City of Kalamazoo v. Balkema

The city of Kalamazoo, plaintiff, brought condemnation proceedings in order to acquire six lots belonging to defendants. These lots adjoin Upjohn Park, which is centrally located and not far from the business district of Kalamazoo. It was desired to acquire defendants’ property for the extension of the playgrounds of the park so as to provide for baseball grounds and a football field. The jury determined that there was a necessity for taking the property and awarded defendants the sum of $7,500 as compensation. Defendants have appealed and claim a number of errors.

It is claimed that the…