Sign In
Events
Newsletters
Search

Close

Close Search

Cancel

SEARCH
MY LAW.COMNEW

Unified Gov't of Athens-Clarke County, Ga. v. Watson

The condemned property's close proximity to a university and city, as well as the deteriorated nature of the immediately surrounding neighborhood, allowed the jury, in valuing the property, to consider a possible change in zoning from single-family to multi-family use.

X

Thank you for sharing!

Your article was successfully shared with the contacts you provided.

In 2000, the Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County instituted special master condemnation proceedings to acquire approximately 50 acres of land owned by Billy L. Watson. The special master awarded Watson $479,940 as the actual market value of the property, with no consequential damages or consequential benefits. Both parties appealed the award to the superior court. Following trial, a jury found $2,775,000 to be just and adequate compensation for the taking of the property. The Unified Government appeals the judgment entered on the jury’s verdict.

The Unified Government claims that the trial court erred by i admitting evidence of a possible change in zoning, ii in allowing hearsay evidence, and iii in allowing expert witnesses to opine on the value of the property as if it had been actually rezoned. Watson and the Unified Government agree that the judgment should be corrected to reflect amounts previously disbursed to Watson from the special master’s award. For reasons set forth below, we find no reversible error.

Trending Stories

 
Reprints & Licensing
Mentioned in a Law.com story?

License our industry-leading legal content to extend your thought leadership and build your brand.

LEARN MORE

More From ALM

Premium Subscription
With this subscription you will receive unlimited access to high quality, online, on-demand premium content from well-respected faculty in the legal industry. This is perfect for attorneys licensed in multiple jurisdictions or for attorneys that have fulfilled their CLE requirement but need to access resourceful information for their practice areas.
View Now
Team Accounts
Our Team Account subscription service is for legal teams of four or more attorneys. Each attorney is granted unlimited access to high quality, on-demand premium content from well-respected faculty in the legal industry along with administrative access to easily manage CLE for the entire team.
View Now
Bundle Subscriptions
Gain access to some of the most knowledgeable and experienced attorneys with our 2 bundle options! Our Compliance bundles are curated by CLE Counselors and include current legal topics and challenges within the industry. Our second option allows you to build your bundle and strategically select the content that pertains to your needs. Both options are priced the same.
View Now
Go to CLE Center
Southeastern Legal Awards 2025
May 01, 2025
Atlanta, GA

The Daily Report is honoring those attorneys and judges who have made a remarkable difference in the legal profession.


Learn More
ThinkAdvisor LUMINARIES Awards 2024
December 11, 2024
Las Vegas, NV

This event shines a spotlight on how individuals and firms are changing the investment advisory industry where it matters most.


Learn More
Complex Claims & Litigation Forum 2025
February 24, 2025 - February 26, 2025
Las Vegas, NV

This conference aims to help insurers and litigators better manage complex claims and litigation.


Learn More
Go to Events Go to Webcasts
LAND USE ATTORNEY - WESTPORT-CONNECTICUT

Berchem Moses PC, a prominent Connecticut law firm with offices in Milford and Westport, is actively recruiting candidates for the following...


Apply Now ›
Litigation Associate Attorney

Berchem Moses PC, a prominent Connecticut law firm with offices in Milford and Westport, is actively recruiting candidates for the following...


Apply Now ›
Labor and Employment Attorney-CT

Berchem Moses PC, a prominent Connecticut law firm with offices in Milford and Westport, is actively recruiting candidates for the following...


Apply Now ›
Go to Lawjobs