A Stockbridge florist who has been fighting City Hall for his property has finally won in a case that has become the poster child for the eminent domain issue nationwide. An appeals court ruled in the business owner’s favor and city leaders say they are confident they will not appeal.

The Stockbridge City Hall is now being planned out in such a way that a florist next door will not be forced to move. While the arrangement has done well for the past 20 years, that all changed once the two sides started fighting with the city over the property.

The city of Stockbridge has been working on a new government, entertainment and retail project for six years. The city tried to get property owners to sell by condemning the land. The courts ruled it was not done properly and an appeals court has agreed.

City leaders said they are disappointed, but probably will not appeal further.

Stockbridge florist Mark Meeks said there is no upside to being better, and that in spite of the delays, they are confident the project can still go forward.

The city manager says the new city hall construction will begin this summer.

source : www.11alive.com