Local Newspaper Gets It Wrong
In the El Paso Inc. article, the Texas Tech Foster School of Medicine is seeking some unfair sum as just compensation. The article concludes that buying a few “slivers” has raised the price of our project.
The article does not recognize that the law firm of Adler and Barron, specializing in eminent domain throughout Texas and based in Austin, is simply seeking to have the City follow the law and pay just compensation for what is taken. The effect on the remainder is a consideration which must be made. Apparently, El Paso never thought about that. If the author of the article had closely reviewed the situation, it might have been found that just compensation and fairness was at issue and appropriately raised by the Medical School.
El Paso Inc.
On Tuesday during executive session, City Council will hear an update on the situation. The issue also is posted on the regular agenda as an action item, meaning council members may vote.
According to backup information for Tuesday’s agenda item, the project’s cost has increased from $580,000 in 2006, to $830,000 in 2008, with the federal government paying 80 percent.
Of the total tab, land acquisition was estimated at $200,000 in 2006, and $449,000 in 2008.
In March, the City Council voted 7-1, with city Rep. Eddie Holguin opposed, to acquire the land.
But the UT System doesn’t agree on the land price, and 5100 El Paso Drive LLC will not give up its lease.
That group has engaged Adler and Barron, an Austin law firm that specializes in eminent domain cases that’s become active in El Paso.
The firm also represents property owners in the proposed Americas interchange project in Far East El Paso, at Interstate 10 and Loop 375.
