Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 122: Listen and Learn -- Easements (Real Property)
The Arizona Court of Appeals recently held that members of a homeowners’ association are not entitled to severance damages to their residential parcels when common areas are condemned....more
Most professionals in the right-of-way industry are generally aware that partial acquisitions may entitle a property owner to receive compensation not only for the value of the land taken, but also for any damages caused to...more
Throughout the United States, old railroad corridors are being abandoned and converted into other uses, such as hiking, biking or other trail purposes. This converted use makes sense, as it is difficult to otherwise compile a...more
In Ohio, utility companies generally have eminent authority where they are unable to negotiate voluntary easements with landowners. However, utilities do not have so-called “quick-take” authority and must wait to begin...more
We routinely get calls from owners facing impacts to their property or business as a result of construction of a public project or changes in adjacent public streets. For example, the city or county may close a road, create a...more
Like the vast majority of general civil litigation, eminent domain matters usually settle before going to trial. The resolution is typically documented in either a stipulated judgment or a settlement agreement. ...more
ITC is adding a new phase to its Coldwater Capital Project, impacting area farmers. This post describes ITC’s capital project. I have learned that ITC is seeking to expand the project and take easements from agricultural...more
As much as public agencies want infrastructure projects to go smoothly, they rarely do. Even when a project is seemingly rolling along through right of way acquisition, there are still hurdles that inevitably impact budgets...more
In return for dropping a necessity challenge, Wolverine Pipeline agreed to substantially modified easement and paid the attorney fees incurred in pursuing the challenge. As I have previously noted, greater flexibility...more
Early intervention by property owner counsel can sometimes result in convincing condemning authorities to alter either their project or the rights sought to prevent catastrophic consequences to the owner and massive just...more
Wolverine Pipe Line Company received the administrative approval that is a prerequisite to it acquiring necessary property rights and constructing its project. On June 17, 2015, Wolverine Pipe Line Company filed anApplication...more
Has DTE withheld distribution of complete easements, including the exhibit containing the legal description of the encumbered property, in an attempt to hide the true impacts of the easements from homeowners? Last night, I...more
Generally when the United States takes property pursuant to its eminent domain authority, “just compensation” is based on the market value of the property on the date of the taking. However, when acquiring a street, road or...more
A few weeks ago, the California Court of Appeal issued an interesting unpublished decision detailing a long, drawn-out eminent domain battle in Riverside County. I haven't blogged about it yet because, well to be honest, it...more