Shocking and upsetting news has come to our attention. A senior citizen widow of 76, who has lived on the same property for decades, faithfully paid her property taxes, and maintained her house and grounds to a high degree of excellence, is now being evicted from her home in the so called name of “progress”……a highway!! It is unbelievable that something as cruel and unnecessary as this is happening in our own country. When I served in the military during the Vietnam War, I had no idea that I was serving for the benefit of “the powers that be” who would show total disregard for the well being of OUR citizens. There is more kindness, compassion, and concern being shown to illegal immigrants than to our elderly tax paying citizens and veterans. A more acceptable alternative can surely be found so that this elderly resident’s home at 2571 East Mountain Parkway, Salyersville, KY 41465 is left undisturbed. I would sincerely hope that those individuals making decisions related to this highway project would do everything in their power to find a more acceptable alternative.
Thank you.
Michael and Linda DeMarchis
Cadillac, Michigan 49601
The SI did contact the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet regarding this issue, which responded with the following statement:
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is committed to reducing property owner impacts whenever possible and continues to thoroughly examine alternatives that minimize relocations. The Cabinet understands the sensitive nature of acquiring property for the betterment of communities and is committed to following a fair and equitable process. This property is currently in an active Right of Way negotiation and details cannot be discussed at this time. The Commonwealth considered multiple routes for the Magoffin-Floyd project segment and selected the preferred cross-country alignment because it has fewer disruptions and property impacts to homes and businesses than the alternative options. Relocation assistance is available for eligible displaced persons and businesses.
Chuck Puckett
February 29, 2024 at 11:16 pm
We need to realize no one gets out alive! I believe us old timers need to allow progress for the generations to come. I’m excited to see mountain parkway expanded so maybe Magoffin County can finally get with the program
Gary Tackett
March 1, 2024 at 3:22 pm
It the Law the Need for Highway is for benefit of the Public. It’s a sad situation. But the supreme court ruled on this in the 1970s when all of the shopping malls were going up. They were putting people off there properties and it was stopped. The Acquisition of property has to benefit the Public. School highways Hospital National Parks. The State and Federal Government can Buy the Property owner out at fai market value to include value of mineral on said Property.
Daphne Shepherd
March 4, 2024 at 3:18 pm
We pay taxes on top of taxes when we have already paid for land so how can ANYONE JUST COME IN AND TAKE IT??? WE SHOULD NOT HAVE TO CATER TO ANYONE OR ANYTHING WHEN IT COMES TO OUR LAND! Its bought an paid for so its hers!