A predominantly Black neighborhood in Hancock County has a second chance to stop a railroad company from forcibly taking land to build a rail line extension that owners are presenting as a major economic boost for the area.
The Georgia Public Service Commission has scheduled an Aug. 6 hearing as it considers an appeal filed by a group of Hancock County property owners who are seeking to overturn a recent ruling that permitted the Sandersville Railroad Co. to acquire land through condemnation.
Company officials said exercising eminent domain is the last resort after landowners refused to negotiate deals for their land. According to the company’s plans, property owners will not be required to relocate their homes and will be able to access pastures and other areas for hunting and fishing without restriction.
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