Department of Transportation v. Bird

Birdsong, Judge.

Condemnation. The Department of Transportation (“DOT”), as condemnor, condemned .025 of an acre of land owned by Mr. and Mrs. Bird, condemnees, during the construction of 1-16 running east from Macon to Savannah. The land lies in a rural setting near Metter. DOT valued the l/40th of an acre at $140, and paid that amount into the court. The Birds were dissatisfied with that valuation and demanded a jury trial on the issue of valuation. The jury returned a verdict of $3,600 in favor of the Birds which was made the judgment of the court. DOT appeals contending that there is no…