Successful Verdict In Eminent Domain Action After Two-Day Jury Trial

Michael N. Shannon obtained a substantial verdict for his client in an eminent domain action after a two-day jury trial in September 2022.  Mr. Shannon represented Trinity Assembly of God, a church in west Little Rock, in the matter which stemmed from an Arkansas State Highway Commission project to widen Cantrell Road (Arkansas Highway 10) in front of the church and other businesses in that corridor.  The Highway Commission’s position was that the widening of the road did not damage the value of the remainder of the church property where the church building sits.  Mr. Shannon assisted Trinity Assembly of God in proving that the land taken by the Commission resulted in much more than a loss of nine parking spaces, namely crucial changes to an area used to hold outdoor events for the church, the necessity of relocating signage advertising church events and services, loss of area for future expansion, and substantial changes and impairment to the church’s access.   After approximately one hour of deliberation, the jury awarded Trinity Assembly of God the exact amount requested by Mr. Shannon and the church’s appraisal witness:  $2,593,000.00.