9-year fight over spot of R.I. land may end

NORTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. - Nine years of legal battles over a small piece of land in the village of Saunderstown have apparently been resolved.

In 1998, Michael Kent bought two lots that combined were less than an acre for $43,000. He intended to build a house on the land, but was barred under zoning rules. He fought the town, even painting tree stumps and rocks on the plot bright colors, to no avail.

Now the previous owners of the land, Robert and Louise MacDonald, have agreed to pay $150,000 to buy it back and compensate Kent for costs and damages.

The MacDonalds have also agreed to give the land to the owners of the adjacent lots and compensate their lawyer $60,000.

As part of the agreement, all cross claims filed by the parties will be dismissed.