The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) greatly expands State Route 55 (SR-55). These changes will make traffic flow better and safer, but they will also test local property owners affected by eminent domain actions. If your property is in the way of these changes, you need to know your rights and how it might affect you.
How SR-55 expansion affects property owners
The SR-55 expansion project aims to reduce traffic and make it easier to get around Orange County. However, this often means taking private property through eminent domain. Here is how it might affect you:
- OCTA may need to take parts of private property to make the highway wider or add new lanes. This can mean losing some or all of your property.
- Property owners might have to move to new areas, which can be difficult for people and businesses that have long been there.
- Being close to a big highway can change property values. Some properties may be worth more because they are easier to get to, but others might be less because of noise and traffic.
These changes can shake up your living situation or business.
Your rights under eminent domain
As a property owner, California law gives you specific rights when facing eminent domain:
- It would be best to get a fair market value for the property. This includes compensation for the property and any loss of business or moving costs.
- You can fight the eminent domain action in court if you think it is not for public use or they are not offering enough compensation.
- You can hire a lawyer to help you and protect your rights.
Knowing these rights helps you fight for fair treatment during the eminent domain process.
Steps to take if affected
If the SR-55 expansion affects your property, think about these steps:
- Talk to a lawyer to understand your rights and choices. Look for a lawyer who knows about eminent domain cases.
- Ensure you get a fair market value check on your property. If necessary, hire an expert to do this.
- Do not take the first offer. Get enough compensation to cover all your losses, including moving costs.
By taking these steps, you can better handle the tricky parts of eminent domain and get fair treatment. Stay informed and take action to protect what is yours, as OCTA keeps working on SR-55.