The Toledo Blade is reporting that the Toledo City Council has authorized condemnation proceedings for two parcels of land in the path of a proposed roundabout in South Toledo.

The parcels of land at issue sit at 3188 South Byrne Road and 3436 South Detroit Avenue. The roundabout is part of the proposed reconstruction of South Detroit Avenue from Copeland Boulevard and Anthony Wayne Trail.

According to reports, the landowners have retained legal counsel but have not yet entered into negotiations with the city. City officials claim that the landowners’ attorneys have not responded to numerous attempts to open negotiations.

Eminent Domain Actions Affect a Substantial Number of Ohio Landowners Each Year

While this roundabout project is relatively small in scope, it is just one example of how construction projects can substantially hurt landowners whose properties happen to be in the way.

Eminent domain actions are not only limited to road improvements. Pipeline projects can involve thousands of miles of developments and displace hundreds of landowners at a time. In addition, homeowners should prepare to get out of the way when the government decides that it’s time for a new school, hospital, or library. In fact, in some states, governments can even use eminent domain to force a sale to a private developer in the name of economic development, provided that a property is “blighted.”

Fortunately, landowners have legal rights. Courts, however, interpret the power of eminent domain expansively and uphold most eminent domain actions as valid. This means that in most cases, a landowner’s best-case scenario is to get as much money for the subject property as possible.

An Attorney Can Help You Get the Compensation You Deserve

When you’re facing an eminent domain action, you may feel as if you have no control over the process, especially if you have no choice as to whether to sell. Remember, however, that you do not need to accept the first offer you receive.

Under the law, the government is required to give property owners just compensation when they exercise eminent domain. An experienced attorney familiar with eminent domain law can evaluate your case and your property and negotiate a reasonable settlement offer on your behalf. If the government is not willing to make a reasonable settlement offer, your lawyer can take the matter to court to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve under the law.

Call Sever Storey Today to Schedule a Free Case Evaluation With an Ohio Eminent Domain Lawyer

If you believe that the government may subject your property to an eminent domain action or if you have already received an offer, contact an attorney as soon as you can. At Sever Storey, we are committed to helping landowners get fair compensation for their properties and will not hesitate to take a case to trial if the government refuses to make a fair offer. To schedule a free consultation with an eminent domain attorney in Ohio, contact us online or call our office at (888) 318-3761.