Archive | Eminent Domain

Mike Berger Will be Honored with Brigham-Kanner Property Rights Prize

William & Mary Law School and the William & Mary Property Rights Prize announced that Mike Berger will be the 2014 Recipient of the Brigham-Kanner Property Rights Prize. Berger is a property rights lawyer, scholar, teacher, and Owners Counsel member. The William & Mary Property Rights Project presents the Brigham-Kanner Property Rights Prize each year to an individual whose work affirms that property rights are fundamental to protecting and preserving individual liberty. It is named in recognition of the lifetime contributions to property rights of Toby Prince Brigham, founding partner of Brigham… read more

Posted in Continuing Legal Education, Eminent Domain
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Kentucky Court Denies Use of Eminent Domain for Pipeline

This case was brought to our attention by Robert Thomas over at the inverse condemnation blog, an excellent source for information regarding eminent domain news.   The case, Kentuckians United to Restrain Eminent Domain, Inc. v. Bluegrass Pipeline Company, LLC (Civil Action No. 13-CI-1492) was recently decided by the Franklin Circuit Court for the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The court granted the plaintiff’s summary judgment motion, which the company will almost certainly appeal. Therefore, this is definitely a case to keep an eye on in the coming months.   The facts… read more

Posted in Challenging condemnation, Eminent Domain, Eminent Domain Abuse, Energy Companies, Recent cases
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Appellate Division Affirms Award in AAA Electricians

The Appellate Division, Second Department recently affirmed the Supreme Court’s award in Village of Haverstraw v. AAA Electricians, Inc. The condemnor appealed the judgment of the Supreme Court, Rockland County, entered May 9, 2012, which awarded the condemnee $6,500,000 as just compensation for the taking of the condemnee’s real property. The background of the case is as follows: The condemnor acquired the 18.9 acres for transfer to the Ginsberg Development Company which in turn constructed the “Harbors of Haverstraw” a townhouse development. The subject parcel was flat and level and enjoyed… read more

Posted in Eminent Domain, Eminent Domain Abuse, Highest and Best Use, New York, Offer & Compensation, Recent cases
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Coy Koontz, Jr. Honored as Champion of Private Property Rights

The Owners’ Counsel of America, a nationwide network of leading eminent domain attorneys dedicated to representing property owners, honored Coy Koontz, Jr. with the Crystal Eagle Award last week for the resolve and commitment that he, and his late father, exhibited in fighting for the right of private property ownership. “My family and I have given up so much of our lives for this fight because we believe that owning your property ought to mean something– that the government can’t control you unreasonably,” said Coy Koontz, Jr. of the yet… read more

Posted in Challenging condemnation, Eminent Domain, Eminent Domain Abuse, Recent cases, Wetlands
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2014 Crystal Eagle Award

The Owners’ Counsel of America will present the 2014 Crystal Eagle to Coy Koontz, Jr., on January 25, 2014 at ALI-CLE conference in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Crystal Eagle award is given annually to an individual who has made a substantial contribution toward protecting the civil right of private property ownership. Coy Koontz was the lead plaintiff in Koontz v. St. John’s River Water Management District, an extraction case decided by the Supreme Court in June of this year. When the government commands the relinquishment of funds linked to a specifically identifiable property… read more

Posted in Challenging condemnation, Continuing Legal Education, Eminent Domain, Eminent Domain Abuse
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