[RP TownTalk] Introduction of Ordinance 2013-OR-03, to authorize the acquisition of 5731 Baltimore Avenue by eminent domain

[Audrey Bragg]

 I was at the Riverdale Business Association meeting last month along with the Mayor and the owner of Jey's Auto.  Jey presented a plan for the construction of a donut shop on his property which looked pretty good.  We were all excited about it.  This is a surprise to me that the town is going to condemn and seize the property.  Are you sure this is true information?  I thought the town was working with Jey.
I would love a coffee/donut shop on that corner.  I am sure the town is not going to spend money on a project where the owner is willing to spend it himself.  There must be some kind of reason for this if it is, in fact, true.  I am waiting to hear from the officials.



 
Audrey Bragg, Broker
Gerrety & Bragg Real Estate, Inc.
301-277-1111 office
301-351-4222 cell



-----Original Message-----
From: James D. Holmes <jdholmes at comcast.net>
To: towntalk <towntalk at riverdale-park.org>
Sent: Sat, Mar 2, 2013 2:30 pm
Subject: [RP TownTalk] Introduction of Ordinance 2013-OR-03, to authorize the acquisition of 5731 Baltimore Avenue by eminent domain


Here we go again



The Mayor and Council of Riverdale Park plan to introduce an Ordinance on Monday night to condemn and seize the property know as Jey's Auto at 5731 Baltimore Ave.  Recently, the Town made an unsuccessful attempt to purchase the property for $500,000.00   Now the Mayor and Council believe they have the right to condemn and seize the property under the eminent-domain laws of the Town and State.

Why is the Town so obsessed in purchasing this parcel of land.  Is it because the property owners refused to sell to Pulte Homes several years ago.  The Town will face an uphill battle in court if they attempt to condemn and seize the property.  

The City of Hyattsville is engaged in expensive court litigation against two property owners within blocks of Jey's Auto.  The City of Hyattsville at least has a plan for the property they are attempting to condemn and seize.  They want to build a parking facility.  What plans does the Town of Riverdale Park have in mind for Jey's Auto?

Michael Herman (resident and Past Mayor for Riverdale Park),  lawyer for the two property owners said that the city's initial offer was far lower than what other surrounding properties have gone for in recent years.  "If you look at land transfers that have occurred in the last few years, some of the parcels in the EYA project have gone for approximately $4 million per acre," said Herman in an interview. "The city was offering my client one third the value of their land."

http://hyattsville.patch.com/articles/city-seeks-eminent-domain-judgement-to-build-parking-garage


With declining property values and a projected loss of tax revenues for the next few years.  How is the Town of Riverdale Park planning to pay for this outrageous purchase.  Are we going to float more bonds?


It's time for the residents of Riverdale Park to wake up and tell the Mayor and Council to stop wasting our money on fruitless projects.




James D. Holmes











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