Landfill hearings begin on Monday

BY ROSEMARY SMITH, Examiner editor

Hearings for the property condemnation suit pertaining to the construction of the regional Twin Oaks Landfill in Carlos filed by the cities of College Station and Bryan, under the Brazos Valley Solid Waste Management (BVSWMA) will take place this Monday and Tuesday, June 30 and July 1 at the American Legion Hall in Anderson.

According to BVSWMA Director Peter Caler, the condemnation suits are necessary, as ten of the 25 tracts of land have no clear property title.

The sole reason for the hearings is to assist Special Commissioners Kenneth E. Statham, Robert L. Upchurch III, and Dell Martinez in determining land values for the condemnation property.

Presiding 506th District Judge Albert McCaig will later determine the validity of the suits.

“College Station made the allegation that they’re entitled. That hasn’t been ruled on,” McCaig previously stated.

In a recent press release, the judge writes, “There is, rightfully so, a great deal of concern in the county about this particular matter. There is apparently an effort being made to mobilize a large and vocal opposition to the condemnation proceedings. That is certainly a legal and proper position to be taken by those who oppose the condemnation, or have an interest in the matter.”

No other details were given.

So far, the only landowner to contest the suit is Eddie Presnull of Liberty, who owns .22375 acres of undivided interest in a 64.48 tract of land. Presnull claims his property is part of a Spanish Land Grant that has been in his family since 1831.

The regional landfill is scheduled to open in January 2010.