Dakota County family fights to save riverfront home
“Neighbors in Dakota County say they are engaged in an uphill battle to keep their beloved properties along a portion of the Mississippi River near Hastings where the county wants to build a bike trail.
A decade ago, there were nearly 13 properties the county wanted to buy in order to complete the Spring Lake Park Reserve. Now, there are only a few holdout owners and the county is ready to take the land by claiming eminent domain — but the residents who have decades of memories warn they won’t’ uproot easily.
The family with a little marina is denoted in the master plan of the park as No. 7.
“Our father meant to leave this property to us and our children,” Joni Sargent told Fox 9 News.
Sargent and her sister, Nancy Drews, cherish their spot on the point of Spring Lake and the Mississippi River.
“We’ve been here our entire lives,” Drews said.
Their father passed away there years ago and left them the house and 10 acres of prime riverfront property, including the marina. Now, they fear they will lose it all.
“Totally overwhelmed,” Drews said. “I have heart issues, and my heart has been fighting this since Nov. 5. It’s horrible.”
Dakota County wants the land for the long-term development of a Mississippi River trail that would include a pristine park. In the county’s rendering, the family’s home is gone and is replaced by paths, house boat docks and a picnic area.”
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Capacio, Shelby. Twin Cities Fox 12 February 2014.