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| Tom and Sharon Lira decided to plant a screen of bushes along their property after remodeling the waterfront home. That’s when the trouble started. The bushes are shown between the couple in the photo above. (Steve Earley photos/The Virginian-Pilot) |
By MICHELLE WASHINGTON
The Virginian-Pilot
NORFOLK - At first, the neighbors got along famously.
Tom and Sharon Lira bought their waterfront home in Lakewood on the Lafayette River in September 2000. It's next to the home of one of the city's most notable citizens: Pete Decker Jr., a savvy real estate investor and businessman, chairman of the Airport Authority and a substitute judge. "Uncle Pete," as he's known to many, is also a philanthropist, crooner and all-around bon vivant.
Decker and his wife, Bess, invited the Liras over for drinks, and they complimented the Deckers' lovely view of the water. The Liras invited the Deckers to their daughter's bat mitzvah. One evening, they all rode to dinner in a limousine. When a hurricane knocked out power on their street, Harmott Avenue, Pete Decker struggled through rain and wind to run an extension cord from his generator to the Liras' house.
"That's what neighbors are supposed to do," Decker said.
"Not only were they lovely, they were magnanimous," Sharon Lira said. "They were delightful."
Then the Liras decided to plant some bushes.
They had renovated their house, and the new layout and big windows left the kitchen and living area at the back of the house exposed. They wanted more privacy. So they planted a row of wax myrtles between their house and the Deckers'.
"It was a natural barrier," Tom Lira said. "Neighbors like privacy."
Decker saw the bushes as the first shot in a ground offensive.
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| Prominent lawyer Pete Decker Jr. says that for the past 40 years he had enjoyed an expansive view of the sunsets over the Lafayette River. But after the Liras planted the bushes, that view was blocked. |
Since he bought his home more than 40 years ago, Decker said, he has enjoyed watching the sunset on the Lafayette River. The best view is from the den at the rear of his house, to the west across the curving, waterfront edge of the Liras' back yard - the view blocked by those bushes.
"It was a magnificent view," Decker said. "There was no reason to do it. They did it because they could."
Decker said the Liras agreed to keep the bushes trimmed to hip height on his side of the hedgerow.
But come summer, the hedges weren't trimmed. Sharon Lira said they didn't want the heat to harm the plants.
So Decker sent his yard crew over, Sharon Lira said. The crew lopped off the tops of the wax myrtles, sawing them down to knee height. Sharon Lira took pictures of the mangled branches, limbs amputated, leaves ragged.
That, the Liras say, was the beginning of the backyard war.
Tom Lira confronted Decker and his yard help. They denied cutting the bushes.
Not satisfied with the shorter shrubs, Decker set out to seize part of the Liras' back yard.
He contended that a chunk of land behind the Liras' home - the curving waterfront piece crucial to his view - was "ownership undetermined." As evidence, Decker obtained an affidavit from the previous owner, John R. Sears Jr., saying that he knew he didn't own that part of the yard and had always shared the property with the Deckers. Pete Decker sometimes hit golf balls into the water from the "ownership undetermined property," Sears wrote.
Next, Decker obtained a land survey that appeared to show the Liras' property ended at a line cut straight across the curving waterfront portion, separating their yard from the river.
Finally, Decker offered money to the previous property owners to purchase quitclaim deeds. Such documents mean: "I'm not saying I own or have any interest in this property. But if I do, I give it to you."
Decker gave Sears $3,000 for a signed quitclaim deed.
Decker hired investigators to track down the heir of another previous owner. Getting a quitclaim deed from her took a bit more cash, Decker said, because she believed she had some claim to waterfront property. He cut her a check for $14,000.
Decker lobbied Tanner's Creek Co., the successor to Lakewood Inc., which built the Lakewood subdivision, for a third quitclaim deed, again at a cost of $3,000.
Decker said he started paying taxes on the property.
Then he went to the Liras and offered to sell them the land.
"What I don't want is people to think Uncle Pete would take someone's property," Decker said. He told the Liras he would turn over the quitclaim deeds for what he paid for them - about $20,000 - if they "would just cut the bushes away from my view."
Jaws dropped in the Lira household.
About 40 feet separated their kitchen window from the property Decker said he had bought. The Liras' survey showed their property extended to the river, and their deed gave them rights to the water.
"This is so blatantly our backyard," Sharon Lira said. "We'd have to be fools to purchase this house with two-thirds of the yard's waterfront property belonging to someone else."
The quitclaim deeds not only purported to give Decker ownership of part of their yard, but would have clouded the title to their home, making it next to impossible to sell. Tom Lira, a mortgage broker, knew that was no good.
The Liras took the Deckers to court in May 2005 to clear the title of their house. They knew they were taking on a man who had been a lawyer for more than 40 years and who was known by everyone.
"We felt like David and Goliath," Sharon Lira said. "But right was going to win."
Decker filed a counter-claim, saying the land was his.
On their tranquil street, the skirmishes grew more intense.
Every time Tom Lira " got on it, I'd go over and tell him to get off the property," Decker said.
Sharon Lira said Decker screamed at her whenever she tried to mow the lawn. Tom Lira said Decker threatened to break his legs.
Decker gave a different account. He said Lira threatened him and he responded, "Tom, you know I could break your legs if I wanted."
The Liras began carrying a video camera into the back yard.
Decker said Sharon Lira once blew him a kiss in a sarcastic manner.
Sharon Lira admitted blowing that kiss. She did it, she said, because Decker had just shouted at her: 'Peeeuuuu, you stink.' "
In July 2005, the Liras asked the court for an injunction to prevent Decker from building a fence across their property.
In August that year, on the advice of their lawyer, when a work crew again came over to cut the bushes, they called police. One of Decker's sons, Paul, was arrested and charged with trespassing. The charge was dismissed, but Decker was still mortified.
Decker said the Liras offered to sell him their home and land for $1.4 million - more than three times what they had paid.
"I wouldn't let them profit from their un-neighborliness," he said.
The Liras said they felt Decker was trying to use his stature to force them to do what he wanted.
"He had the view, he had everything he wanted, but we didn't do what he wanted," Sharon Lira said. "He thought he was going to bully us into acquiescing."
"I can't help but think that an officer of the court should be held to a higher standard," Tom Lira said.
Decker said their dispute had nothing to do with who he was.
"It wasn't because I'm Pete Decker," he said. "It's because I'm a human being. It was something I had, and they took it away from me."
The battles terrified the Liras' daughter, who was 14. Men were showing up at the house with chain saws, Sharon Lira said. They felt they were under siege.
"We were attacked," she said, "and we went after our back yard."
The legal process took more than a year. A year of never knowing what would happen when they stepped outside their home, the Liras said, a year their lawyer spent researching their title back to the 1930s, before the neighborhood even existed.
"We had brilliant legal advice, and a lot of alcohol," Sharon Lira said.
"The money I spent is the least part of it," Decker said. "The emotional drain has gone on so long."
In August, both the Liras and Decker asked the court to decide where the boundary between their yards lay.
All of Norfolk's judges recused themselves, so a substitute was brought in from Emporia.
He ruled for the Liras. Their property extends to the river, he said, and Decker's quitclaim deeds were meaningless.
The Liras sent their lawyer a case of wine and took him to a celebratory dinner.
"You have no idea how different it is to walk in my yard and not worry about being screamed at and yelled at," Tom Lira said.
After the judge's decision, the Liras and the Deckers signed a truce, agreeing not to appeal, sue each other or make any other claims.
As a law-abiding man, Decker said, he respects the judge's ruling. But he's still not sure that Tom Lira should have won.
"From a legal standpoint he's correct," Decker said - no one has a legal right to a view. "But from an emotional standpoint, from a Christian standpoint, he's absolutely wrong. And if it's done for spite, he's wrong twice."
He plans to move, he said, to a place where he can see the sunset on the water. His wife, Bess, tells him to get out on his boat and see all the view he wants.
The whole saga upset Decker so much that he became a different person, a Pete Decker he didn't know he could be.
"If I had it to do over, I would have done absolutely nothing, and I would have ended up with exactly what I have now: tall bushes, no view," Decker said. "God tested me, and I failed."
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Could have been me
I, too, am a lawyer and live on the water, and I have a new neighbor that recently did the same thing. He planted bushes that obstructed my view of the water and made it more difficult to take my two young boys fishing. At the risk of judging Mr. Decker or his actions (I don't personally know him), I took a different approach. I was unhappy and a bit miffed, but concluded that the property was not mine, it belonged to my neighbor and he could do pretty much whatever he wanted with his property. I wish he had not done it, but I won't complain as I don't like to fight with a neighbor. My neighbor not only keeps his property clean and has made many improvements to his beautiful property, but I like my neighbors very much. My neighbors are probably like the Liras and I'd like to keep them as my good neighbors. That said, this is a most unfortunate situation for Mr. Decker, his neighbors and the many other parties involved. The situation is also highly instructive for the rest of us.
Different cities, $ame $tory (see Ches/Nov 22/Helicopter)
In Norfolk, a connected uber-professional saws greenery and they call in an unbiased judge but Chesapeake's tree-felling Class A contractor was cause celebre. There the City opted to back the scofflaw who axed a neighbor's 5 trees without permission so he could fly his helo and then continued to fly over their property long after being asked to stop. It is heartening seeing justice done in Norfolk but a similarly-bullied citizen didn't fare so well in Chesapeake. VaPilot even touted it as a refreshing openness to new things. Open to meanies with money and power brokers--how new is that?! Decker and Tucker are do-gooder, A-list southern 'gentlemen' who behaved badly but met with very different outcomes. A newly transplanted Norfolker held more sway in Chesapeake than a long time, law abiding citizen but that'll happen with Raeford Eure in front of Council. Vilifying rightful complainants is M.O. for those who are used to buying good will and getting their way. Liras are good apples.
Not Surprised by Decker's behavior
As a native of Norfolk, and in fact, having grown up in Lakewood, I am familiar with Mr. Decker. The bully tactics he resorted to in this dispute with his neighbors are not surprising. Yes, he gives money to various charities, and Yes, he is often heard speaking out on behalf of some "worthy" cause. But the reality is that all of his supposedly magnanimous actions are self-serving and calculated. No one has been a bigger promoter of the carefully crafted image of "Uncle Pete" than "Uncle Pete" himself. The underhanded methods and pettiness that he displayed during this property line conflict show the man's true nature. He is completely arrogant; this incident is a shining example of a man who is used to getting his way throwing a temper-tantrum when he didn't. Furthermore, all these people who defend Decker's poor behavior are looking no farther than his wallet. Unfortunately, there are always plenty of folks who equate celebrity and wealth with honor...
Manicuring the shrubbery
We must have been short on news on Nov. 29 when the Pilot printed a 2 page report on Pete Decker and the Liras. As this matter was settled in court and the Liras won, I can't understand why the Liras would want all the attention unless they are so bored and boring and neither has ever been recognized for anything, good or bad. Pete Decker has, and continues to have, his time in the spotlight and does not need the pathetic attention brought about by the Liras. He has done an enormous amount of good for the people of Tidewater and the children of the world by way of raising millions of dollars for St Jude and other charities. I hope Mr. and Mrs. Lira have enjoyed their short-lived attention. Mr. Decker has a legacy that will go on for a long, long time.
A good editorial decision
I don't understand the folks who question whether this is a story worthy of the newspaper's front page. A rich, powerful, well-connected lawyer tries to steal a neighbor's property because it is interfering with his view of the river. How's that not a story? In this case, the rich guy made the mistake of attacking a family with the money to hire their own lawyer. What if Decker decided your property would be a nice location for a strip mall? Who will speak for you? A newspaper's job is to "Comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable." I'd say the paper was doing its job. Besides, this story is a TV show or movie waiting to happen. How long will it be before this story shows up as a plot in Law and Order? I can see the title now, "When Rich People Attack"
Where's the news
With so many news worthy events occurring in the world today why would you place a private dispute between neighbors on your front page. Courts decide cases concerning neighbors disagreements of property rights everyday and I have never seen their stories in your newspaper. I can only presume that your goal was to tarnish the reputation of a prominent member of our community who has made valuable contributions for the betterment of Norfolk. Shame on you Virginian Pilot. For the sake of your subscribers concentrate on news worthy articles and not derogatory gossip.
Giver=Getting
I hate to admit it but I read almost all the comments and what people will allow eats at my insides. It is great that he donates time and money to the less needy. But at what amount do you become exempt from acting honorable? He paid more money than probably half the people he donates to in two years. The facts are simple: their land their decision(period) He has no right legal or morally. And to justify his actions and use the arguement "you don't know him" is absurd. He makes a living judging us in our courts of law and ruling our fate without knowing those litigants! But he does and he does so on what.....that's right, facts. I agree he made a poor decision, but lets not say it is an isolated incident. If he is willing to go to these lenghs over some shrubs, I wonder what he would do for me if I retained him as my lawyer at 20k. Makes me think and should make you too.
Whose bottom line?
A fair and balanced analysis of this story would conclude that the Liras planted bushes on their property that the Deckers didn't like. After an abortive attempt to cut the bushes, Pete Decker tried lawyer tricks to steal part of his neighbor's property. The quitclaim ploy lacked merit and was merely an effort to force the Liras to comply. It didn't work because, unlike most of us, the Liras had resources to oppose a powerful and connected man like Decker. I don't know Uncle Pete or the Liras. I don't know for sure what motivated the Liras and I don't know who did what to whom as the sniping escalated. I do know this. Decker is no Uncle Pete. I have an Uncle Pete and he is a gentleman who would never behave this way. Whatever blame the Liras deserve, Decker acted the way we expect rich, arrogant rear ends to act. I think it's fine that his family and friends love him, and I applaud whatever good works are his, but his behavior was shameful and an abuse of his privileged status.
The bottom line...
After reading this plethora of comments, I get the impression that there are a lot of axes to grind out there--for reasons I cannot fathom--and very little fair-and-balanced analyses of the article. Axes notwithstanding, if anyone here commenting has given even a 1/4 of the money and time Peter Decker has given his fellow man, woman and child, then he or she can consider his or her life well spent.
So sad..............
Many gauge their success by the failures of others. I cant help but think that most feel this is come-uppance for The Deckers.
Its simply a neighbor dispute that would never have made the news if it involved anyone else.
Will we be seeing this case on Judge Judy? I think not.
Pete Decker Equals Corruption
I live out of the area in Rhode Island. I think that the folks who side with Pete Decker are like the ones who want to bring back an imprisoned felon as city mayor "because he is so nice and he made downtown Providence all pretty." Similar to the way Gotti brought lavish neighborhood parties to bribe his followers, so Decker brings shallow phoniness into Norfolk. Call me disgusted, but if you own the land and purchased the shrubbery, you can do whatever you want with them.
Decker needs his law license revoked...
This case, although not front page news, is a prime example of a lawyer, with a little pull and city contacts, breaking every legal and ethical rule in the book. Isn't the ABA all over this one on his blatant scheming to undermine the livelihood of his fellow citizen. He had no legal right to a view but went to no ends to get his way including fraud, deceit, abuse, multiple assaults and destruction of private property. I say revoke his law license and everything that goes with it.
2 Observations
I have two observations concerning this story. First, does this story really merit front page above the fold coverage? If it were any average citizen, it would not merit a footnote in the Compass. Second, why denigrate a man who has given so much to charitable causes and the betterment of Norfolk. I question the motives of the reporter and the Virginian Pilot.
Mr. Wonderful?
I can,t believe anyone who read this article can belive the Laras are wrong. I think they need ther heads examined!
Jeez...
This was a poorly written article that had absolutely no business being front page news and failed to objectively present both sides of the story. This is not a battle of the rich v. the poor. Hello, the Liras reside "next door" to the Deckers- that would suggest to me they are no more strapped for cash than the Deckers. The Liras filed the lawsuit. The Deckers were forced to defend themselves. This was a title issue and nothing more. Mr. Decker is unfairly being portrayed as a greedy opportunist. This wasn't his fault and it wasn't the Liras fault either! The title company obviously messed up. A house was sold while a piece of the Lira property had undetermined ownership. Criticism should be directed at the reporter who chose to incorporate meaningless quotes into this article void of facts and at the editor who chose to publish this on the front page!! Moral of the story... make sure you own your backyard before you sign off on the HUD Statement!
Too Bad
Pete Decker is a good man. It's too bad the issue couldn't have been solved early. They're stupid bushes. Cut em down.
What a saint
Yes yes yes, everyone here who has something negative to say about Pete Decker reads the Enquirer...you would know that. I love the people in here who say we are jealous or ignorant because we bash Pete Decker. I met Mr Decker years ago...he was an arrogant, pompous ass. He still is. Do not attack me because I do not like him. Instead examine your own priorities...defending this bully. He tried to bully the Liras! Thankfully the legal system worked properly and he ended up on the short end. I think he should be brought up on criminal charges for destroying their property! The man acted like a spoiled child...the only thing surprising was he didn't go to his cronies on city council and try to force the Liras out by eminent domain! But, I guess some of these morons would have defended him for that, too.
Pathetic in the extreme. Shame on you
Someone please show me a law that states that a sunset view is a purchased commodity or a right. Mr Decker's actions in trespassing and destroying his neighbor's property was criminal. Yeah, maybe the Liras didn't follow through with trimming the bushes even though they didn't have to by any law but "Uncle Pete's" law but they had cause. They feared that cutting them in the heat would destroy the bushes and thus their investment in them. "Uncle Pete" could have waited a few months for the weather to change. Not everyone has the money to buy off whatever/whomever they want. I agree with the notion that Decker should reimburse the Liras for their legal expenses. If he can throw away $20k in a pathetic, bitter attempt to manipulate the legal system then surely he can afford to reimburse the Liras. With any luck (for the Liras that is), Uncle Pete will move and take his pettiness with him. I pity his new neighbors.
Jealousy
Goodness. I can't believe some of the transparent negative comments and gloating over the fact that Peter Decker received an unfavorable ruling over a broken gentleman's agreement to keep some bushes trimmed. Many of these personal attacks sound pervaded by jealousy to me, revealing a sad display of low self-esteem. This is so unnecessary; there is no need for jealousy. Everyone is important and everyone has value. As much as anyone, Pete Decker has demonstrated time and again his regard for the worth of individuals from all walks of life. Any stranger need only say "Hello" to him and they will be greeted with the same enthusiasm and warmth with which Pete Decker greeted his new neighbors. The stranger will have instantly made a new friend who is sincere, considerate and giving -- just like the rest of Pete's fine family. Those who have made personal attacks, really don't know Peter Decker. Likewise, they may not really know themselves either. Some self-reflection could be in order.
Decker is an arrogant bully
Admittedly the Pilot doesn't specialize in objective reporting, but if the story is even halfway true as told by the Pilot, then Decker is an arrogant bully. I guess what they say about lawyers being the scourge of society is true. May he someday end up as the defendant in a class action lawsuit. What a nightmare having to live next to that guy!
My two cents...
I'd rather have an Aunt Sharon than an Uncle Pete any day, Mr. Decker just made that day come a little sooner.
If Pete Decker is a "Christian"...
...then I'm glad I'm not. It's been my experience that the people who talk the loudest about how "Christian" they are are the ones who wouldn't know real Christian behavior if it bit them. Decker may be a near-saint to the general public, but his behavior once the sycophants have gone home reveals him as a spoiled, whiny bully. If Pete Decker wants a waterfront view so badly, let him buy one like everyone else has to instead of trying to steal it through threats, destruction of property, and fraudulent quitclaims. The bushes were on the Liras' property and weren't violating anything except Decker's sense of entitlement. And his comment about God "testing" him made me laugh out loud. With everything going on in the world, I'm sure God has better things to do than visit Pete Decker with a plague of bushes.
No surprise!
Now let me see...a powerful lawyer trying to steal someone elses property. That's a shocker!
Waiting for the full story...
Why do I feel like the reporter went into this story with an opinion already in place? Knowing Mr. Decker the way that I do, I'm quite sure that there is a whole lot more here than what was reported. Mr. Decker is a warm and generous man. His generousity is not to benefit himself, as has been suggested here. I've witnessed and benefitted from many small generosities he has given - all very inconsequential to him, I'm sure, but very meaningful to the receiver. He has done so much for so many that there is no way to list them all. I, for one, will choose to base my opinion of Mr. Decker on what I have seen and experienced first-hand - and not on a hatchet job by a reporter with an axe to grind.
Who loves you Pete
I cannot believe the amount of people bashing a man they do not know. I bet the same people read "The Enquirer" and believe those stories are all true too. You are a great man Pete Decker.
Par for the course...
This is the same Mr. Decker who bought another property in the same neighborhood a few years ago, tore down a perfectly good house, cut down several live oak trees that were 200 - 300 years old then decided he didn't want to build a house there after all. Talk about a waste of time, money and the loss of some beautiful trees. Sounds like chopping things down is his MO.
I adore his wife's comment
Bess said exactly what I would have, you want the view, get out on your boat and see all the view you want.
There's enough blame to go around. Pete Decker should have taken the high road and didn't.
Bottom line, "Uncle Pete" found out money doesn't buy class or graciousness.
Justice served
Good for the Liras. I'm glad Decker got what he deserved. What a bully. What gets me is that a judge from Emporia had to be called in to decide the case. Are you kidding me? Nothing like being humbled, especially when you get too big for your britches.....
It is a shame
I can't believe these adults acted like little children at the playground. You may own a property but you have to live with your neighbors. A compromise should have been found with the renovation. Just like noise can bother neighbors, so can a view. But also remember that it is the Liras' property to renovate as they wish but there are limits. You can't do anything you want without some type of consequence. Decker should have offered to pay for a nice window system for the Lira's house, a Privacy deck, a shade system, or something. That would have given Decker his view and the Liras their privacy. God knows it would have been cheaper. This was a textbook case of a waste of the courts. There are more important things for our courtrooms like Fraud cases, contract disputes, identity theft, etc… People need to get along as neighbors because you never know when or where you will need a friend.
Education is not a substitute for intelligence
I am so glad to see Decker finally get what's coming to him. Tom & Sharon Lira may not know, but they have given many other people satisfaction in knowing that Decker has to get down from his horse and live like the rest of us. I'm just sorry that his clients will now be paying for his arrogance. Now people will see his true colors. It wasn't God testing him, just his conscience. Maybe his friends will give him some "cheese" to go with his "whine"!