RTD is attempting to pay West Corridor property owners only $10 a square foot for property worth $21 - 32 a square foot, based on independent certified appraisals. Most property owners cannot afford to pay out of pocket for an independent eminent domain appraisal which costs thousands of dollars, far different from a normal appraisal.

Imagine the government telling you they'll take half your driveway, pay you $10 a s.f., and if you argue, they'll just condemn it. Look at your driveway and count up the dollars. What if your car now won't fit in your driveway? Where does your trailer or boat go? Imagine on top of this insulting lowball negotiation nightmare, that you're not being compensated for other damages like lost trees. For the frosting on the cake, you'll also have a train running 30 feet from your house, every three minutes, all day long, for the rest of your life.

It's time for a change in our state eminent domain laws. People should be offered 100% compensation from the beginning, instead of 50% where they are forced to fight for fair treatment.

For those who have wisely avoided rushing to settle with RTD, there are actions to take. The first step is to politely, but firmly, let RTD know that their offer is unacceptable and low-ball. Remember, you only have 90 days from when you received your offer, which in most cases was April 7th.

RTD wants to avoid going to court to take the land. They know in their heart they are lowballing people and the court will not look fondly on this, they will come back with a more fair offer to avoid going to court.

By standing up for your rights, you not only help yourself, you also help thousands on the various other lines that RTD will build.

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