Q. How will I know if I am affected by the eminent domain action?

A. You will receive notice from PennDot in the form of a “Notice of Intent to acquire” letter, an initial offer for the fair market value of the property or a letter providing you with a “Advanced notice of move date” at least 90 days prior to the deadline upon which you must vacate the property.

Q. How do I know what payments I am eligible for and whether or not the amount of those payments are fair to me?

A. For these reasons, we strongly advise you to contact us. The initial consultation is free.

Q. Are relocation payments taxable?

A. Generally, relocation payments are not considered as income for state, local, or federal tax purposes.

Q. What if I am not satisfied with the amounts offered to me for relocation benefits/payments?

A. There is an appeal process, which initially is through a hearing. Although the initial hearing is informal, it is strongly advised that you retain legal counsel to represent you. Additionally, petition to the Board of Viewers of Schuylkill County and/or additional appeals to the Schuylkill County Court of Common Pleas are also possible.

Q. What is “Deer Lake North”?

A. Penn Dot describes the “Deer Lake North” project as being “safety and capacity improvements on SR 61 from SR 895 to SR 2014 including roadway widening, reconstruction, median barrier, split pair bypass between SR 895 and Municipal Road, structures including replacing the bridge carrying SR 61 over Pine Creek, constructing a new bridge for the SR 2024 jug handle over Pine Creek, and replacing the existing local owned bridge carrying Municipal Road over Pine Creek, new traffic signals at SR 895, Municipal Road and SR 2014, drainage, guardrail and other miscellaneous construction in Deer Lake Borough and West Brunswick Township, Schuylkill County”

Q. How much money has Penn Dot budgeted for this project?

A. The estimated cost of engineering, land acquisition through the eminent domain proceedings and construction of the “Deer Lake North” project is estimated to be between $30,000,000 and $40,000,000.

Q. Why should I choose a local law firm to represent me in this matter?

A. Williamson, Friedberg & Jones, LLC is the largest and oldest law firm in Schuylkill County. The attorneys in the firm are not only experienced in litigation and real estate proceedings, but as local individuals, they have firsthand familiarity with the region, and the unique issues that local residents and businesses face. Additionally, we have many local contacts in both engineering and appraisal professions whom we can call upon to assist us to best represent your interests as a team.

Although the choice of representation is completely up to you, many individuals who are attempting to represent local businesses and residents are not from the area, and are not experienced with the local environment. Furthermore, many of these individuals are not authorized to practice law. Accordingly, if it becomes necessary to file appeals, or represent you before the board of viewers and/or take an appeal to the Schuylkill County Court of Common Pleas, or beyond, these individuals will no longer be able to help you. Despite this, they will still be owed fees.

Although litigation of your case may not be necessary, using a non-lawyer to represent you in this type of proceeding may restrict your options.

For these reasons, we strongly recommend that you contact us now.

Are there any other services which Williamson, Friedberg & Jones, LLC can provide?

In addition to our legal services, our title insurance agency, Penn National Abstract Services, Inc. can also provide you with title insurance and all related real estate closing services to make your relocation as easy as possible. Penn National Abstract Services, Inc. is the oldest law firm-owned title insurance agency in Schuylkill County.

For a free consultation regarding your rights in these eminent domain proceedings, we invite you to contact us.

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