Reader criticizes eminent domain

Editor's note: The letter writer discusses land appropriation lawsuits filed by the state to obtain parcels of land connected to the U.S. 6 connectivity corridor project. An article explaining more about the lawsuits was published in the Dec. 9 Sandusky Register. I always was proud to be an American and live in the great state of Ohio. I was taught at a young age to work hard, invest wisely, respect others, be honest and loyal, and law-abiding. It was instilled in me to get the best education I could with an ultimate goal of love, family and purchasing a home in a good neighborhood to raise my family and make my community a better place. To have pride in your ownership and take the best care of it – plant grass, flowers and trees for an attractive landscape and for all who pass by to see the beauty of nature. That dream lasted for several years and then a nightmare occurred. Greed and power overcame a local tourist attraction and the State of Ohio (ODOT is the one invoking eminent domain in this situation). Eminent domain has, for many years, caused many landowners, businesses and homeowners devastation. It was my understanding that laws were to protect the innocent. Personally, I feel all landowners in a project should be treated equally. This is not the case unfortunately in the roundabouts and widening of Cleveland Road West from Rye Beach Road west to the Causeway. There was a public meeting at Firelands Campus which wasn't a discussion, it was a line of tables to go and see what will happen to your property. We are in Huron Township; however, the State has completely bypassed our local officials and got approval from both Huron City proper and Sandusky City approval for a multi-use path and roundabouts. We have had no say in safety precautions, welfare of our citizens, and protections of our businesses. It has been a matter of taking what they feel is needed and call it theirs to own and to use. This widening project is coming within a few feet of homeowners homes and businesses. Some neighbors don't have enough room to pull their vehicles out of the garage, some have business signs removed with the possibility of not being allowed to be put back up, some of no sidewalks or parking for their business or for the apartment buildings. Taking away the ability to earn a living is not progress to me. Most residents have hired attorneys to represent themselves but not for saving the property or business, it is to negotiate a fair value for the taken property. People's hard work and years of dedication are being taken away to allow access to an amusement entity. Whatever happened to the Golden Rule: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you?" These state officials would not want their property to be taken away from them and to do whatever they want with it. Interchangeable ODOT/The State of Ohio says it isn't purchasing any buildings: however, it is coming so close to homeowners' businesses, homes and livelihoods that their lives are devastated. Which is worse to take and purchase my building or take my livelihood or ability to access my home? I am all for progress but when it takes law abiding people's livelihoods, takes businesses parking spots and renders the rental buildings unusable: that is not a matter of dollars and cents. It is overstepping their rights. We are Citizens of this State and of America. It is too late to stop the disruption of home and businesses from Rye Beach Road to the Causeway, yet every citizen needs to reach out and talk change to the overstepping definition of what eminent domain can do in the great State of Ohio. The State of Ohio needs to put a bill to vote into law that defines the powers that eminent domain has and the reasons it can be used. This is not something one individual can do and needs every citizen to want a change. This is not a federal issue it is a state issue. Ohio controls its own eminent domain laws and two of our representatives attempted to calm the domination of no controls yet didn't become law because the entities/organizations that evoke eminent domain stopped its passing. Future generations will be taken advantage of if we don't speak up now. If you have a story of your experience with eminent domain, would like to know how you can volunteer, have a question regarding eminent domain or simply wish to be updated as this progresses to the State, please feel free to send an email to OhiosVoiceEminentDomain@gmail.com. I appreciate your time and please help me to help the future generations. Joan Tracht Huron