When I read the thread about the core to short this morning I thought I should take this opportunity to share my story in the event it could happen to someone else.

Short story is I am a tenant in a piece of property that ODOT is doing a partial taking. The property owner (PO) has several properties and tenants in the area that were affected. In early 08 I was approached as a tenant as were many in the area. I was told I was eligible for full relocation benefits as I would have to move my business. I watched as other business's in the area were successfully relocated and in speaking with them it went okay.

Mine has not. It seems that instead of me being able to proceed throught the Federal Channels to receive relocation assistance that ODOT decided to add me to a condemnation lawsuit they filed against the Land Owner. According to ODOT this means that I cannot proceed by Federal Guidelines originally given to me to recieve relocation benefits. This has been 2 1/2 years and I have partially moved my business as I will not be able to operate my business at the old location when ODOT finishes their proposed work on the property. I have not received a penny and am being forced to wait on a Jury Trial which who knows when that will be. In the meantime I'm stuck in the middle with substantial attorney's fees wating until a Jury trial that I want no part of. That trial should be between the landowner and ODOT and not involve me or my business.

So watch out if you are a tenant and are offered Federal Relocation Assistance. If the property and ODOT don't agree it appears they will file a condemnation lawsuit against the Property Owner and you, which could put you in a similar situation as me.