Real Estate & Property Law

Landfill Acquired

By Alan Ackerman

Orlando Press

Despite years of public disdain for the government’s ability to acquire private property through the power of eminent domain, county lawmakers pushed forward to own the land encompassing the county landfill near Artois.

With little fanfare, Glenn County Supervisors reauthorized the county’s use of eminent domain law Tuesday to obtain the land it leases and the additional property at the north end of the landfill.

“Whenever you’d mention eminent domain, you would have a public outcry that was deafening,” said Supervisor Tom McGowan. “That we’ve had no comment now indicates that we are doing the right thing.”

Glenn County Planning Director Dan Obermeyer said the county has tried to negotiate a fair price for the land with owners Patrick Foley and Robert Fumasi, but no price could be agreed upon. The landowners could not be immediately reached for comment.

Obermeyer said the county could expect to pay about $650,000 for the 451 acres.

The land was last appraised at $450,000 several years ago.

Obermeyer said the value of the land will eventually determine “just compensation,” but that the owners may argue for a higher determination before a judge.

Purchasing a landfill sounds simple. The community thinks it is 'near capacity', fully knowing it can be expanded, placing the citizens at great risk of a substantial just compensation payment.

Full post as published by National Eminent Domain Blog on December 23, 2008 (boomark / email).