TDOT investigates property acquisition
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State Transportation Commissioner Jerry Nicely became concerned because some business owners complained to The Knoxville News Sentinel about the offers they received and the behavior of department negotiators, spokeswoman Kim Keelor said.
Mike Clinard, TDOT transportation manager from the right of way division, was scheduled to go to Knoxville Tuesday to gather information used to make offers to business and property owners and meet with those who are unhappy.
“We’re not coming in to negate offers already made,” Clinard said. “Our duty is to make sure the property owners are getting everything that is available to them under law.”
The state plans to widen 2 1/2 miles of Interstate 40 through downtown, which will take about four years and require the department to obtain property currently in the way. More than 30 businesses will be displaced by the construction.
TDOT has received only one letter of complaint.
Marvin Thomas, owner of The Lighting Gallery and Electric Supply Co. said a department negotiator offered him and his father about half of the value of their property and told him in a bullying way that the property would be condemned by the state.
Thomas said he received an apology from Fred Corum, director of TDOT Region 1 in East Tennessee last week, and a new appraisal was ordered for his businesses.