Court Opinion

ID: 9514338
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-06 22:48:46.727085+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T09:06:16.213396
License: Public Domain

*208MILLER, Chief Justice,
dissenting.
[¶ 24] I respectfully dissent.
[¶ 25] It is axiomatic that summary judgment is only appropriate where there are no genuine issues of material fact and the moving party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law. SDCL 15-6-56(c); Sparagon v. Native American Publishers, Inc., 1996 SD 3, 542 N.W.2d 125, 133 (citing First Western Bank v. Livestock Yards, 444 N.W.2d 387 (S.D.1989); Caneva v. Miners and Merchants Bank, 335 N.W.2d 339 (S.D.1983)). Because I believe there are unresolved issues of material fact, I cannot agree with the majority’s conclusion that summary judgment for City was appropriate. The key issue is whether Pluimer has an ownership interest in all or relevant parts of Lot H-3. Without clear, undisputed evidence demonstrating Pluimer’s ownership interest in Lot H-3, summary judgment for City was unjustified.
[¶ 26] Indeed, the recorded plat maps of the disputed property seem to suggest that Pluimer does not own Lot H-3. On the plat map of Northgate Addition, Lots 1 through 6 are clearly marked, symmetrical rectangles. According to this map, these discreet lots are separated from the highway by a strip of land 100 feet wide. The neighboring streets and lots depicted in this map and in the plat of Lot H-3 also suggest that a 100-foot strip of land separates Pluimer’s six lots from the center line of the highway. Even if we assumed this 100-foot measurement included the entire width of the highway, there may still be a 36-foot-wide strip of land that divides Pluimer’s property from the Highway. Arguably, Pluimer’s claim that his property does not front or abut the highway is correct.
[¶27] Although I believe summary judgment was improvidently granted to City, I am not anxious to jump into the trial court’s shoes and order summary judgment for Pluimer. I cannot declare, as the other dissenting author does, that no factual dispute remains and summary judgment for Pluimer is absolutely correct. In my view, a genuine issue of material fact exists as to whether Pluimer’s Lots 1 through 6 include all or part of Lot H-3 or whether Lot H-3 was separately deeded to Pluimer. Now that the pertinent issue is more sharply defined, the parties should have the opportunity to present any additional evidence which may clarify the boundaries and ownership of Lot H-3 and the Northgate Addition lots. I would reverse the grant of summary judgment and remand for further consideration by the trial court.