Leader of 'No Railroad in Our Community Coalition' prepares for appeal against Sandersville Railroad Company

For more than two years, 18 property owners and fellow community members in Hancock County have been fighting to protect and keep their land from eminent domain. They formed the group “No Railroad in Our Community Coalition.”

The dispute centers around whether Sandersville Railroad Company has the authority to build a 4.5-mile spur on and adjacent to some of their properties. After an April victory for Sandersville Railroad Company, the attorneys representing the coalition filed an appeal. That appeal is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 6 and the Georgia Public Service Commissioners will hear it.

Janet Paige Smith, the coalition leader and a Hancock County property owner, returned to “Closer Look” on Friday to discuss the upcoming appeal. Closer Look received this statement from Sandersville Railroad Company.