With only three days left on the state’s lease, the agency unanimously voted to condemn almost 5,000 acres in Freestone County in an effort to keep the park open to the public after developers purchased the property to build a gated community.
State Park Police Officer Kyle Ware makes the rounds at Fairfield Lake State Park in Fairfield in February. Credit: Eddie Gaspar/The Texas Tribune
Because the property serves a public purpose as a park, eminent domain experts say Texas can seize the private land, even if the developer doesn’t want to sell. Real estate developer Shawn Todd and his family firm, Todd Interests, purchased all 5,000 acres with the intention of turning the property into an exclusive gated community, which would include multimillion-dollar homes and a private golf course.
Last month TPWD commissioners gave the agency’s executive director the freedom to take "all necessary steps" to acquire the park. While all of those who spoke on Saturday were in favor of saving the park, many lamented that eminent domain was the vehicle to achieve that end goal.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Tarrant County adopts homestead exemption for county, hospital district taxesThe Tarrant County Commissioners Court approved a 10% homestead exemption for the county and JPS hospital district this week.
Read more »
Kerr County man arrested for dumping dead donkey on county roadA Kerr County man was arrested Friday in connection with dumping the body of a dead donkey on the side of a county road.
Read more »
Harris County lawyers demand pause to state juvenile detention after report raised facility concernsHarris County lawyers demand pause to state juvenile detention after report showed facility concerns
Read more »
New push to make El Dorado County its own state, breaking away from CaliforniaThere's a new effort by rural Californians to break away from the state. The movement calls for El Dorado County to become its own state, independent from California.
Read more »
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department opts for eminent domain to save Fairfield Lake State ParkWith only three days left on the state’s lease, the agency unanimously voted to condemn almost 5,000 acres in Freestone County in an effort to keep the park open to the public after developers purchased the property to build a gated community.
Read more »