Sandersville Railroad president talks eminent domain dispute with Sparta residents
Ben Tarbutton, the president of Sandersville Railroad, says his company has held community meetings and sent out a series of letters to 18 Sparta property owners about a proposed project to build a 4.5-mile rail line in their neighborhood.
Residents complain the proposed development would also transform the rural and predominately Black neighborhood into a rock quarry and asphalt plant. A hearing was held last week to determine if Sandersville Railroad can legally condemn the land owners’ property and take it by eminent domain.
WABE’s “Closer Look” host Rose Scott recently interviewed property owners Janet and Mark Smith about the steps they are taking to protect their land.
On Monday’s edition of “Closer Look,” Tarbutton discussed how his company’s project would be good for the local economy and bring jobs. During the conversation, Tarbutton also expressed that he’s open to having further conversations with property owners.
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