State v. Zaruba

HAMILTON, Justice.

This is a condemnation case. The State took an easement over a strip of land five feet in width across the front of Zaruba’s property. The trial court entered judgment for respondents on a jury verdict for $14,500. The Court of Civil Appeals affirmed. 406 S.W.2d 765.

Zaruba’s tract of land was 100 feet by 100 feet in size. His residence was located toward the rear of the property. That portion fronting on State Highway No. 321 contained a small food market, a tavern and a storage garage, all contiguous to each other and using almost the entire frontage. These buildings were…