Some people truly have their whole lives tied up in their lands and there is not enough money in the world to take it away from them, as it well should be! Some people refuse to sell initially to raise the price, and why should they not? If the land is going to a company that will make profits year after year after year, then why deny the landowner his chance at financial freedom also?????
The concept of fair market value has changed drastically over the last several years. When regulations in an area occur, when the rumor of the threat of eminent domain is made, the value of the property plunges! Exactly what the plan was! So there is no such thing as Fair market value anymore! The government(s) local, state and feds have figured out how to bring down the price substainally! I know of folks that were paid "fair market value" that barely got out with the clothes on their backs! They went in the hole instead of gaining.
We all buy land to either keep as heritages to our families or as and investment. We put our monies in the property for improvements,yet we also put blood, sweat and tears into it as well! If the time comes that we want to sell our properties, then of course we expect to make a financial gain. I think that is reasonable and correct. Eminent domain is being used as a tool to devalue property before the take over of the property!