The upcoming construction of the Sabal Trail Natural Gas Pipeline continues to cause concern. GTN’s Briana Harper sat down with one Suwannee County resident whose property is in the direct pathway of the gas pipeline.
Georgie Anderson takes a moment looking at old pictures of the place she calls home. Her property holds a lot of fond memories– but with a new gas pipeline coming her way the loss of these memories and property value is concerning. Ms.Anderson says, “I was really upset because I knew if a pipeline comes through here my place is going to depreciate and I’ve worked hard for it.”
She say surveyors have already come out to visit her land, putting stakes nearly 600 feet away from her home. An estimated path for where the pipeline will stand.
For forty four years Ms. Anderson has lived on this property and hopes to keep it as is– but the natural gas pipeline could change all of that.
“It upsets me to know that they could go come through and do as they please on my land.” And for property owners like Ms. Anderson it’s important that they are aware of all their rights.
Eminent Domain Attorney Brian Bolves says, “You’re living with a legal document that will create an easement across your property for generations to come. The money is important but also the terms of the easement– who can come on your property, what can they build on your property. There are a lot of things people need to be concerned about.”
As for now Ms. Anderson looks at her past while anticipating for the future.
The Sabal Trail will also impact people in Alachua, Levy, and Gilchrist.