Government agencies and public utilities may take private property from landowners through a process called “eminent domain.”
In July 2013, the Ohio Department of Transportation revealed plans to reshape the Interstate 76/77 interchange at South Main Street and South Broadway in Akron, Ohio. If funding is obtained for this highway construction project, numerous commercial buildings and homes along West South Street will be demolished to make room for the expanded ramps, roadways and new exit ramp from eastbound I-76/77. Some of the businesses affected have been at their present locations for as long as 50 years and are understandably reluctant to relocate.
The construction project would also close the nearby Wolf Ledges Parkway/Grant Street interchange, abandon a portion of South Broadway, relocate a portion of South Main Street and turn South Main Street from a one-way street into a two-way street from GOJO Industries to Miller Avenue.
ODOT hopes to begin construction in 2016, however funding has not yet been obtained and the final designs for the project have not been completed. Recently, Gov. John Kasich recommended that the I 76/77 project be funded as part of his $3 billion statewide transportation plan. The I 76/77 interchange project has a projected cost of $95 million.
Property owners in the impacted area who may be facing eminent domain should contact an Ohio eminent domain law firm. Clark, Perdue & List can help property owners obtain a fair market price that will adequately compensate property owners for the loss of their home or business.