FWIW, even though this guy's land is "out west", property values in Martin County (just north of Palm Beach County) have been skyrocketing. I think this parcel of land is 900 acres. I'd certainly love to own it, and I'll bet the county would as well.
This is the kind of thing that leads to bulldozer rampages.
Sounds like they need to have a car crushing contest in the boards parking lot.:)
Private property is an oxymoron.
God, I'm so sick of government!
Perhaps the country should pass a law against outdoor grilling on any property which exceeds 895 acres (with waivers for those properties which exceed 905 acres). I suggest fines of $50 million, or land confiscation, upon first offense.
Hey, da law is da law. And the county will make good use of the land. I'm sure.
They govt. wants his land....all they need now is an 'activist' judge to help them steal it...
I've been saying for years that the real threat to our freedoms comes not from Washington, but from petty bureaucrats and tin-pot politicians in counties and towns all over the country. They want to tell you how to live your life and what to do with your property. They're the only ones in office because most Americans weren't raised by hippie parents to be "activists" and are too busy making a living and raising a family to take the time to boss other people around. I live in south Florida and some of the worst of these petty tyrants are right here.
Yep, it does sound the county would like his land. Coincidently, I attended my first mug bog Saturday night. My teenagers were going and invited the old folks to attend. We had a blast but were quite disappointed in the several youngsters who drove their 30K four wheel drives into that muck. I was just waiting for a rod to sling up into the audience.
Incidentally, this mud bog was held out in the boonies and I could see cows grazing, unfazed, just beyond where I was sitting. The neighboring ranchers' claim seems bogus to me.
Most code enforcers and county boards can selectively pursue or not pursue cases. Looks like they are sticking it to this guy unfairly.
I deny the authority of counties to "zone". Actually, I deny the zoning authority of cities as well, but at least people knowingly choose to live under city ordinances. People out in the county are often there because they don't *want* the city government crap.
Secondly, if it's 900 acres, I'm fairly confident that there was plenty of room to do whatever they wanted without bothering the neighbors.
In several African countries - landowners are having their land forcibly taken from them.
Here in the good 'ole US, nothing like that happens. Government officials just tax and fine it away from you.
This guy looks to be one of those "Charlie Varrick" guys. Last of the independents
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0069865/
Here's a suggestion, John:
Piss off and leave the guy alone. This isn't Amerika...yet.
If there's water enough to make all that mud, it's obviously (at least part) unbuildable wetlands anyway...
So there is a lein on this guys land for $2.8 million?
What happens if he sells it to a relative for a $1 and declares bankruptcy, then buys it back for a $1 a year later?