To the editor:
On Monday, July 20, a meeting was held at the Osborn Town Hall informing local landowners who are on the path of the Bay Lake transmission line that there is help out there for you in easement negotiations.
Tom Kraeger of David & Associates and Kurt Kielisch of Forensic Appraisal Group informed attendees of what to expect, what to do and what not to do when ATC’s representatives come calling.
The surveying and drilling notices that people are now receiving are only the beginning of the process. It is up to you which offer to accept, and you can negotiate minor aspects of this process. You should probably take the money for this part of the process because they are going to do it anyway.
Easement negotiations and appraisals will follow and are much more complicated and important. No two properties are the same, and all deserve careful consideration.
Here are some points to remember: don’t sign ATC’s first easement offer; you are entitled to a second appraisal within 60 days at ATC’s expense; you have the right to negotiate the wording of the easement agreement; and you should be compensated for any and all loss of property or value.
We write this letter as landowners who are also on the proposed route.
Lila Zastrow and David Hendrickson,
Seymour
