Post by L Roebuck on Nov 19, 2008 8:09:02 GMT -5
Long-running land dispute settled
Travis commissioners agree to buy land from Fred Purcell for conservation, let him develop other parts.
By Marty Toohey
After two decades, Fred Purcell and the government have finally reached a deal.
On Tuesday, the Travis County commissioners agreed to buy 22 acres in the Four Points neighborhood from Purcell, bringing a 20-year property fight to its denouement.
"We're really excited to get this done," Purcell said. "What they've offered is acceptable, and we've agreed to it."
Purcell has long said that the government illegally took his land in the name of protecting several rare species of cave bugs. The legal challenges he brought touched on fundamental disagreements over how much regulatory power government should wield. Along the way he delighted property-rights advocates — and alarmed environmental activists — by attempting to dismantle portions of the Endangered Species Act. Even when that attempt failed, he continued a fight that involved several layers of government.
Full Article
Travis commissioners agree to buy land from Fred Purcell for conservation, let him develop other parts.
By Marty Toohey
After two decades, Fred Purcell and the government have finally reached a deal.
On Tuesday, the Travis County commissioners agreed to buy 22 acres in the Four Points neighborhood from Purcell, bringing a 20-year property fight to its denouement.
"We're really excited to get this done," Purcell said. "What they've offered is acceptable, and we've agreed to it."
Purcell has long said that the government illegally took his land in the name of protecting several rare species of cave bugs. The legal challenges he brought touched on fundamental disagreements over how much regulatory power government should wield. Along the way he delighted property-rights advocates — and alarmed environmental activists — by attempting to dismantle portions of the Endangered Species Act. Even when that attempt failed, he continued a fight that involved several layers of government.
Full Article