Real Estate & Property Law

Damned if you do, damned if you don't!

By Alan Ackerman

Washington Chronicle

The Airport Board suggested the condemnation after 12 years of unsuccessful negotiations, during which it claims to have made offers well above market value for the property. With the approval of both jurisdictions, the pieces are in place for the airport board to take the land under eminent domain.

    Though approval has been granted, the situation could be resolved, said Roe. Landowner Johanna Remund, who is being represented by her son, Scheuber Road resident Wally Remund, has been presented with a final offer and has until the end of August to make a decision.

    Remund has not responded to multiple interview requests.

    Roe told the council that the condemnation approval was requested 'just in case our talks fall apart with the property owner.'    

This article is a great example of "damned if you do, damned if you don't." If you say the wrong thing to the paper, you hurt your case.  If you stand mute, as illustrated in the article above, you look like a recalcitrant and vindictive, i.e., greedy property owner.  Possibly the owner just wanted to be left alone.  However, if needed for a public use this opportunity to be left alone may not be possible.   

Full post as published by National Eminent Domain Blog on July 17, 2009 (boomark / email).