ITC Is Initiating Procedural Steps to File Lawsuits to Acquire Easements for a New Transmission Along Brown and Dutton Roads Near Lapeer Road.
I am representing a number of property owners along Brown and Dutton Roads in Auburn Hills. ITC is constructing a new electrical transmission line, requiring acquisitions of easements.
Before an agency like ITC can initiate an eminent domain lawsuit, it must first issue good faith offers. A good faith offer is governed by MCL 213.55. It requires ITC to identify the property rights it seeks, offer compensation for the acquisition of those rights, and submit that offer to all property owners.
I have been assisting my clients with coordinating some of the preliminary acquisition steps with ITC. ITC is now ready to issue the good faith offers, which I expect to come in August. At that point, the property owners will finally be informed of the property sought. After submission of the good faith offers, ITC will be filing eminent domain lawsuits in Oakland County Circuit Court where the property owners can exercise their rights.
It is generally better for property owners to join together in their representation. This can make the representation more efficient and cost-effective. If you have been contacted by ITC, now would be the time to consider consulting with experienced eminent domain counsel because lawsuits will likely be filed in September or October.
If you have been approached by ITC about the amount and project, please do not hesitate to contact me and join the group already formed.