As plans push forward for the construction of a light rail system in Phoenix, Arizona, one man has refused to vacate the final property local governments need to acquire through eminent domain to complete the project.
"Along the entire 20-mile line, Phoenix, Tempe and Mesa have gained control of all but four of the 784 parcels in the way of rail construction. The final holdouts are in Phoenix, involving minor technical issues and tiny properties that don't interfere with construction."
"Hays' case has the twists and turns that Phoenix has often run into in securing rail-related property. The job has proven more expensive and time-consuming than planners thought."
"Hays is not blocking construction, but he's holding up one of the project's last property moves."
"For four years he has rented a 600-square-foot, city-owned house on Mariposa Street for $375 a month. His back window is less than 100 feet from the platform being built for the Camelback/Central station. And despite a city offer to pay him $42,550 to move, he said he's going nowhere, despite a notice to evict him next week."
FULL STORY: Tenant bucks light-rail path eviction
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Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
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