May 11th, 2008

Eminent Domain: Who Wins, Who Loses?

From the Vail Trail:

Landowner Jim Pavelich vows to fight Eagle River Fire District’s attempts to use his land in Avon.

Jim Pavelich wanted to put a “jewel of a building” on a strip of grassy land in Avon, between a tire store and a gas station along Interstate 70.

The Edwards resident envisioned stores — maybe a Starbucks, a neighborhood grocery and a couple of restaurants — as well as some housing and offices with views of Beaver Creek. For 15 years, Pavelich has owned the 1-acre lot, across the street from Pizza Hut in Avon, a stone’s throw from the exit in this resort town.

Then, he got news that stopped his plans: The local fire district wanted to condemn his land — and his neighbor’s land — for a fire station. The district had offered $1.3 million for his land, but Pavelich rejected the offer. Read Jim’s story here.