The CSX Carolina Connector has been in the news the last several days. The main story is about how this railway company is looking to build a major rail terminal in Johnson County. The private company is threatening to use the power of Eminent Domain to take land from average citizens.
Clients regularly call us, asking: “I thought it was just the government that can take my land, but this is a private company trying to take it–can they do that?”
Sadly, it is possible for private companies to move in and take a homeowner’s land. The power of Eminent Domain can be used by:
- telephone and cell phone companies
- utility companies
- pipeline construction companies
- common carrier companies
- railroad companies
These powers all fall under categories known as Local Private Condemnors.
According to an article on WRAL.com, the Board of Commissioners meeting last night was packed with homeowners who objected to the railway project. The commissioners agreed with the homeowners and issued this statement:
The Johnston County Board of Commissioners does not support plans for CCX at the footprint the project’s advocates had envisioned. The board continues to believe that CCX represents economic development opportunities for Eastern North Carolina, including Johnston County, and hopes that alternative sites can be identified that reconciles the project’s location needs with the desires of property owners that are willing to sell their land.
At this time, the future of this project is uncertain. It may go forward as originally planned, or it may move forward at an alternative site, or it may be abandoned.
HensonFuerst sides with the homeowners. We fight for the rights of landowners to keep their property, and if eminent domain moves forward, we fight to help homeowners get fair compensation for their land.
For more information about Eminent Domain, visit our website at: http://www.nclandlawyer.com/condemnation-explained/who-can-condemn-my-property/
If your land or home is being threatened, contact us for more information about what steps can be taken. Call us anytime at 800-452-9633, or visit our website at www.nclandlawyer.com.