COME AND TAKE IT – Why Forcing a Condemnation Is The Best Option
““I own land, directly in the path of the proposed Constitution Pipeline. The property is quite hilly and has beautiful views. There is one small area near the top, which has a gradual enough slope to build a home.
Last December, Constitution asked for permission to survey. Their map shows the pipeline running directly through the only area suitable for building, siting a septic field, driveway and home. I realized that the pipeline if built would render my property, un-buildable, un-mortgage-able, un-insurable, and nearly worthless.
I Joined Stop the Pipeline and refused permission to survey. Over the next few months I learned a lot about Williams, Constitution, FERC, and the politics of pipelines and eminent domain.
Then I received Constitution’s offer for their completely one-sided right of way agreement. They say their limited-time initial offer is for 3 times the value of the right of way. Yet it represents only 15% of the value of the land. Their terms are ominous- a virtual minefield of legal traps. And attached is a thinly veiled, threatening letter explaining that if I do not agree they will take the right of way, against my wishes, by using Eminent Domain.”
Northrup, Chip. Shale Shock Media 8 July 2013.