By Maggie Behringer
Correspondent
DALTON, Ga. – Besides its recent purchase of 15 more acres for the Carbondale Business Park, Whitfield County also has begun condemnation procedure to acquire two other nearby properties.
Both properties would be used for the business park’s two-way road and entrance from Interstate 75. Their owners, Luis and Bertha Paniagua and Wynette Gazaway, say the county has offered them far less than market value and have declined to sell.
“We’re making sure we don’t ask for any more than is necessary for the road,” said Whitfield County Commission Chairman Mike Babb. “It’s not in our desire to condemn any property.”
The Paniaguas own two-thirds of an acre and a house. The Gazaway family owns 11/2 acres on Carbondale Road with a Chevron service station and a restaurant.
The Paniaguas were originally offered $150,000 for the property. Their son Fernando Paniagua, a real estate agent, said rent collected from the house constitutes a significant and steady income.
At the time of the county’s offer, the Paniaguas were listing the property for $225,000.
“We’ve always known it’s in an ideal location,” said Mr. Paniagua.
The family asked for $200,000. Mr. Paniagua said the county responded by saying it would pursue eminent domain and buy the property for $95,000, the value from its own appraisal.
The family obtained an appraisal of $152,000. While he said his parents are now open to accepting the county’s original offer, they are prepared for court.
Wynette Gazaway was originally offered $85,000 for three-quarters of an acre.
“I don’t think much of it at all,” said her son, Terry Gazaway. “I think it’s way too low.”
A private appraisal done by an Atlanta company valued the property at $210,000, he said, adding that he proposed a revised deal so the county could use less of the parcel.’
“We’re trying to run a business here,” Mr. Gazaway said. “Three-quarters of an acre isn’t enough to do that.”
According to Mr. Babb, the proposal wasn’t compatible with the road and entrances’ design.
County Attorney Robert Smalley said the condemnation process will determine the fair market value for each property. A special master – a real estate attorney appointed by a Superior Court judge – will hear testimony and consider the various appraisals.
Mr. Smalley said the determination usually falls in the middle of the appraisals and can take anywhere from a short time to several months.
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