Court ID # 83776
West Pomfret Professional Building
60 West Pomfret Street
Carlisle, Pennsylvania 17013.3222
(717) 249-2353
Attorney for Plaintiff
~" )
-..,
- ..
GNANA M. CHINNIAH a!kfa
GNANACHANDRA M. CHINNIAH,
Plaintiff,
: IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
: CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYL VANIA
v.
: No. 2005 - 5045 CIVIL TERM
KENNETH L. BRETZ a!kfa KENNETH : CIVIL ACTION
L. BRETZ, SR. and GAIL ILENE
BRETZ, husband and wife, and MARY
ANN BRETZ,
Defendants.
AFFIDAVIT OF SERVICE OF SUBPOENA
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
: SS:
COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND
NOW, Douglas Miller, Esquire, being duly sworn according to law, does depose and state:
I, That he is a competent adult and attorney for the Plaintiff in the captioned action,
2, That a subpoena was served upon Mary Bretz, on March 24, 2006 by certified mail,
return receipt requested, addressed to Mary Bretz, 40 Creekside Drive, Enola,
Pennsylvania 17025, with return receipt number 700208600000 1074 3257,
3. That the said receipt for certified mail is signed and attached hereto and made a part
hereof.
I verify that the statements made in this affidavit are true and correct. I understand that false
statements herein made are subject to the penalties of 18 Pa,C.S, Section 4904, relating to unsworn
falsification to authorities,
IRWIN & McKNIGHT
Date: lI/) sjeX,p
By:
Douglas G. iller, Esquire
Supreme Court Id # 83776
60 West Pomfret Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
(717) 249-2353
Attorney for Plaintiff
. ____4 ....
SENDER (OMPLE TE {HI'J SECTION
. Complete ~ems'l, 2, and 3. Also complete
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f · Print your name and address on the reverse
so that we can return the card to you.
. Allaoli'this card to the back of the mailplece,
or on Ihe front If space pennits,
1. Artfcle Addressed to:
A.
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Mary Bretz
40 Creekside Drive
Enola, PA 17025
RESTRICTED
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C. Date of Delivery
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3. Service 1Y
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GNANA M. CHINNIAH aJkJa
GNANACHANDRA M. CHINNIAH,
Plaintiff,
: IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
: CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
v.
: No. 2005 - 5045 CIVIL TERM
KENNETH L. BRETZ aJkJa KENNETH : CIVIL ACTION
L. BRETZ, SR. and GAIL ILENE
BRETZ, husband and wife, and MARY
ANN BRETZ,
Defendants.
AFFIDAVIT OF SERVICE OF SUBPOENA
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
: SS:
COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND
NOW, Douglas Miller, Esquire, being duly sworn according to law, does depose and state:
I. That he is a competent adult and attorney for the Plaintiff in the captioned action.
2, That a subpoena was served upon Michelle King, on March 25, 2006 by certified
mail, return receipt requested, addressed to Michelle King, 34 SheIWood Circle, East
Pennsboro, Pennsylvania 17025, with return receipt number 700331100004 5770
6992,
3. That the said receipt for certified mail is signed and attached hereto and made a part
hereof.
I verify that the statements made in this affidavit are true and correct. I understand that false
statements herein made are subject to the penalties of 18 Pa,C.S. Section 4904, relating to unsworn
falsification to authorities.
IRWIN & McKNIGHT
Date: L;/)8/CXo
By:
Douglas G 'lIer, Esquire
Supreme ourt Id # 83776
60 West Pomfret Street
Carlisle, P A 17013
(717) 249-2353
Attorney for Plaintiff
.
SENDER COf.1PLE TE THIS SECTION
. Complete items 1, 2, and 3, Also complete
item 4 if Restricted Delivery is desired.
. Print your name and address on the reverse
so that we can return the card to you.
. Attach this card to the back of the mailpisce,
or on the front if space permits.
1. Article Addressed to:
A. Signature Ii'..... t
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Michelle King
34 Sherwood Circle
East Pennsboro, PA 17025
B. ~eived ~ ( p~tel! Name) C. "~atr of 9' v~ry
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'fYES~EsfRICTED 0 No
DELIVERY
3. Service Type
DCeertlilod Mall
o Registered
o Insured M .
estrlctod Delivery? (Extta Fee)
o Express Mall
iHi Return Receipt for Merchandise
Qg Yes
2. Article Number
(7lansfer rrom -1Bb8IJ
PS Form 3811, February 2004
7003 3110 0004 5770 6992
Domestic Return Receipt
102595-02-M-1540
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Total Postage & Fees $
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PS Form 3800 June 2002 See Reverse for InstructtonS
2
.
GNANA M. CHINNIAH a!k/a
GNANACHANDRA M. CHINNIAH,
Plaintiff,
: IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
: CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
v.
: No. 2005 - 5045 CIVIL TERM
KENNETH L. BRETZ a!k/a KENNETH : CIVIL ACTION
L. BRETZ, SR. and GAIL ILENE
BRETZ, husband and wife, and MARY
ANN BRETZ,
Defendants.
AFFIDAVIT OF SERVICE OF SUBPOENA
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
: SS:
COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND
NOW, Douglas Miller, Esquire, being duly sworn according to law, does depose and state:
1, That he is a competent adult and attorney for the Plaintiff in the captioned action,
2, That a subpoena was served upon Vance Bretz, Jr., on March 27, 2006 by certified
mail, return receipt requested, addressed to Vance Bretz, Jr., 403 Mountain Road,
Summerdale, Pennsylvania 17025, with return receipt number 7002 0860 0000 1074
3240,
3, That the said receipt for certified mail is signed and attached hereto and made a part
hereof.
I verify that the statements made in this affidavit are true and correct. I understand that false
statements herein made are subject to the penalties of 18 Pa,C,S, Section 4904, relating to unsworn
falsification to authorities.
IRWIN & McKNIGHT
Date: LI/JZ/04:>
By:
Douglas ' Miller, Esquire
Supreme Court Id # 83776
60 West Pomfret Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
(717) 249.2353
Attorney for Plaintiff
.
. .Camplete Items 1, 2, and 3. Also complete
nem 4 if Restricted Delivery is desired.
. Print your name and address on the reverse
so that we can return the card to you.
. Attach this card to the back of the mailpiece,
or on the front If space permits.
1. Artide Addressed to:
SENDER COMP! E: if THI':, Sf C nON
Vance- W. Bretz, Jr.
403 Mountain Road
Summerdale, PA 17093
3. SaNica Type
110 Certttied Mali 0 Express Mall
o Registered 13 Return R_pt for Merchandise
o Insured Mall 0 C,Q,D.
, _cted DoliVOl)'? (E<lnl Fee) 110 Yes
2. Article Number
(Trans,", ~ service label)
PS Fann 3811, February 2004
7002 0860 0000 1074 3240
Domestic Retum Receipt
102595..()2-M-1540
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2
Ci
C.
." .....
GNANA M. CHINNIAH a/k/a
GNANACHANDRA M. CHINNIAH,
Plaintiff
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
v.
NO. 2005-5045 CIVIL TERM
KENNETH L. BRETZ a/k/a
KENNETH L. BRETZ, SR.,
and GAIL ILENE BRETZ,
husband and wife, and
MARY ANN BRETZ,
Defendants
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
ORDER OF COURT
AND NOW, this 1st day of May, 2006, after
hearing, we find in favor of Plaintiff and against Defendant on
the issue of the existence of an easement by implication.
Specifically, we find that 36 Creekside Drive has an easement
for parking in the area to the southwest of 40 Creekside Drive.
Said easement shall be for up to four vehicles owned by the
residents of 36 Creekside Drive. Additionally, during special
occasions, guests at 36 Creekside Drive may park for up to four
hours. Provided, however, that no more than six guest vehicles
shall be permitted at anyone time.
The easement also allows for access by foot from
the parking area to 36 Creekside Drive. The path of the foot
easement is along the berm of the roadway in front of the porch
at 40 Creekside Drive, with further access onto the porch at the
northern opening and onto and across the sidewalk to 36
Creekside Drive.
In order to enhance the safety of the foot
traffic, the Defendants are directed to remove the concrete
steps in front of the porch within 30 days of today's date.
.,... -.
Page 2
Chinniah VS. Bretz
May 1, 2006
Edward E. Guido, J.
~glaS G. Miller, Esquire
60 West Pomfret Street
Carlisle, PA 17013-3222
For the Plaintiff
~~es G. Morgan, Jr., Esquire
/111 North Front Street
P.O. Box 889
Harrisburg, PA 17108-0889 ,\
For the Defendants ~
srs
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