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In an unusual and high-stakes property battle, a dispute over ocean views in Nantucket has escalated into both civil and criminal cases. The conflict centered on allegations that Jonathan Jacoby trespassed onto neighbor Patricia Belford’s property during the winter off-season and cut down 16 mature cedar, cherry, and Leyland cypress trees — some nearly 50 years old — to improve his own view of the Atlantic Ocean. The lawsuit, filed in Massachusetts court, seeks $1.4 million in damages, claiming the tree removal significantly reduced the property’s value and character. The case has garnered national attention for its striking mix of luxury real estate, personal conflict, and high-dollar claims, making it a scenario where property law intersects with serious financial stakes. For residents facing similar disputes, consulting our Nashua, NH premises liability lawyer could prove essential in protecting property rights and pursuing damages.
According to court filings, Jacoby allegedly crossed his property line, used a chainsaw himself, and later enlisted his landscaper to clear debris. His home, which had been listed for nearly $10 million boasting “sweeping ocean views,” was taken off the market this month. The Nantucket Police Department charged Jacoby with vandalizing property, trespassing, and cutting/destroying trees. He has pleaded not guilty, defending his actions as “clearing out” undesirable trees.
Tree-related property disputes are not rare in New England, though few match the scale of the Nantucket case. Timber trespass laws in states like Massachusetts and Vermont are among the strongest in the country, allowing for significant penalties. In high-value coastal areas, where even a partial ocean view can add millions to a property’s market value, the motivation to alter neighboring landscapes — legally or not — can be intense. Past cases have resulted in settlements reaching well into seven figures, reflecting the financial and personal stakes involved in such conflicts.
We Help Property Owners Protect Their Assets
While this dispute was unusual in its scale and publicity, the underlying issues — crossing property boundaries, altering another’s landscape without consent, and causing financial harm — fall under the broader legal category of premises liability. Our Nashua premises liability attorneys can provide guidance in determining property boundaries, documenting damages, and pursuing rightful compensation in such cases.
Premises liability law is not limited to slip-and-fall accidents or obvious hazards — it can also cover unauthorized alterations to someone else’s property that cause financial loss or safety risks. Whether the issue involves fallen trees damaging a roof, a neighbor’s renovations impacting your foundation, or — as in this Nantucket case — the removal of mature landscaping, our property injury attorneys can help with similar claims. We can assess the extent of loss, from diminished property value to necessary restoration costs.
Unsafe property lawyers often work alongside surveyors, arborists, and real estate professionals to quantify damage and build strong cases. These cases frequently hinge on proving both liability — that the act was unauthorized — and damages, which can include the market value of the lost trees, restoration expenses, and in some jurisdictions, statutory or punitive damages.
Our negligent property conditions lawyers at Welts, White, & Fontaine, P.C. have the experience needed to effectively handle property disputes involving significant financial stakes. Our 5-star reviews show that we understand how to apply local laws, gather testimony, and negotiate or litigate for the best possible outcome. If you believe your property rights have been violated — whether by unsafe conditions, unauthorized alterations, or direct damage — now is the time to act. We have a 24/7 live call answering service, so feel free to contact our Nashua premises liability lawyers at any time of day or night. We’re ready to protect your investment, restore your property, and secure the compensation you deserve.