According to a report published by Loudon Now, Loudon county supervisors voted unanimously earlier this month to initiate eminent domain proceedings against 10 Leesburg property owners who collectively own 11 parcels of land. The move comes as the property owners are still in active negotiations with the county regarding the voluntary sale of their properties. Typically, governments do not initiate eminent domain proceedings until negotiations have stalled.
Loudon County is seeking construction and drainage easements for a Courts Complex on land abutting Church Street near North and Cornwall Streets as well as along Edwards Ferry Road. According to a county report, the negotiations are moving along, and landowners are amenable to reaching an agreement regarding the value of their properties. To stay on schedule, the project needs to secure the easements this month and obtain site plan approval from the town. Upon completion of these steps, the county can commence construction. According to the county, each month of delay will cost about $282,000.
Department of Transportation and Capital Infrastructure Director Joe Kroboth is quoted as saying that “Even if the lender is amenable to the transaction, our experience has been the lenders do not see these transactions as a priority and they take several months to a year to process the approval.”
Landowners Can Protect Their Rights by Retaining an Experienced Attorney
As a landowner facing an eminent domain action, you may feel like you are fighting a losing battle, particularly when the government takes a heavy-handed action as it did in this case. While the government can use eminent domain to force you to sell your property, it’s also true that landowners have rights. You are entitled to just compensation for your property, and the representation of an experienced lawyer can help ensure that you get it. A lawyer can help you by:
- Determining whether the proposed exercise of eminent domain is valid
- Helping you understand the process and your rights
- Determining the valuation method appropriate for your property
- Obtaining an independent appraisal of the value of your property
- Representing you in settlement negotiations
- Representing you in court, if necessary
But Won’t Retaining an Attorney Reduce My Settlement or Award?
If you’re facing an eminent domain action, you may worry that retaining a lawyer will result in less money in your pocket at the end of the process. Fortunately, when you retain the eminent domain lawyers at Sever Storey, this is impossible. We only collect legal fees on the amount we secure above your initial offer, so you can only obtain more compensation by retaining us to represent you, never less.
Call Sever Storey Today to Schedule a Free Case Evaluation With an Experienced Eminent Domain Attorney
If you are a landowner facing a condemnation action, retain legal counsel as soon as you can. The attorneys of Sever Storey have more than 25 years of combined experience helping landowners obtain just compensation for their property. To schedule your free consultation with an attorney, call our office today at (888) 318-3761 or contact us online.
