Family rooted since 1896 fights 75-acre seizure
“With controversy swirling around a proposed park along the Mississippi River in Hastings, a man whose family has owned the land for more than 100 years says he doesn’t want to sell the best parts.
Dakota County plans to go to court to claim eminent domain for the remaining properties that it wants to acquire for a riverside park because several residents haven’t been convinced to sell their land. On Thursday, one man who told Fox 9 News his family has owned 1,000 acres just outside Hastings for over 100 years said he still isn’t keen on parting with what he considers to be their best 75 acres for the bike trail and park.
The master plan for the park calls for picnic areas, walking and bike trails, and a marina for house boat rentals; however, the whole area is currently under private ownership — and not only are the current owners reluctant to sell, they believe the county is trying to rob them.
Bill Sorg broke out a copy of his 100-plus-year-old map as prove that his family has owned a large swath of the riverfront land since 1896. The family owns about 1,000 acres, but the county is only interested in a part they treasure.”
Capacio, Shelby. Fox 9 News 13 February 2014.