City of Troy v. Aslanian

Petitioner, the City of Troy, appeals by leave granted the order of the Oakland Circuit Court which barred the use of the city’s appraisal of Joseph and Gail Aslanian’s property in this eminent domain action. We reverse.

Sometime in 1975, the Aslanians (respondents) purchased a parcel of land in Troy, Michigan, which was zoned for light industry. The property was nonconforming in two respects: First, a small residence located thereon violated its zoned use; and second, a garage was within fifty feet of the front yard setback from John R Road, a major thoroughfare in Troy.

In March of 1979,…