Florida Eminent Domain Blog | Gregory W. Stoner

In an attempt to ease overcrowding, the Marion County School District has proposed the construction of a new elementary school in the near future and a possible middle school later on. The new schools, which will be located in Silver Springs Shores, are intended to reduce overcrowding, which has grown severe in the southeastern part of Marion County. The School Board agreed to begin condemnation procedures and offer the owner a total of $1.65 million for the property. This is $25,000 per acre, about 14 % below the owner's asking price.

The plan is that construction the elementary school will begin in late 2010 or early 2011. The plan is that the elementary school would be built first, and the middle school later as a separate campus but on adjacent property. This would allow for the construction of common buildings, like a cafeteria and library, that could be used by both schools. The plan is similar to that already used for Hammett Bowen Jr. Elementary and Liberty Middle School in Ocala.

When crowding begins to affect instruction, we can all agree that schools have to be built, but that does not mean you have to take the government's first offer. Your property is your property, and you deserve full compensation. You may at first feel hesitant to ask more from a school district when you hear about teachers being laid off, but remember that capital funds (used for construction of new buildings, including the cost of eminent domain takings) are legally separate from funds used to pay teachers' salaries and fund school programs. You will not be taking one dollar out of teachers' pockets.

If a school construction or other public use project has put your property in danger of condemnation, you need an experienced eminent domain lawyer who can help you fight for your property and get the maximum compensation if you cannot stop the taking. Please schedule a condemnation consultation at the Florida Property Law Firm, P.A. today to learn how we can help.