La Mirada agrees to pay $1.8 million to settle eminent domain case for new railroad underpass

“The city has agreed to pay $1.8 million to settle the last eminent domain case involving acquisition of easements and property for the Valley View Avenue underpass at the BNSF Railroad crossing.

The city acquired permanent easements for Southern California Edison lines and a storm drain. La Mirada also acquired temporary easements allowing the construction of the roadway and walls from Arnold Applebaum, owner of Solid State Devices, 14830 Valley View Ave., La Mirada.

Both sides compromised from their original offers.

Applebaum’s final offer in court was for $3 million, while the city only offered $1.5 million.

City Manager Tom Robinson said compromising made sense.

“Their final offer was substantially above ($1.8 million),” Robinson said.”

read the entire article

Sprague, Mike. Whitter Daily News 1 April 2013.