News

Attorneys offer to represent landowners along Ecusta Trail who may have claims

By Lightning Reports, Published: May 26, 2023

ETOWAH — Two attorneys with the Federal Takings & Rails to Trails practice of law firm Lewis Rice will host an informational meeting at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 31. at Chelsea’s Event Center at Etowah Valley Golf & Resort.

Lindsay S. Brinton and Meghan S. Largent will discuss the potential compensation claims of landowners who own property adjacent to the 20-mile Ecusta Trail between Hendersonville and Brevard that is being converted into a hiking and biking trail. There are more than 200 landowners who have not filed a claim for compensation but are eligible to do so, the attorneys said in a news release.
At the informational meeting, the attorneys will explain why and how a claim can be made against the federal government, timing, how landowners will be represented in pursuing their takings claims, and how compensation will be determined, as well as answer questions. The meeting below is free and open to the public.

The Lewis Rice firm has successfully represented more than 125 local landowners in the first and largest case regarding the Ecusta Trail rail-trail conversion: Austin v. United States. The federal government recently agreed to its liability and obligation to pay those landowners. The Lewis Rice attorneys are currently working with the landowners to determine the compensation they are owed.