The Price Of Eminent Domain

A school district in the fastest growing city in Santa Barbara County, CA may 'end up paying more than it bargained for,' as it desperately searches for sites to build much-needed schools.

1 minute read

July 24, 2003, 10:00 AM PDT

By Connie Chung

A jury in Santa Maria, CA, awarded a woman almost twice the amount the school district was offering her, after seizing part of her farmland by eminent domain. "The district's position was that a fair price for her land should be based on the fair market value of farmland in the area." However, the property owner "believed that a more appropriate price would be one based on land rezoned for housing. Her attorney claims that "the Irvine Co. just happened to be eyeing her entire property for development." Regardless of the legal struggles, both sides are acknowledging the importance of building the much-needed campus on the site.

Thanks to Connie Chung

FULL STORY: Woman Gets $4.8 Million in Lawsuit Over School Site

Tuesday, July 22, 2003 in The Los Angeles Times

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