City of Kansas City v. Koklas

Peter G. Koklas contests the denial of a jury trial for the assessment of damages in a condemnation action.

The City of Kansas City instituted condemnation proceedings to acquire real property owned by Koklas in furtherance of expansion of the City Market. At the initial hearing, the trial judge explained to Koklas, who was acting pro se, the procedure for filing exceptions should he be dissatisfied with the commissioners’ valuation of his property. After appointment and investigation, the commissioners filed their report assessing Koklas’s damages at $110,000. The notice of the filing of the…