STOCKTON—
72 year old Ralph LeGrand says he's at wit's end dealing with the Caltrans eminent domain procedure that he sees as unfair. The east Stockton home he built 29 years ago is scheduled to make way for a highway on ramp on highway 99 near Farmington Road.It began with a Caltrans appraisal to his three bedroom one acre home for $210 thousand. An appraiser hired by LeGrand came in at $295 thousand. He lost an appeal. Caltrans tried to find him a similar home, but he said none were suitable as a replacement. "When they're talking comparables, they're not even getting close,"said LeGrande.
After a news story was broadcast about his plight, Caltrans said $149 thousand was available in a separate relocation fund. LeGrand found a newer foreclosed house on a smaller lot a few miles nearby. He placed a down payment and lined up contractors to repair the house which has been vandalized. LeGrand said he was counting on the extra money to make it work, but Caltrans officials would not guarantee the money. Banks and contractors would not accept a "conditional entitlement" letter given to him by Caltrans that stated he "may" be getting the money. The house will go back on the market unless Caltrans approves the relocation funds.
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Follow FOX40 on TwitterA Caltrans spokesperson said it needs homeowners to sign over their property before relocation funds are issued reasoning that it has to look out for taxpayer's money. But signing over the property means LeGrand gives up his rights to appeal and any future claims.
LeGrand says he doesn't want to go ahead with the purchase because he fears he'll be on the hook for any costs over the $210 thousand he will get for his home. He vows not give in without a fight. "They can take this house from me, because they can legally do it. But I won't give it to them," said LeGrand.
A Caltrans division chief says they will inspect LeGrand's replacement home to see if the relocation funds can be tapped. LeGrand says he's not getting too excited because he's been given the runaround so many times before.
