MAN QUESTIONS COUNCIL ABOUT IMMINENT DOMAIN

By Jon Mayhew

James Leatherman and his father have operated the family
barbershop on Academy Street in Lincolnton for more than 90 years.

Thursday night, Mr. Leatherman spoke before the Lincolnton
City Council about imminent domain, the governmental practice
of condemning property for developmental use.

At the heart of the issue, Mr. Leatherman told Council members
he was approached by three men one day about buying the
block his business sits on.

“They wouldn’t identify themselves to me,” said Mr. Leatherman.
“They said they wanted the block for a parking lot.”

Mr. Leatherman said the block has already been surveyed –
again, no identification – and offers have already been made on
other buildings.

“One of the men claimed he was with the City of Lincolnton,”
said Mr. Leatherman.

Mayor David Black said he and the Council weren’t aware of any
issues involving condemnation within the city. No condemned
property issues are on the upcoming April public hearing list.

“There aren’t any plans to condemn any property for a parking
lot,” assured Black.
Mr. Leatherman said he was relieved to hear Black’s answer.

“You’ve been there that long, then someone comes along and
says they’re going to make your building and block a parking lot,
“ said Leatherman. “Now I don’t have to worry about that.”

Archives Page:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40
41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50

2008 Archives