The Missourian newspaper reports the results in a case of taking of 2.6 acres for a highway widening in Franklin County, Missouri. Commissioners awarded $262,500 and the State deposited that amount into court. But after trial, the jury awarded an additional $937,500, for a total of $1,200,000. The owner’s appraiser testified to $945,000, and the owner himself testified to $1,745,000.
The bone of contention was the owner’s position that for fire and safety reasons, the remainder needed two driveways to be successfully developed, but the taking did away with one, and the State would not consider a redesign.
The DOT lawyer is quoted as saying that an appeal by the State is unlikely.
For the story, go to Bill Miller, Jr., Man Awarded $1.2 Million in Condemnation, The Missourian, December 27, 2011 – click here.