Over forty years ago, my dad discovered a leak from a city of Dallas pipe. It was uphill from our property and began running across our 3 acre lot. He reported it to the city many times. He finally rerouted the stream to flow into a tank he had dug with an excavator. It filled within a week and stayed full for 10 years or so, with a steady flow of tap water. The tank supplied water for our horse and calves. All courtesy of a water dept. that didn’t want to be bothered to fix a leak.
They finally fixed it when the road in the area was being worked on and someone noticed the steady flow of water.
Of, course when the water dept. looked over my dad’s fence and saw the flow lines from the water, they accused him of stealing the water.
How interesting it is that you attack me for questioning her sincerity. If she does not want to sell her property then do not entertain any offer; say no and mean it. Defend yourself against any aggresive entitiy with vigor. Don't cry foul because you screwed up.
I do not believe the government has the right to take her property. This case appears in part to be a major mistake on her part. She wanted to negotiate the deal without any advice or help. Unsophisticated? No, naive.
If she is serious about saving her property, get an attorney well versed in property rights. She is representing herself and is stunned that the city doesn't have her best interest at heart. I know she had right of refusal, but be smart and defend yourself.
I have touched a sore spot. If she considered the offer to sell an opportunity to cash out, then she blew the negotiations, I don't consider that cause to take up arms. Maybe hire an attorney to defend yourself. Regardless of the transaction, a governmental body will win if your not wise in your responses.