The Price of Progress at Point Defiance
Property owners and the Northern Pacific railroad clash in court over the valuation of land seized for the new Point Defiance line.
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There is a deal of difference in the estimates of the 'experts' on real estate wanted by the Northern Pacific for its Point Defiance line. The first case for the condemnation of about two city lots north of Old Town belonging to James Garvey came to an end last night in a night session of court. Experts for the railway company said the property was worth from $1,300 to $4,000. Experts for the defendants said it was not worth a cent less than $16,000 and from that up to $24,000. The jury thought about these things for awhile last night and then brought in a verdict for $5,500. Garvey says he is 'skinned' in the judgment. The court this morning took up the case of Peinero Raddenica and others who also own property north of Old Town.
“Garvey says he is 'skinned' in the judgment.”
This battle over eminent domain and property valuation perfectly mirrors the persistent tension in Tacoma's real estate market today, where development pressure often overrides the perceived value of long-held family property.
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