Proponents of the Community Connection Trail appear to be ready to proceed with construction of a safe trail to connect Cottonwood Falls and Strong City for pedestrians and bicyclists.
“As far as I know, there was no appeal filed, so I assume it’s a done deal,” said Mike Holder, who has been involved in negotiations for property for the trail.
The property, owned by Thomas Pinkston, had been the focus of an eminent domain action in Chase County District Court last month, after CCT members and Pinkston failed to come to an agreement on the sale.
The court had appointed three appraisers to value the land, a 30-foot strip that runs approximately one-half mile and translates to approximately 1.68 acres. The appraisers’ report was turned in on Sept. 20. District Court Judge John Sanderson then set the value of the land at slightly less than $11,000.
Pinkston had the right to appeal the decision within 30 days. A notice of intent to appeal had not been filed in Chase County District Court by late Monday morning.
Holder was involved in negotiations with Pinkston to set a price for the land to avoid an appeal by Pinkston.
Although the final price could not be revealed this week, Holder said it was “a little greater than what the appraisers had recommended to the court,” Holder said.