There are 4 properties on the block. Two on the north and 2 on the south. (Also 2 on the east and 2 on the west! ) The north properties are larger than the south properties because "back in the day" it was decided NOT to put an alley between the north and south properties and most of the extra (alley) property went to the north properties.

All of the original property holders are now gone. The longest AND the shortest residents own the two north properties.

One of the southern property owners has built buildings right up to the back line of the property, part of which would be in this "alley".

Here's the question: The other southern property owner wants to use part of the "alley" as access to his property. It would require one of the northern property owners to tear out established plants, a cement basketball court and a small shed (all of which have been there previous to the newest owners). The southern owner has had the property surveyed and it IS his land, at least partially.

And, while this does not affect the 2 eastern properties AT THIS TIME, it certainly sets precedent and makes the other 2 properties at risk.

There are legal property issues, neighbor issues, courtesy issues, "grand-fathered" issues, etc.

What do you think would be the best win-win answer to this situation? And why?

Hmm... The legal property line should establish who uses that portion of land. Even if it means the other person has to move/remove his items.

He is using land that is not his, no matter how long he's been using it.

My parent's house had a 20 ft right of way for the railroad... Now there was no actual railroad there, and no plans to ever build a railroad through there, however
. That tract of land had to be available 'just in case"... My parents used that plot of land for a garden, but nothing permanent could be put there.

I don't understand your spatial description at all - I need a diagram!

But, They should investigate whether squatters rights have been established.

http://statelaws.findlaw.com/washington ... -laws.html

The guy with the basketball court may have more rights than you'd think at first glance. There's even a chance that he could be established as the rightful owner after consulting a lawyer.

Apparently Washington law is very squatter friendly, from what the internet says

As neighbors, they need to find a way to work together. It may be so simple as saying, I'll let you drive over my basketball court if you help me tear out the shrubs, and we'll sign a contract that we are respecting the deed as originally written (so the deed holder doesn't lose his rights)

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http://stuffedveggies.blogspot.com/

Yes, ideally, they should try to work a compromise because they're neighbors and will have to live with each other.