Attorneys advise property owners on eminent domain

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The Military Cutoff Extension project is set to affect more than a hundred property owners in New Hanover County. The NC Eminent Domain Law Firm hosted a meeting for property owners to show people how they can get everything they can from the NCDOT. Attorneys say the project estimates puts it at $112 million.

For Elizabeth Wooten, it is unfortunate her land sits in the path of the planned Military Cutoff extension.

“It’s devastating. We are looking at losing a significant portion, possibly all of it. And we are no longer going to have access to the land we are left with,” said Wooten.

Wooten says she had plans for this land, that she probably can’t develop on or sell.

“My portion of land was supposed to be my horse farm, family ranch and now I really don’t foresee that happening,” said Wooten.

Wooten isn’t the only one facing the reality of losing their land due to eminent domain.

Jason Campbell, an attorney with the NC Eminent Domain Law Firm, says more than 150 properties, including homes and businesses will be affected.

“The project is affecting a lot of people and most of those people are asking themselves the question, ‘Am I going to be treated fairly?’ and the answer is the laws in North Carolina are deeply stacked against the property owner,” said Campbell.

Campbell says property owners should ask questions and seek help.

“They need help with someone that has experience with what the DOT does have to pay for, what the law does have to pay for to get everything they are entitled to,” said Campbell.

Campbell had a few tips for anyone who finds themselves in this situation. He suggests when you have an appraiser come by you should go through the house with them. And he says make sure to emphasize the positive aspects of your home.