The eminent domain dispute involving 91-year-old homeowner Azalia King has drawn national attention to the legal and human impact of large-scale economic development projects. Newman & Lickstein represented Ms. King with all legal matters and issues involving the Onondaga County Industrial Development Agency (OCIDA) and property acquisitions connected to Micron’s proposed development in Onondaga County.
For months, Ms. King was the last remaining homeowner on a roughly 1,400-acre site identified for the Micron project. County officials indicated they were prepared to exercise eminent domain, a legal process that allows government entities to acquire private property for a public purpose in exchange for just compensation. While the Micron project has been described as a significant economic opportunity for the region, Ms. King’s situation highlighted the tension that can arise when development intersects with longstanding property rights and personal hardship.
Ms. King’s legal position was grounded in a lifetime residence agreement she entered into in 2005, which permitted her to remain in her home, tax-free, for the rest of her life. When the county moved toward eviction and eminent domain proceedings earlier this year, Ms. King, represented by Scott Lickstein, commenced litigation asserting that forcing her to leave would violate that agreement and cause irreparable harm.
Following negotiations, the parties reached a mutually agreeable resolution last week. Commenting on the resolution, Mr. Lickstein stated:
We can confirm that our client, Ms. King, has reached a mutually agreeable resolution with OCIDA. As this is a sad and difficult day for Ms. King, this resolution provides for just compensation to our client to address the damages and hardship she had to endure. Nevertheless, our client did not want to appear to be standing in the way of development for the residents of Onondaga County. Ms. King is thankful she will be able to stay in the community that gave her such a tremendous outpouring of support throughout this process. We are grateful for the legal process and Ms. King is now focused on moving forward with her life and enjoying time with her family. Newman & Lickstein is proud to have represented Ms. King in this matter.
This resolution brings closure to a difficult and highly publicized dispute while underscoring the importance of due process, fair compensation, and careful consideration of individual rights in eminent domain matters. Newman & Lickstein is proud to have advocated for Ms. King and remains committed to protecting property owners as development continues throughout Central New York.
