Popular mom-and-pop coffee shop resists New Hampshire city's attempt to seize property by eminent domain — family says moving could cost over $1 million

By Free Republic | Created at 2024-11-14 02:11:12 | Updated at 2024-11-25 05:56:26 1 week ago

Posted on 11/13/2024 5:30:15 PM PST by where's_the_Outrage?

Trouble is brewing for Eighty Eight Coffee Co. in Manchester, New Hampshire. The local restaurant and coffee shop is a popular spot for students and residents alike, but the city is trying to take ownership of the property for a sewer project through eminent domain.

"My parents have owned the property since ’99," Corey Tong, one of the owners of the coffee shop, told CBS News Boston. "In 2023, they reached out to us to say they wanted this property as part of the Cemetery Drain Brook Tunnel."

According to the city, the Cemetery Brook Drain Tunnel Project includes construction of a new drainage system as part of a plan that aims to improve water quality in the Merrimack River, which provides drinking water to nearby communities.

Tong says the ordeal has paused plans to hire more staff. His wife and brother work at the shop, and his mom "comes in sometimes on the weekends to help out."

Cost of moving The city previously offered $455,000 for the property, nearly $100,000 less than an estimate provided by an independent appraisal the family had done, according to Manchester Ink Link. Following publicity of the shop’s plight in early October, the offer was upped to $550,000, which meets the appraisal. But, the owners argue that this compensation does not cover relocation costs, for which they continue to negotiate.

Tong claimed to CBS News Boston it would cost over $1 million to buy and move to another property to set up shop.

"A good solution is if the city would purchase us a building and move us," he said. "That would have been great."

(Excerpt) Read more at msn.com ...

TOPICS: Business/Economy; Chit/Chat; Conspiracy; Society
KEYWORDS: eminentdomain; fairmarketvalue; justcompensation; nh

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It appears to be a legitimate eminent domain acquisition as opposed to Kelo.

But the owner has a point that just compensation should include moving expenses, setup costs, lost revenue, etc. These people developed their business nitch and should be compensated to involuntarily move.

To: where's_the_Outrage?

There are always more than one engineering solutions. I see no case for eminent domain. A local here told the govt...put the gas line on the other side of the street...you’re not going through my property...it’s not necessary. And he won. Pretty well known person in our area..not a politician...but an old fashion wise attorney.

2 posted on 11/13/2024 5:37:26 PM PST by Sacajaweau

To: where's_the_Outrage?; woodbutcher1963; Jim Noble

Any Granite Staters know more about this situation?

3 posted on 11/13/2024 5:52:35 PM PST by metmom (He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus”)

To: where's_the_Outrage?

The building doesn’t look like much, but it seems to have a great location.

4 posted on 11/13/2024 5:53:57 PM PST by PAR35

To: where's_the_Outrage?

Sounds like the plot line of the last 100 Hallmark movies I’ve binge watched. Someone’s getting married! Who had the latte spilled on them to start the ball rolling?

5 posted on 11/13/2024 5:56:15 PM PST by pops88 ( Helping usher the glory of God into Las Vegas)

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