Rick,
There is good and bad, in almost every business transaction. I have been on both receiving ends. Didn't like it when bad, but, thats life, thats democracy.
If the couple felt they were not being compenstated fairly, they have the right to protest. That's what attorneys do, but, if the result was based upon fair appraisal, than they received fair treatment. I had a friend of mine, complain he had to sell a property because, overhead/taxes was getting to high. He netted more than 12 million and felt he had given the property away and it was worth much more, god did I feel sorry for him. We do have a tendancy to over-value things that belong to us.
I do agree, to uproot people is a sad affair, but, whether it is due to, lets say, a construction of a dam that would provide needed utility for a community, or, in this case, (granted not a charitable/necessity project), erect a staduim, for the purpose of infusing dollars to a local economy, both in its own way is a catalyst for improving the quality of life within a community. And if I was providing capital for the project, I would expect a high return for my speculation and time spent. There was risk, it could have gone the other way and he could have been out his 600K. Granted he was well connected, but, that is not a guarantee. These things, as you know, is not all desided in a conference room, but is also put out to public forum.
I am currently in a battle along with my neighbors, with a contractor trying to develop wetlands that back up to my property. We have been battling for years, and we finally lost out, when the developer convince the planning commision he would preserve the wetlands.
Well, he has be excavating the land for over six months, retaining ponds, drainage, fill to elevate the plot, etc, . Everytime it rains, its still like a swamp. Just this last week, we had a northeaster, (moderate one), and the surge in the water table due to his developement of the wetland undermined our street. Two cars and a truck fell into three seperate four foot holes when the asphault broke. Up until this time, I was doing regular submissions to the local newspaper editorials, protesting the development of the land and now guess whos going to be at the next town meeting.
The point is we all have rights, in this case the developer and me the homeowner. I don't know how it will turn out, I won't be happy if I lose, but, if I do, I will have the satisfaction that I used our system in expressing my rightful veiws as a citizen.
PS: It's going to be a long night, markets slow. Thanks for the free entertainment, don't take it so personal.
I reply in the same matter as is written, it can be debate without insult, if you choose. I could very easily respect your position in just about anything, but, you have to exhibit the same willingness.
Regards,
