Antonio Messer D/B/A Tony's Laundry & Dry Cleaners v. Virgin Islands Urban Renewal Board Appeal of Antonio Messer

OPINION OF THE COURT

The primary issue in this appeal is whether one who moves from a property that is under consideration for redevelopment may receive damages for the costs incurred in the move when the move takes place before a governmental agency acquires title to the property or the right to possession of such property. We hold that he may not and accordingly affirm.

I

Antonio Messer brought this action against Virgin Islands Urban Renewal Board (the Board), its director, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and the Department’s area director for the Virgin Islands. Messer…