The question of eminent domain Airport Authority had option in Owens land deal
“Lingering questions remain over the sale of a 10-acre tract belonging to Rutherford County Commission Chairman Julius Owens to the Rutherford County Airport Authority for $300,000.
The sale was spurred by a tree on the property — located at 154 Goshen Road — that impede a federally-required glide slope ratio for aircraft landing on the runway at the airport.
The Airport Authority entered into an agreement Monday to purchase the land and buildings for $300,000 despite the fact the property was independently appraised at $168,000.
Additionally, according to county tax documents, the land and buildings held a tax value of $108,400.
The main question is why did the Airport Authority purchase the property rather than institute eminent domain and condemn the property in order to remove the trees in question?”
Clark, Mathew. The Daily Courier 30 June 2013.