Property Owners Want Just Compensation as NCDOT Widens I-85
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CABARRUS COUNTY, NC — Drivers will have more space on Interstate 85 in Concord and Kannapolis, but it will mean less space for homeowners.
“It’s not like you can really tell them no,” said Sam Haivala.
Haivala is just one of more than 200 residents who expect to lose land when the NC Department of Transportation is expected to start widening I-85 this spring.
The interstate will gain two lanes on each side from Exit 55 in Concord to Exit 63 in Kannapolis.
Haivala says some maps show the DOT sound barrier would go in the middle of his pool.
“It would completely decimate the value of the property,” said Haivala.
Business owners are also concerned as engineers for DOT contact them to discuss detours and blocking roads.
“It’s just gong to be very bleak. It’s just gong to be bad,” said Vimal Hardev.
Hardev has owned the America’s Best Value Inn in Concord for 25 years.
He expects business to be off by 20 percent during construction.
“[If] they shut us down, that means three, four employees I have to let go, and they’re depending on me,” said Hardev. “So, it’s a domino effect.”
Attorney Jason Campbell spoke to their concerns Thursday.
The NC Eminent Domain Firm attorney worked for the DOT for 13 and a half years before he started working for property owners who are looking for just compensation for their land.
“The DOT has the right to take the property, and they have a right to take it when they want it, okay?” said Campbell. “But you as a property owner, have the right to get a jury to decide how much you’re paid.”
NCDOT surveyors are marking land. Engineers are talking to owners now.
NCDOT says the displacement of homes and businesses is minimized to the extent practicable. To learn more about the process, click here.
