by Alan Jimz - Real Estate Broker 
So this really pisses me off… So Texas Department of Transportation is using what they call “Eminent Domain”. Eminent Domain is basically the government can take your land if it necessary. In this case, they are taking it for the Freeway Widening Construction Project.
Eminent domain refers to the power of the government to take private property and convert it into public use. The Fifth Amendment provides that the government may only exercise this power if they provide just compensation to the property owners.
But what the don’t realize or just don’t give a damn about is;
“Independence Heights is protected with Historical Protection Rights” – (some parts of it, not all)
Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, Independence Heights is a destination site on state historic heritage trails such as the Texas Independence Trail and holds the distinction as the first town incorporated by African Americans in the state of Texas.
But does the government give two s**ts? Nope !! Crush those historical homes, and by the way crush that CHURCH too! Yes you read that right… even a Historical Church is being leveled. But all this is being done silently….
Here goes the KICKER … Are you ready?
The Texas Government is not even paying the neighborhood for the effects that will happen down the line. Just here is your market value (defined by the govt) and pack your s**t you gotta go!
Independence Heights is predominant Black about 85%
The neighborhood is changing and we love that & understand change is inevitable. But forcing people to leave their property is just wrong, if you agree please share this as many times as possible. Get the word out and maybe, just maybe we can make a change. We can do what is right for once.
God Bless, and forgive my typos and grammar errors, i’m just upset … and venting.
Allen J. your neighborhood blogger and real estate broker — Take care folks & love one another.
