Freestone County Residents Voice Their Stance on Eminent Domain

Freestone County landowner and Fairfield business owner Barry Capps addresses TPWD representatives in a packed courtroom as members of law enforcement consider his words, including (left-right): Deputy Rick Howerton, Sheriff Jeremy Shipley, Constable – Pct. 1 Buck Bonner, and Chief Deputy Devin Mowrey.

 

When citizens of Freestone County learned that individuals from Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) were going to be in attendance for the September 20, 2023, Freestone County Commissioners Court, they packed the County Courtroom, causing it to be moved to the third floor District Courtroom.

Forty-one (41) individuals signed in with whether they were for Eminent Domain or against it. It was a 40/60 split with the majority being against.

As with every meeting, the public is given an opportunity to speak for 3 minutes. At least 25 spoke. They had plenty to say. Some of these comments follow:

Chris Bristow indicated that TPWD passed on buying it, and they had no basis for condemning the property.

Susan Walsh believed that Chinese money was in play for the purchase. She also stated it had been a park for 50 years She felt there should be a plan for getting it back.

Sandy Emmons said the community was not aware of what is gong on. She urged everyone to do research and listen to both sides in the meeting.

Ed Smith presented an alternative. He suggested TPWD purchase a 6,000 acre ranch in West, Texas for $25 million. They could develop a park and sell off the rest of the land, saving Texas $100 million for such things as roads. He said it was good business sense.

Joshua Carlson felt the State was not given ample opportunity to buy the property. He also weighed in on the $20 million in tax revenue the County would get, stating it would take 15 months to build a single $400 million home. He also felt the water table was at risk for all of Freestone County.

Kimberly Long Pelton believes eminent domain is wrong, stating, ”What message are we sending for those now and those who come after us?”

Lance Inderman pointed out that there was a right way and a wrong way to do something. He suggested that taking something from someone after the fact is a dangerous precedence.

Dean Chap said he had talked to people about the Lord in the Park. His opinion was that he (Shawn Todd) took it away and divided the County. He wanted it back so 80,000 can enjoy it.

Marilyn Toomey pointed to the fact that the town was dying and needed the tax revenue. She had seen Todd Interests plans. She said Shawn Todd has thought out positive actions for the wildlife there. She challenged, “What is good for our community?”

Dennis Walsh, who had the Park Superintendent, spoke in favor of Eminent Domain and said the State had spent $72 million over the years on the Park. “Keep up the good work TPWD!” he said.

Andrew Hall, who lives in Houston, said he had worked for TPWD and now for Shawn Todd. He had observed that Todd was diligent in the protection of the water and wildlife.

Gary Bryant said if TPWD took over the Park, it would be a burden on the State in terms of upkeep.

Eddie Moore was vocal about how much time the State had to purchase the park, but didn’t, “Mr. Todd bought it. It was a fair business transaction.” He indicated the State had $32 billion and could pay Todd Interests fair market value.

Jerry Don Sanders reminded everyone that the decision was not up to anyone in attendance, and to not blame their neighbors. It would be decided in a court action.

Scott Holmes indicated he had been the victim of eminent domain three times and it was a very bad experience each time. With the loss of jobs from the power plant, he also felt that the County needed the development. “We need something besides a State Park,” he voiced.

Andy Emmons said that the “business owner” came down; changed the water system and now it is in need of repair. “Water is a big issue,” he stated.

After everyone who wished to do so had spoken, Judge Grant told the gathering they were going into their regular meeting, and they were welcome to stay.

Mary McDonald reporting.

(Photos by Natalia V. Marsters)