Fort Worth Couple Fight City For Their Backyard

FORT WORTH (CBSDFW.COM) - Nestled just northeast of downtown Fort Worth, the Oakhurst neighborhood is known for its beauty.

It's one reason the Walters family decided to buy a house in the area.  "I love the trees and the backyard," says Cyndy Walters "I just wish we owned all of it."

The Walters bought their home in 2000.  Before they closed they were told the City of Fort Worth owns part of the backyard, but that they could buy it if they wanted.

"Where the power lines are, the land on one side is ours and on the other side it's the city's," points out Walters. "They own the green house, half of the yard, about 1/3 of the pool."

In 2006 the family decided to pay the city for its portion of their property, which was close to $4,500.  Right afterwards everything was halted when they were told their neighborhood association would fight the property battle.  "I'm still trying to get the backyard.  We paid for it," says Walters

A spokesperson with the city of Fort Worth says that the process to turn over the rest of the yard was never fully completed and plans were never approved by the city.

The Walters say they're tired of being in limbo and just either want the rest of the property or their money back.  "If and when we ever decide to sell they'll come to the same problem we did and it will be probably put a halt on the sale because somebody is not going to want half of a backyard."

A spokesperson with the Oakhurst Neighborhood Association says the association's concern has been protecting the green space.

The Walters say they don't plan to change the space at all.  They insist that's why they fell in love with the property and wouldn't change a thing.